When most people think of construction, they picture high-vis jackets, steel-toe boots, and towering cranes but behind every building site is a network of professionals whose work rarely involves a hard hat - yet is just as critical to the success of a project.
From pre-construction, such as business development and marketing, to social value and supply chain management, the construction industry offers a wide range of career paths that go far beyond bricks and mortar.
In this blog, we shine a light on the lesser-known roles within the construction industry - those that often fly under the radar but play a vital part in shaping the sector - with the aim to spark curiosity among the next generation of talent who might not have considered construction as a career path.
Pre-construction: building relationships before buildings
Pre-construction or ‘work-winning’ is where the groundwork for successful projects truly begins. Those working in pre-construction roles are the relationship-builders of the industry. They identify opportunities, create client connections, and drive growth through strategic partnerships, bids, and proposals. Their work ensures that projects have the momentum and support to move from concept to construction.
Some of the roles within pre-construction include bid managers/writers, business development managers, proposal coordinators, and marketing - each playing a vital part in shaping how a company is perceived and positioned before a single brick is laid. These roles demand strong communication skills, strategic thinking and creativity, helping to set us apart from competitors.
In the past, we’ve seen many people in these roles transition from careers in sales and recruitment or have qualifications in areas such as English, Communications and Business. These interdisciplinary skills have provided them with a strong foundation for successful careers.
What’s important to remember is that you don’t need to be an expert in construction to get started - industry knowledge often develops naturally through the work itself and the environment you’re in. So, if you have these skills or backgrounds, don’t let a lack of technical experience hold you back.
Social Value & Sustainability: building more than just buildings
Construction today is about more than just physical infrastructure - it’s about creating lasting social and environmental impact. We have dedicated teams across the business who are working to ensure that our projects benefit local communities and support our own sustainability goals, as well as our clients’.
You might have heard of roles such as Social Value Coordinator, Community Engagement Officer, Sustainability Advisor and Carbon Analyst in other industries, but that also applies to construction.
These roles are vital in helping the industry meet its net-zero targets, reduce environmental impact, and deliver meaningful change beyond the build. Whether it’s designing greener supply chains, engaging with local schools, or measuring carbon footprints, these careers are shaping the future of construction, and they’re ideal for those passionate about people and the planet.
Supply Chain and Digital Construction: the backbone of the build
Behind every successful construction project is a network of professionals working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. From managing materials and logistics to designing digital workflows, these roles are often office-based but deeply embedded in project delivery.
Supply chain roles like Procurement Manager, Buyer and Supply Chain Administrator are essential to keeping projects on track and within budget. These roles ensure that the right resources arrive at the right time, but their impact goes far beyond logistics. As a Tier 1 contractor, we rely on people working within our supply chain teams to carefully assess and select the right subcontractors for each job - those who not only meet technical requirements but also align with our values, quality standards, and delivery expectations.
These roles require strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and a knack for problem-solving. They’re central to maintaining efficiency, managing risk, and building trusted partnerships that help us deliver successful projects from the ground up.
Meanwhile, digital roles are rapidly emerging as the industry embraces innovation. Digital Designers, BIM Managers, and Data Analysts are helping transform how buildings are planned, visualised, and delivered. These roles blend creativity with technology and are ideal for those interested in design or digital innovation.
Why these roles matter
Construction is ever evolving. It’s no longer just about physical labour - it’s about innovation, sustainability, and community. Non-site roles are essential to this transformation, offering exciting career paths for people with diverse skills and interests.
Whilst we will continue to persist with addressing the skills gap for labour operatives, shining a light on non-traditional roles is equally important. These roles are not only helping to modernise the industry but also making it more inclusive, innovative, and resilient. By highlighting the breadth and depth of opportunities, we can attract talent from a broader range of backgrounds and skill sets - bringing in fresh perspectives that help us challenge the status quo.
This shift is vital to closing the wider skills gap and ensuring the industry has the capabilities it needs to thrive in a changing world - showing that it can be as much about strategy, creativity, and collaboration as it is about hard hats and hammers.
If any of these roles interest you, take a look at our careers page to see what's currently available near you.