Woman working on a construction site

Job profile

Site manager (m/f/d)

From laying the foundation stone to acceptance: site managers literally wear the hat when it comes to coordinating construction projects. To ensure that buildings are erected quickly and correctly, they make sure that teams are coordinated and employees are instructed correctly. They also check whether external partner companies and suppliers are fulfilling their tasks. 

Site managers keep a close eye on the economic, structural and time schedule. They are responsible for ensuring that everything runs as planned on construction sites and that customer requests are implemented correctly. The site manager also carries out the final quality control. This is where they determine whether the construction work meets the necessary quality standards and whether all tasks have been carried out correctly. 

Are you looking for a job as a site manager (m/f/d)? 

Do you always keep a clear head during construction? Do you know what is important when constructing new buildings or building roads, railways, tunnels or sewers? Then we have the right jobs for you. 

Are you looking for a qualified site manager (m/f/d)? 

Are you planning a complex construction project and looking for a site manager who is responsible for the complete implementation of a construction project? Our specialists will implement your project quickly and on schedule.  

Are you looking for an exciting project as a site manager (m/f/d)? 

Have you already successfully managed a number of construction projects and are an absolute professional in building construction or civil engineering as a freelancer? How about a new, exciting construction project that you can take the lead on? 

What is a site manager?  

A site manager keeps an eye on all activities on the construction site and takes care of both the client's requirements and the proper execution of all work. 

The site manager therefore spends a lot of time on the construction site coordinating suppliers, external companies and employees. They also work in the office, where they carry out preparatory and follow-up work as well as project management. They conduct negotiations with all stakeholders and suppliers, obtain quotations and carry out calculations. Construction managers are often compared to project managers, as the tasks of these two management functions are very similar.
 
Sometimes the job as a site manager can be very stressful and lead to an unbalanced work-life balance. This is because project plans are sometimes not adhered to, which requires a quick response and often a plan B. This calls for routine and expertise from the site manager, but also a cool head in order to complete the construction on time.

As a site manager, you will come into contact with various contact persons on the construction site and when working with your sponsor and external companies. That's why this job requires communication skills and a good knowledge of human nature. It is extremely important that you always involve the right people in the individual phases of the construction plan and that you constantly have all the information on the construction site. 

Site manager salary in Switzerland: A comprehensive overview

The average salary for site managers in Switzerland is CHF 89,477 gross per year. 
However, the construction manager's salary depends on various factors, such as location, professional experience and the size of the company.  

Swiss construction managers earn the most in Ticino, while salaries are lowest in Glarus. 

The main construction industry in Switzerland is characterized by comparatively high wages: The highest minimum wages and the highest wages for craftsmen are paid in the Swiss construction industry. 

Starting salary as a site manager: Junior site manager salary in Switzerland 

In the first two years, the starting salary as a site manager is around CHF 80,000 per year. The salary rises with increasing professional experience.  

Senior site manager salary in Switzerland: your earnings after many years 

Site managers with over 12 years of experience can expect a gross salary of around CHF 100,000 per year. 
However, the salary also depends on the employer or client and the complexity of the construction project. Additional training can also have a positive effect on the salary of senior site managers, for example in the field of electrical engineering.

Site manager tasks and activities: What do site managers do? 

The tasks of site managers are very diverse and often complex. A site manager forms the interface between theory and practice: what was first planned in the office is now to be implemented on the construction site. Since not everything always runs as planned on paper, the site manager must constantly find new solutions.  

The most important tasks of site managers include 
  • Monitor and control the construction site
  • Observe the specifications in the building permit, plans and other regulations
  • Check proper implementation of the construction work
  • Complete construction site tours
  • Develop workflows and improve processes
  • Obtain cost estimates and offers from service providers
  • Conducting negotiations and agreements with clients
  • Planning staff deployment
  • Acceptance of services and deliveries
  • Take over cost control and invoice verification
  • Participation in official inspections
  • Comply with health and safety guidelines

Junior site manager tasks

As a junior site manager, you are at the beginning of your career in site management. You therefore serve as support for the more experienced people in construction management.  

The tasks of junior site managers include 

  • Quality control of the work carried out
  • Administrative tasks, such as checking invoices
  • Documentation of the construction
  • Contact person for clients and service providers
  • Assistance function of the senior site manager

Senior site manager tasks

With their expertise, long-serving senior site managers often venture into the role of a manager - often called a senior site manager.  

In addition to their management role, their tasks are similar to those of site managers: 

  • Planning of construction projects
  • Organization and coordination of the parties involved
  • Consultation with clients
  • Cost calculations
  • Monitoring compliance with site-specific regulations
  • Documentation of the construction progress
  • Checking the quality

What is a specialist site manager?

In addition to site managers, there are often specialist site managers on construction sites. A specialist site manager is deployed when the site manager's own specialist knowledge reaches its limits. A specialist site manager is therefore an expert in a specific specialist area that becomes important at a certain point during construction. This could be, for example, timber construction, fire protection or electrical engineering. 

The specialist site manager takes care of the organization and compliance with regulations in their area of responsibility. They therefore support the site manager in a certain area, while the site manager remains the main contact person for the construction. As soon as this specialist area is properly completed, the assignment of the specialist site manager is finished. 

Site manager training, studies & further education: How do you become a site manager?  

There are various ways to become a site manager in Switzerland: For many, becoming a site manager was a logical career move after many years in the construction industry.  
Most representatives in Switzerland take the higher professional examination (HFP) to become a construction manager specializing in building construction or civil engineering. There are courses or preparatory courses that are recommended in order to pass the exam. 

