The site supervisor plays an important role in all types of construction projects, whether public or private. He or she must organize and coordinate both the teams and the execution of the work, and thus represents a key position of great responsibility in the building sector.
A true conductor of an orchestra, the site supervisor must ensure that delivery deadlines and safety regulations are met, while controlling the various stages of the worksite.
For rapid advancement in the construction industry, it's best to acquire a 2-year higher education qualification, i.e. BTS or DUT. There are a number of specializations, including the BTS Etudes et Ă©conomie de la construction et des travaux publics (BTS in construction and public works studies and economics) or the DUT GĂ©nie civil (DUT in civil engineering with options in public works, planning or building). If you'd like to continue your studies or specialize further, you can study for a professional license at bac+3 level in building, civil engineering or construction.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of training courses that will enable you to become a site supervisor.
Bac + 2 courses :
Bac + 3 courses:
Bac + 5 courses:
The monthly salary of an experienced site supervisor can range from €3,000 to €4,500 gross.
As a recent graduate, it's unlikely that you'll have direct access to a site supervisor position for your first job. You'll need to gain a few years' experience in the field before you're eligible for this position.
On completion of your studies, you'll be able to work as a site foreman or assistant site manager.Â
If you've graduated from an engineering school, however, you'll have quicker access to positions of responsibility or more complex projects. A beginner with a baccalaureate (bac+2) will find it easier to work on sites where the plans and diagnostics have already been carried out.
In all cases, you'll need a good knowledge of the industry, as well as a strong ability to manage teams, if you're going to work as a site supervisor.
If you've been working as a construction technician or site foreman for the same company for several years, it's quite possible that you could move up internally to become a site supervisor. Accessible with executive status or as a supervisor, it is above all experience in the field and knowledge of the sector that will be an asset in this profession.
The duties of a site supervisor can vary from one company to another, depending on their specialty. They can range from building single-family homes to managing large-scale road construction projects. For example, companies with design offices involved in complex projects are more likely to call on the services of engineers than those with few studies or diagnoses to carry out.
Career development opportunities will therefore be greater depending on the type of company you choose. Years of experience will also be a determining factor.
Jobs similar to that of site foreman can also be mentioned, such as branch manager or works director. However, these positions are mainly open to engineers.
As overall coordinator, the role of the site supervisor is similar to that of a company manager, since he or she must manage the technical, financial and human aspects of the project.Â
The job of site manager, on the other hand, is designed to supervise several site supervisors. His or her activity is mainly focused on strategic management.
You'll need at least ten years' experience to qualify for these positions.
The role of the site supervisor is multifaceted. He or she is responsible for the successful completion of a project, both from a technical and logistical point of view, and in terms of meeting deadlines and budgets.
It's the job of the site supervisor to take all the necessary steps to get a project off the ground, including studying the plans and estimating the overall budget for materials and human resources. He is also responsible for contacting any subcontractors and suppliers.
He will study the specifications sent by the design offices to plan the duration of the work, draw up estimates and forecast the materials and number of workers required.
In terms of human resources, the site supervisor recruits the technicians and craftsmen needed to complete the project. He designs their day-to-day schedules for the various stages of construction, and must ensure that they are properly supplied with materials. For the duration of the project, he or she is also the point of reference in terms of safety, and must ensure compliance with labor legislation and environmental standards.
On site, the site supervisor's mission is to coordinate the various tasks and participants, manage unforeseen events and control quality. They are also responsible for organizing site visits and preparing site reports.
The site supervisor may also be required to negotiate the terms of contracts with future customers, respond to invitations to tender or take part in quality audits.
Construction supervisors need to be highly organized. The progress and smooth running of the site depend on him/her, particularly in terms of meeting deadlines and budget forecasts. He must therefore be able to manage the various teams, partners and suppliers, coordinate them and plan their work. To achieve this, the ability to withstand stress and pressure is a real asset.
The site supervisor must be able to communicate effectively with the various trades involved on the site. They can be extremely varied, from suppliers to engineers, architects and technicians. Interpersonal and managerial skills are therefore essential for this position.
Site supervisors need to be technically up to date in the building and civil engineering sector, and constantly on the lookout for new developments, particularly in terms of prices, innovation and materials. He or she must be able to make proposals, manage technical problems and keep budgets under control. He or she is a true building technician, who must have in-depth technical knowledge.
Site supervisors need to be technically up to date in the building and civil engineering sector, and constantly on the lookout for new developments, particularly in terms of prices, innovation and materials. He or she must be able to make proposals, manage technical problems and keep budgets under control. He or she is a true building technician, who must have in-depth technical knowledge.
