The role of Employers Agent in Construction

The role of Employers Agent (EA) is extremely important in the Construction industry; however, many do not know what defines an Employers Agent or what the role actually involves. In this article, I will guide you through this job role.

An Employers Agent role is to act on the behalf of the client as the Contract Administrator for Design and Build (D&B) Contracts, undertaking the role of Lead Consultant, Project Manager and Cost Consultant. Therefore, Employers Agent job opportunities could be suited towards recently qualified Chartered Quantity or Building Surveyors and Project Managers.

The Employers Agent is responsible for ensuring the works are undertaken to the clients’ required standards in relation to quality control and cost management. For candidates who are considering starting a career as an Employers Agent, gaining exposure to experience with contract administration, Design & Build and JCT contracts is desirable from a potential employer’s point of view.

Key responsibilities undertaken by an Employer’s Agent include:

• Developing the project brief and assembling the project delivery team.
• Procuring necessary consultancy services to develop a project to planning submission/tender. Preparation of robust and accurate tender and contract packages.
• Undertaking various forms of tender processes.
• The ability to analyse and review Contractor/Developer and Designer proposals and ensure that the Employer’s Requirements are fulfilled.
• Preparation of the Building Contract.
• Facilitating progress meetings.
• Regularly reporting progress to the employer/client.
• Issuing instructions in accordance with the building contract.
• Undertaking quality inspections.
• Dealing with defects.
• Managing change and adjusting the Contract Sum where required.
• Issuing notices in relation to payments on a stage or periodic basis.
• Undertaking the final defect inspection.
• Dealing with the Final Account.

Employers Agents liaise closely with Clerk of Works, Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Clients, Contractors and other Consultants. They are typically employed by Building and Project Management Cost Consultancies or Housing Associations. It is common for Employers Agents to work new build residential projects for Local Authorities, Housing Associations and Private Developers. However, they can work across different general build sectors.

The salary rates for Employers Agent vary, depending on experience, the employer and the location of the job. For a newly trained EA and for those with some experience you can expect a range between £25,000 - £35,000, whereas more experienced and Senior Employers Agent can earn in the region of £40,000 - £60,000.

In summary, The Employers Agent role is instrumental in ensuring that the design and construction works are undertaken to a high level and all in accordance with the Employers Requirements. Additionally, their duty is to keep track of project costs against the agreed budget.

Whenever work is being conducted for a design and build project, construction companies in the UK are likely to need an Employer’s Agent to ensure that budgets are met, the work is completed on time, safety procedures are followed, and the desired quality standards are achieved.

Maxim Recruitment specialises in this area and we have Employer’s Agents, Project Manager and Senior Clerk of Works jobs available.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you are interested in discussing further.

Daria Tkach
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Maxim Recruitment
LinkedIn

Daria is a Senior Recruitment Consultant with day-to-day responsibility for researching, shortlisting, contacting, and interviewing premium construction industry candidates. Daria works with our UK team to help construction industry jobseekers into exciting new construction jobs with our market leading employer clients. Daria also covers the Canadian market as part of her international recruitment responsibilities. Her focus is on Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and other major cities in Canada.