At The CAD Room, we occasionally post BIM Manager Jobs, along with other jobs in the BIM sector – but what is a BIM Manager and what competencies and skills will you need to succeed in this role?

What is a BIM Manager?

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the process that generates and manages the digital representation of the functional and physical characteristics of a building.

The BIM Manager, therefore, is tasked with implementing BIM and overseeing the digital construction procedures that are involved with this, throughout the project lifecycle.  However, a BIM Manager’s responsibilities will vary depending on whether they are working for the architect, the contractor or the end client.

What does a BIM Manager do day to day?

Being a BIM Manager is quite a unique position to be in as you will have access to all the varied aspects of the construction process. You will work with a wide variety of contractors, such as Designers, Engineers, Planners and Quantity Surveyors in order to ensure you have the most relevant and up-to-date data entered into the BIM model. You will also be responsible for helping construction companies to achieve a more collaborative, and therefore more effective, workplace.

Digital Construction Vs Information Management

Within BIM there are two separate workflows that can be identified: Digital Construction and Information Management.

Digital construction is concerned with improving project efficiency through analysis and simulations. Data construction tasks could include (but are not limited to)

  • 3D logistics plans for access routes on site
  • 3D concept imagery of temporary works ideas to help engineers
  • Macro and micro 4D simulations to assist project planners
  • Model quantity take-offs to assist estimators, quantity surveyors and planners
  • Processing of point cloud information to prove construction sequences and extraction of exact dimensions

On the other hand, information management is more of a clerical function that is more concerned with ensuring everyone on the project has a clear understanding of how BIM is going to be used on the project. Information management tasks may include:

  • Capture and integration of asset data within the BIM environment
  • Creation of BIM execution plans explaining how the supplier intends to meet the client’s information requirements
  • Creation of Employer’s Information Requirements to explain the client’s preferred systems, processes and required outputs from their supply chain
  • Monitoring of supply chain performance, implementing any necessary training to ensure effective delivery of information
  • Set up and maintenance of the Common Data Environment (CDE)

How can you become a BIM Manager?

There isn’t really a recognised route to becoming a BIM Manager at the moment, however, there are certain minimum requirements that most companies will look for.

BIM Manager Qualifications and Experience

BIM Managers are usually expected to have academic qualifications of at least HNC/HND level in a construction based subject such as civil engineering.

Ideally, if you are applying for a BIM Manager role, you will also have at least 5 years’ experience in an architectural, construction or engineering role. Certain individuals who have a background in CAD, Document Control or Engineering may also make the transition to a BIM-based role as well.

Key Competencies associated with BIM Managers

Although a BIM Manager will have no design responsibilities, it is important that they have a basic understanding of the design role so that they can apply this understanding to the modelling process. BIM Managers are also expected to have good IT skills and the ability to handle multiple software disciplines so that they can drive the BIM Model during meetings.

Good verbal and written communication skills are also a must for BIM Managers so that they can work collaboratively with all members of the supply chain. BIM Manager may also be asked to assist with the creation and maintenance of the CDE and so a sound knowledge of document quality and management processes is also useful.

To find out more about BIM and its role in construction, keep a close eye on our blog.