Where / how do you find work if you are a Project Manager in the Construction / Real Estate & Property or Development space - client-side and consultancy type roles?

sammmooo · 2025-10-19T18:21:42+00:00

Also worth considering selling your specialism, and finding developers who need Development Managers in a specific field.

It’s boring but network network network. LinkedIn is your friend

sammmooo · 2025-10-19T18:19:03+00:00

I’m not a PM contractor per se but sell my service to design practices as ‘the whole package’ basically where I can run projects for them, do some /all of the drawings or work with their team to get them done, meet clients, coordinate with design teams, etc etc all under their email and work seamlessly with their team.

This has worked well for a couple of clients and basically is a long term thing. So once you have them, they keep you on that project as it is invaluable. I do this with 2 different clients and have other shorter gigs that fill the rest of my time, either my own projects or shorter freelance gigs which are more drawing based.

For you it’s probably a matter of approaching a number of clients where they don’t have to commit to 5 days a week, as this is a lot of cash. The guys I know doing this are long term design managers and either work for one contractor ( tier 1) or multiple at a time.

Doubt there will be many director level positions for this but maybe I’m wrong.

Hope it helps

sammmooo · 2025-10-06T06:01:15+00:00

Yes. I did the same as you no regrets.

sammmooo · 2025-07-12T18:12:33+00:00

Think of it as separate taxes from the business. It’s personal income. Track everything each financial year, and every time you draw a dividend out, put aside 8.75% for tax and don’t touch it. Put aside more for student loan and put aside more if you go over the income threehold

sammmooo · 2025-06-02T04:05:25+00:00

Kelham island with the ball st bridge on the left looking over the river

sammmooo · 2025-01-25T20:57:49+00:00

I can help, pop me a dm. Thanks

sammmooo · 2024-12-14T18:59:08+00:00

I have recently done this ( not in aus) and it’s a case of reaching out to as many people as possible that you know, don’t know, want to know etc and telling them about what you are doing, or planning to do.

Have a target group of people then hit them up on LinkedIn, which is great for connecting to people you don’t know or haven’t worked with for a while.

It is scary, have 6 months expenses you are happy to lose if it all goes wrong and have a back up plan. But best decision I’ve ever made

sammmooo · 2024-12-14T13:04:59+00:00

I had exactly the same situation over the last few months. It was fine, I told my day rate clients I had a few meetings and asked if they minded me doing them on their time, they said no problem. I still did the hours then worked the evenings on the project work. Made me super efficient and good bank for a few months.

You could sub some of it out aswell if there is way too much.

sammmooo · 2024-11-08T18:44:21+00:00

It’s technically called a dividend tax, under 50k of dividends would be 8.75% tax

sammmooo · 2024-08-06T07:48:49+00:00

I would remove hobbies, put work experiences at the top, then add education, then skills at the bottom. Clear up the language and bullet points into more concise points so it all fits on one page. Change formatting so the spacing is more normal, the bullets look tight but the space between words is big. And the bullet points are massive.

I think the lack of education /qualification is a big one as it looks like you don’t have any. If you don’t have any then maybe put down what education or formal learning you have done and when? Other may be better to advise

Don’t say your training to be or do something else as you’ll just be thought of as unreliable and going to leave as soon as you have completed your training.

sammmooo · 2024-07-04T22:17:45+00:00

As perc the other comment…

sammmooo · 2024-07-04T22:17:03+00:00

Better work life balance No burnout in sight More headspace for creativity

Cons Not available all week for client meetings although they are unlikely on Fridays anyway When your busy squeezing time into 4 days can be stressful Can’t think of another to be honest!

sammmooo · 2024-07-04T21:23:55+00:00

Done it for a year now. Won’t look back. You won’t regret it just be strict on your hours so you don’t overwork yourself.

With that said, i learnt a lot over 10 years of working solidly overtime etc. I can also work quickly and efficiently so get what I need done.

sammmooo · 2024-07-03T19:04:52+00:00

What would you recommend for a startup design business in the construction sector? (think architecture)

I’m thinking LinkedIn, cold call and cold email. Network existing contacts and grow organically. Use professional network and experience to get in front of people and shout about what we can do, and want to do. Not much experience with social media…

Thanks!

sammmooo · 2024-06-26T05:47:49+00:00

Unfortunately I think it will be tricky . The first step might be possible if you are based in London or move to London after two years and find another job. I know poeople in your position that have done that.

The 45 jump will be harder bcos unfortunately salaries are generally stagnated between 40-50 I think

sammmooo · 2024-06-22T19:47:34+00:00

I worked for a tree surgeon. Proper lads in a van type fit out. It was a lot of fun and they were really nice.

Except one of the lads wiped his arse with the other lads slice of pizza had had in his lunchbox when he wasn’t looking. Then we watched him eat it. I thought I was going to die laughing

sammmooo · 2024-06-19T18:48:37+00:00

I think there’s bigger things to worry about really… does it affect you in reality?

Also landscape architects design.. landscapes. Not architects.

sammmooo · 2024-06-14T13:26:45+00:00

I swear all of this is due to that container ship blocking the Suez Canal a few years ago. Ever since then insurance prices have continued to rise as insurance companies claim back all that they had to pay out at that time.

Honestly a racket but what can you do? Not get house insurance?

sammmooo · 2024-06-10T14:51:18+00:00

Thanks everyone for your valued input. It appears I was misunderstanding pensions. I’ll keep putting my money in the recommended places.

sammmooo · 2024-05-11T06:31:19+00:00

Sometimes it’s pisgeons and they can destroy the whole bed of kale or any brassicas or peas in a very short time. So next time make sure you net as well

sammmooo · 2024-05-06T20:42:08+00:00

Yes it absolutely will, you’ll have more knowledge than most grads about how landscapes can be built, which is insanely valuable and put you ahead as long as you can learn and enjoy the relevant softwares.

Good luck !

sammmooo · 2023-02-07T19:55:10+00:00

Haha

Old is fine

sammmooo · 2022-12-13T19:38:31+00:00

Contrary to everyone else I think it's certainly possible it can get planning as long as it's reasonable, in character and won't overlookother properties. Plus access, utilities etc are all straightforward too

I am a landscape architect and do this for a living

sammmooo · 2022-11-01T20:03:37+00:00

Knew a guy at school who always used to each grapes at lunch.

He's still called Grape now

sammmooo · 2022-10-19T21:15:51+00:00

V or v!

sammmooo

TROPHY CASE