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Construction Jobs in Manchester | Build Your Career Today

Construction Jobs in Manchester: Build Your Career in One of the UK’s Fastest-Growing Cities

Manchester has transformed into one of the UK’s most dynamic construction hubs. From iconic skyscrapers reshaping the skyline to major infrastructure and housing developments, the demand for skilled professionals continues to soar. Whether you’re an experienced site manager or just starting as a trainee, there are thousands of Construction Jobs in Manchester waiting for talented professionals like you.

This guide will help you explore the opportunities, salary expectations, top employers, and key trends shaping Manchester’s booming construction industry.

Why Manchester is an Ideal Location for Construction Careers

The past decade has seen Manchester as the forefront of UK construction growth. Manchester is now home to world-class developments, including Deansgate Square, the new Co-op Live Arena, and the Northern Gateway, which will be one of Europe's biggest urban regeneration projects.

Public funds, private capital, and major plans for urban development have made Manchester the hub for northern construction activity. It is projected that Manchester will see billions of pounds worth of construction in the coming five years, through which there will be new job opportunities across all disciplines, including design, project management, civil engineering, and green construction.

With a booming economy, excellent transport links, as well as a focus on sustainable city center growth, Manchester is potentially one of the best cities in the UK for long-term careers in construction.

Categories of Construction Jobs Accessible in Manchester

Construction jobs in Manchester encompass all stages of a project’s lifecycle: from the initial design phase to handing over the finished project. Below are the categories of the in-demand jobs you can explore: 

  1. Site Management and Supervision
  • Site Manager
  • Assistant Site Manager
  • Health and Safety Manager
  • Construction Supervisor

These roles lead what is happening on site, making sure standards are followed, and work is completed on time.

  1. Project Management and Planning
  • Construction Project Manager 
  • Contracts Manager 
  • Planner or Scheduler

Project Managers oversee the team being work together and look after budget and delivery. 

  1. Skilled Trades and Labour 
  • Bricklayer, Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Painter 
  • A General Labourer, Groundworker 

Trade remain the bedrock  of Manchester’s construction industry and there continues to be a high demand for skilled trades in the commercial and residential sector. 

  1. Civil Engineering and Infrastructure 
  • Structural Engineer 
  • Civil Engineer 
  • Quantity Surveyor 
  • Design Technician 

With significant transport and infrastructure work continuing in the area, with HS2 and Manchester Airport expansion, there remains a significant demand for engineering professionals. 

  1. Architectural and Design Roles 
  • Architectural Assistant 
  • CAD Technician 
  • Urban Designer 
  • BIM Specialist

With digital and sustainable design becoming critical there continues to be an increasing demand for people who can integrate creativity with technology in the construction industry.

Major Construction Projects Driving Development in Manchester

Manchester's construction industry is rapidly expanding, with numerous flagship projects throughout the city and elsewhere.

Notable construction projects currently in progress or planned include the following.

Victoria North (Northern Gateway) – A £4 billion regeneration scheme providing 15,000 new homes and commercial development.

Deansgate Square and Great Jackson Street Developments – New, luxury high-rise towers adding to the popularity of living in the city centre.

Manchester Airport Transformation Programme – Multi-phased infrastructure development supporting growth in the region.

Mayfield Regeneration Project – The development of a new city district with homes, offices, and green space.

HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail – Long-term transport investments creating thousands of jobs in construction and engineering.

Each of these major construction projects helps generate on-going project manager, engineer, tradesperson and design specialist jobs in Greater Manchester.

Construction Salaries in Manchester

Salaries in Manchester’s construction industry are competitive and often above the national average due to strong project demand.

Here’s an approximate breakdown:

  • Labourers and Skilled Trades: £28,000 – £40,000 per year

  • Site Managers: £45,000 – £60,000 per year

  • Project Managers: £55,000 – £75,000 per year

  • Quantity Surveyors: £50,000 – £70,000 per year

  • Engineers: £40,000 – £65,000 per year

Senior management professionals and consultants working on large-scale projects can command salaries exceeding £90,000 annually.

Skills and Qualifications Required for Construction Jobs in Manchester

In Manchester, employers favour candidates who possess practical experience, alongside relevant formal qualifications. The types of skills needed for construction careers include:

  • Project planning and risk management
  • Team leadership and coordination
  • Budgeting and cost management
  • Health and safety compliance (should be CSCS or SMSTS qualified)
  • Communication and problem solving
  • Knowledge of sustainable construction and green building
  • Examples of qualifications that employers value include:
  • NVQ or HND in Construction or Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related subject
  • Working towards chartered status with the CIOB or ICE for more senior roles

For tradespeople, completing apprenticeships and receiving certification from trade bodies, e.g. the National Inspectors of Construction, can help to improve job opportunities.

Reasons Why Construction Positions In Manchester Are Great for Professional Advancement

When you choose a job in Manchester, you are getting more than just a good salary; you're starting a long-term career with the opportunity to advance. Here are several reasons:

  • Ongoing Pipeline of Projects - Housing developments, high-rise apartments, and all types of construction continues year round in Manchester. 
  • Opportunities for Various Work - Residential, commercial and infrastructure construction opportunities.
  • Training & Development – World-class educational opportunities through colleges and construction academies.
  • Strong Pool of Professional Peers (networking opportunities) – Manchester has a multitude of construction associations and professional networking events.
  • Sustainability is a Priority - Opportunities to be a part of a green or innovative building process 

Whether you are new to the field or starting as an apprentice or looking for a management role, Manchester can provide an environment and people who will support you with steady career development.

How the Construction Job Board can Help You source Construction Jobs in Manchester

It takes a trusted job site to help you find your perfect opportunity in such a competitive market like Manchester. The Construction Job Board can help simplify, fast track and provide better assurance that you will find your right role.

Search hundreds of advertised and verified Construction Jobs in Manchester filtered by job type, salary or experience level. There are plenty of opportunities at every stage of your career, whether it is as an apprentice or a project manager, an engineer or a labourer.

The Construction Job Board provides:

  • Real-time job alerts from leading employers
  • Search filters tailored for jobs in Manchester
  • Insights into the construction sector and career advice
  • Access to tools to contact recruiters direct

The Construction Job Board puts professionals in the driving seat of the job search process, so they can find the roles that match their experience and career aspirations. Whether you are at the start of your career or managing multimillion pound construction projects, The Construction Job Board is the best place to kickstart the next step in your career in the Manchester construction industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of construction jobs are available in Manchester?

There are opportunities in site management, project coordination, engineering, trades, design, and quantity surveying across commercial and residential projects.

Are construction jobs in Manchester well-paid?

Yes, the average salary ranges from £30,000 for trades to over £75,000 for management and engineering roles, depending on experience.

Do I need qualifications to work in construction in Manchester?

Most roles require a CSCS card, trade certification, or a degree in construction, engineering, or project management.

How can I find the latest construction jobs in Manchester?

You can find current listings and verified openings on Construction Job Board, which specialises in UK-based construction roles.

Is Manchester a good city for career growth in construction?

Absolutely. Manchester’s continuous regeneration and large-scale infrastructure projects make it one of the UK’s best cities for construction professionals.