Project Management

Managing Construction Subcontractors

Main contractors depend on dozens of subcontractors whose performance determines programme, quality and safety on site. This course covers subcontractor selection and pre-qualification, subcontract terms, coordination and interfaces, progress and quality monitoring, payment and variations, safety management and resolving disputes.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Poor subcontractor management is one of the most common causes of site delays. You will learn practical controls that keep subcontractors on track.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Construction case studies, coordination exercises, subcontract review and site scenario role plays.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Select and pre-qualify subcontractors
Set clear subcontract scope and terms
Coordinate interfaces between trades
Monitor progress, quality and safety
Manage payments, variations and claims
Resolve subcontractor disputes

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Construction project managers
Site managers and engineers
Commercial and quantity surveyors
Procurement staff in construction
Contractors’ planners

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Subcontractor selection
Interface coordination
Site performance monitoring
Commercial management
Dispute resolution

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Subcontracting Strategy

09:00–10:08Make or buy decisions
10:08–11:00Packaging work
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Packaging work (continued)
11:45–12:53Pre-qualification
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Subcontract Terms

09:00–10:08Scope definition
10:08–11:00Back-to-back terms
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Back-to-back terms (continued)
11:45–12:53Payment and retention
12:53–14:00Clause review

Day 3Coordination on Site

09:00–10:08Interface management
10:08–11:00Look-ahead planning
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Look-ahead planning (continued)
11:45–12:53Coordination meetings
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 4Quality and Safety

09:00–10:08Inspection and testing
10:08–11:00Subcontractor safety
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Subcontractor safety (continued)
11:45–12:53Non-conformance
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Commercial Control

09:00–10:08Variations and claims
10:08–11:00Final accounts
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Final accounts (continued)
11:45–12:53Dispute resolution
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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