Over the last 10 plus years, BIM Technology has swept across the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry. Well that’s what we read and hear… in reality it is coming – but slowly.

Like any new digital enhancement or change in technology, sometimes it’s a struggle to adjust, both at an individual and company level. We’ve experienced an increase in the demand for BIM Managers because of this evolution, but we’ve also seen a real mixed bag in the type of BIM Manager our clients require. Everybody seems aware that it’s a damn good idea to have one in some capacity, but the role itself is evolving.

Types of BIM Manager

The first type of BIM Manager aligns to the responsibilities of a CAD Manager: there to ensure accuracy and follow the standards laid out by the government and company. Generally, the salary for this type of talent is around £50,000.

Then there is a BIM Co-ordinator, who runs day to day processes. Sometimes these are paired with a BIM Manager or in some smaller organisations this person would be responsible for the whole thing. Average salaries tend to be around £30,000.

However, some are choosing to have BIM Managers at a more strategic and director level position, in charge and making sure that the best processes and workflows are being implemented, leading the change to BIM and making sure that they are getting a ROI. The salary for this type of talent tends to be upwards of £70,000.

We also must understand the difference between a BIM Manager that is required for a certain project, compared to a BIM Manager that works centrally for the whole organisation.

What does it take?

People may take their own view on what one should be, but what we do know is that a BIM Manager (in the general sense) needs to be:

• Technically knowledgeable of construction
• An excellent communicator and able to manage stakeholders
• Strategic
• Innovative
• Quality-driven
• Confident and well-organised
• Passionate
• Commercial
• Analytical
• Captivated and immersed in BIM

What next?

We believe the need for specialised BIM Managers, both on and off-site, will increase over the next few years, as well as representation on the board of directors. It will become increasingly important for them to evolve with the digital age and be able to teach and train others. You need to understand what type of BIM Manager you require and then what skills are necessary. Do you need a leader? Do you need someone with just the technical knowledge? A mixture of the two? Do you need more than one?

To find out more about our approach give us a call, or contact us online.