Engineer – Wood construction site manager

What does a engineer construction site manager do?

The Engineer – Wood Construction Site Manager is a key professional in the management of construction and development projects involving wood as the main material. They play a crucial role at every stage of the project, ensuring the smooth progress of the work from the design phase to the final delivery. This job combines technical, managerial, and environmental skills, making the Wood Construction Site Manager a versatile and indispensable expert on wood construction sites.

They are responsible for project management and the coordination of the work. Their main task as a Wood Construction Site Manager is to coordinate all operations on one or more sites. They are accountable for meeting deadlines, controlling costs, and guaranteeing the quality of the work. They get involved from the early stages of a project, especially during the response to calls for tenders, where they analyse the client’s needs, technical and financial constraints, proposing suitable solutions in collaboration with architects, engineering firms, and other technical partners.

On site, they supervise the teams and ensure the proper execution of the work. They work in direct contact with various trades involved in the construction, such as carpenters, joiners, and installation technicians. They must ensure that each stage of the project is completed in compliance with technical standards and requirements while adhering to safety regulations and environmental guidelines.

Wood, as a sustainable and renewable material, requires specific technical expertise. The Wood Construction Site Manager must master the mechanical and physical properties of wood, as well as modern construction techniques that use it. Whether for building construction, urban structures, or landscaping, they must be able to propose innovative solutions that leverage the qualities of wood while addressing contemporary challenges of sustainability and energy efficiency. This expertise also extends to new design and modelling technologies, such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), which help optimise construction processes and improve project management.

The use of wood in construction responds to growing ecological and sustainable development challenges. The wood construction site manager, aware of the environmental impacts of his projects, integrates solutions to minimise the carbon footprint of construction sites and maximise the energy efficiency of buildings. They are also responsible for ensuring the supply of certified wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Finally, beyond the technical skills, the Wood Construction Site Manager possesses strong managerial abilities. They oversee the administrative and financial monitoring of the projects, negotiates with suppliers and subcontractors, and ensures the profitability of the projects. They are also the client’s main point of contact, with whom they must maintain clear and effective communication throughout the project. The Wood Construction Site Manager is thus a multitasking professional, combining technical expertise and management skills to successfully lead a variety of projects in the wood construction sector.

WhICH COURSEs?

Profile of an Engineer and Wood Construction Site Manager

Lisa works for France Lanord & Bichaton in Lorraine. She is a Site Manager.

The ABC Master’s programme was a very enriching experience in terms of project work. I learned to work in a team with architects, and also, during the Wood Challenges, with skilled craftsmen. Collaborating with people from different educational backgrounds brought me a lot. I participated in the design of stations for URBANLOOP, and our team’s project was chosen by the jury. It’s very interesting to work with the vision of architects, who know how to meet a client’s requirements, especially through aesthetics. This programme proved to me that I am capable of overseeing a project both over time and while respecting technical constraints, organisation, and aesthetic choices. Today, I am a site manager, but thanks to the ABC Master’s programme, I know that I can adapt and have a different perspective on a project. At ENSTIB, I received training aligned with my professional projects, but more importantly, I was able to learn in very good conditions, in a family-like atmosphere, with competent and caring professors. I had the chance to do several internships at the company where I currently work, and although I am from the South of France, I have chosen to stay in the Grand Est for now, and I feel good here.

Lisa Gabriel
Engineer ENSTIB class of 2023, graduate of the ABC master's programme