As a company who offer outsourced CAD and BIM services, we have noticed an increase in the number of BIM manager jobs being advertised recently, and we realise that many people are not clear as to what this role entails. Therefore, in this article, we are going to give you a brief overview of what the BIM manager role entails and how important it is in the construction industry today.

What is a BIM Manager?

A BIM Manager is the person who is responsible for the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital construction procedures throughout the whole design, construction and handover stages of a building project. BIM is the generation and management of digital representations of both the physical and functional characteristics of a building.  Of course, the actual role and responsibilities of a BIM Manager will vary depending on what project they are working on, and whether they are working for a designer, a contractor or the client themselves.

Two Separate Workflows

From the job description above you can see that they BIM Manager role tends to cover two separate workflows: Information Management and Digital Construction. The Information Management side of BIM management is focused on the administrative side of things including ensuring everyone involved in a project is clear as to how BIM will be used on the project. Typical tasks relating to information management include

  • The capture and integration of asset data within the Building Information Modelling environment
  • The creation of BEPs (BIM Execution Plans) – which are plans created to explain how suppliers intend to meet the client’s information requirement
  • The creation of Employers Information Requirements (EIRs) to outline the preferred processes, systems and outputs that are required from the supply chain.
  • The monitoring of the performance of the supply chain and putting in place any training and upskilling necessary to ensure the information is delivered in the most efficient way
  • The setup and maintenance of the common data environment

The other side of the BIM Managers job is concerned with digital construction and is often seen as the more exciting side of the role as it covers simulations and analysis. Typical tasks relating to this area may include:

  • 3D logistic plans for access routes to site
  • 3D concept imagery of temporary works in order to help engineers to progress their plans
  • 4D simulations for live projects and tenders in order to assist project planners
  • Model quantity take-offs to assist estimators, planners and quantity surveyors
  • Visual Method Statements to highlight any potential risks and prove the construction sequences and then brief the site operatives

As you can see, the role of BIM management enables the job holder the chance to combine innovative technology, collaborative processes and evolving construction practice in one position.

Qualifications and Competencies Needed

Although there is not currently a recognised direct route to the BIM Manager Jobs role, a BIM manager is usually expected to have an HNC/HND (or higher degree) in a construction based subject, as well as at least five year’s experience in an architectural, construction or engineering role. We have also seen many individuals with CAD and Document Control backgrounds make the transition into a BIM role as well.

BIM Managers need to have a basic understanding of the modelling process, have above average IT skills and be able to use many different types of software disciplines. They should also have great verbal and written skills as they will need to work collaboratively with every single member of the supply team.

We don’t have any BIM manager jobs at the moment, but if you are interested in BIM management, then please keep an eye on our jobs page. For any other questions to do with CAD or BIM, then please give us a call 0161 427 0348 or send us an email to office@thecadroom.com