A degree course usually enables direct entry as a construction manager. This is possible, for example, via a Bachelor's or Master's degree in fields such as civil engineering or architecture in combination with practical experience through various internships.  

Site manager training for passing a higher professional examination

In order to hold the protected title of "Certified Construction Manager in Civil Engineering" in Switzerland, a successfully completed Higher Professional Examination in Engineering and Architecture (HFP) is required. Around 2,300 construction managers in Switzerland currently hold this title. 

Although there is no classic training to become a site manager, the path to passing the exam usually involves a preparatory course or a dedicated course at a vocational college. Such a course usually lasts between four and six semesters. 
The HFP is supervised by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). 

To be allowed to take the exam, people need a federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ) in architecture, civil engineering or as a technical draughtsman and at least five years of professional experience as a site manager. Alternatively, a degree from a university of applied sciences or university and an additional six years of professional experience as a site manager are also possible. 

Interested parties can complete special training in preparation for the HFP, e.g. at the Sursee campus. 

Construction manager studies: The academic path towards construction

The academic route is also possible for direct entry into construction management.

Study programs that are suitable for this and provide a good basis for the HFP:
  • Civil engineering
  • Architecture
  • Water and soil management
  • Building technology

For experienced female architects with a Bachelor's or Master's degree, a supplementary Master's course in "Construction Management" is also suitable, which is offered, for example, at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland. 

Many students complete suitable internships on construction sites during their studies in order to gain the necessary experience. After all, if you want to become a construction manager, it is essential to have practical experience. 

Further training as a site manager 

Further training courses to become a construction manager are offered by various institutes in Switzerland. As a rule, they also conclude with a higher professional examination and award graduates the officially protected title of "construction manager in building construction and civil engineering". Such further training courses are available, for example, at the Buchs Sargans Vocational and Further Education Center or the St. Gallen School of Construction Management. 
There are also many further training courses for site managers who want to specialize further or refresh their knowledge. Exciting training topics are included:

  • (Construction) project management
  • Seminars on specific materials
  • Acting with legal certainty in construction management
  • Specialist engineer modules
  • Construction logistics planning
You can find such further training courses, for example, at sanu - Bildungszentrum Baubiologie or at Campus Sursee.

Construction managers as lateral entrants: Is there a lateral entry into construction management? 

It is not possible to make a lateral entry as a site manager without relevant previous experience. In order to work in construction management, a degree or higher professional examination is recommended, as a great deal of theoretical knowledge and practical experience are required for this job. After all, the site manager is responsible for the entire construction process and all employees working in it.  

Construction manager skills: Construction managers must have these requirements 

It is not without reason that many employers who are looking for a qualified person require a higher specialist examination to become a site manager. After all, sound specialist knowledge is absolutely essential for working on a construction site. 
The most important skills of site managers include

  • Sound knowledge of mathematics and statistics
  • Knowledge of statics, timber construction, CAD planning and construction IT
  • Advanced know-how in relevant technologies
  • Building informatics
In addition, the site manager should also have a number of soft skills that are important in the day-to-day work of site management:

  • Analytical thinking
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Assertiveness
  • Strong negotiating and communication skills
  • Sense of responsibility

Construction manager careers: opportunities on the job market in Switzerland

The construction industry in Switzerland accounts for 5% of GDP and population growth means that more and more living space needs to be created. Despite a slight decline in orders, the industry remains stable and strong.  Switzerland was also able to quickly compensate for the pandemic and its less drastic consequences for the construction industry.  

Nevertheless, the industry is also facing exciting challenges in Switzerland due to the shortage of skilled workers and materials.  

The prospects are good for construction managers: qualified staff are in demand. To stand out, further training in the digital sector or in sustainable construction is an option. Because innovation is encouraged - in construction too. 

Despite a slight decline in orders, the unemployment rate in the construction industry is low at 3.4%. The employment situation is therefore quite positive. 

Top Vacancies for site managers (m/f/d)

FAQ

What do you do as a site manager?

As a site manager, you are responsible for the entire organization and coordination on the construction site. You take care of the deployment of personnel and the schedule for the construction project and check whether everyone involved in the construction is carrying out their work properly.

As a site manager, you are responsible for the entire organization and coordination on the construction site. You take care of the deployment of personnel and the schedule for the construction project and check whether everyone involved in the construction is carrying out their work properly.


What kind of qualification do you need as a site manager in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, in order to officially work as a "construction manager in structural and civil engineering", you must pass the Higher Professional Examination in Engineering and Architecture (HFP), which takes place once a year.

In Switzerland, in order to officially work as a "construction manager in structural and civil engineering", you must pass the Higher Professional Examination in Engineering and Architecture (HFP), which takes place once a year.


How much does a site manager earn in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, construction managers earn an average annual gross salary of just under CHF 90,000. As an entry-level salary, you can expect to earn around CHF 80,000 per year, while long-serving senior site managers earn around CHF 100,000.
In Switzerland, construction managers earn an average annual gross salary of just under CHF 90,000. As an entry-level salary, you can expect to earn around CHF 80,000 per year, while long-serving senior site managers earn around CHF 100,000.

Who is qualified as a site manager?

In order to officially call yourself a "construction manager in building construction and civil engineering" in Switzerland, you must pass the higher professional examination (HFP). As a rule, 5 years of professional experience in construction management are required for admission. 

In order to officially call yourself a "construction manager in building construction and civil engineering" in Switzerland, you must pass the higher professional examination (HFP). As a rule, 5 years of professional experience in construction management are required for admission.