Learn how effective subcontractor management is key to maintaining quality, programme, compliance and profitability on construction projects

Effective Sub-Contractor Management

Effective subcontractor management is key to maintaining quality, programme, compliance and profitability on construction projects. In this practical overview, we’ll explore how to select suitable subcontractors, set clear expectations and performance standards and manage communication and performance throughout delivery. We’ll also look at how to identify supply-chain risks early and put proportionate contingency measures in place to minimise disruption and keep projects on track.

Who Should Attend?

This session is aimed at construction business owners, directors, contracts and project managers, site managers and supervisors, quantity surveyors, procurement staff and others responsible for selecting, appointing, managing or monitoring subcontractors.

What you will learn

· How to assess subcontractor competence, capacity and suitability before appointment

· How to set clear expectations, roles, reporting lines and performance measures

· How to manage communication, records and corrective action throughout delivery

· How to identify supply-chain risks and consider proportionate contingency arrangements

Topics covered

· Selection and due diligence: competence, experience, resources, insurance, accreditations, policies, references and capacity

· Onboarding and expectations: scope, responsibilities, site rules, communication routes, reporting and required evidence

· Quality and compliance: monitoring agreed standards, quality, health and safety, environmental responsibilities and documentation

· Communication and records: clear briefs, meeting records, progress updates, action logs and appropriate digital systems

· Performance management: addressing slippage, defects, non-compliance and poor communication, with agreed corrective actions

· Supply-chain risk and continuity: dependency, peak demand, equipment failure, severe weather, staff absence, data loss and alternative suppliers

· Review and learning: using supplier reviews and performance evidence to improve future selection and delivery

· Construction-focused examples and Q&A

Date: Tuesday, 9 March 2027

Time: 9:15am – 1pm

Venue: CITB NI, 17 Dundrod Road, Crumlin, Co Antrim BT29 4SR

Programme:

9:15-9:30am: Registration, Tea & Coffee

9:30-9:45am: Presentation on CITB NI Products and Services

9:45am-1pm: Effective Sub-Contractor Management

Trainer Overviews:

Rachel Doherty is Director of Inspired Business Consultancy and an experienced consultant, trainer and facilitator.

With more than 15 years’ experience managing subcontractors, she has developed Approved Supplier Processes within ISO 9001-accredited Quality Management Systems.

She supports SMEs, larger businesses and public-sector organisations with procurement, tendering, contract delivery, operational planning and supply-chain management.

Her practical training strengthens subcontractor performance, compliance, accountability and project delivery.

Tina Calder has more than 30 years’ experience in journalism, communications, marketing, business support and training, specialising in AI, communications and marketing.

She has delivered CITB NI construction-focused sessions on AI, social media, TikTok and Canva.

Her AI training audiences include the National Construction Show in Dublin, Manufacturing Expo Belfast, Kilwaughter Minerals, Solid Fabrications, Belfast Met through Go Succeed and Social Enterprise NI.

A former editor of Specify magazine, she has worked extensively with construction, engineering and manufacturing businesses.

As Chief Vision Officer of Entrepreneurs Unleashed, Tina helps people understand complex subjects and apply technology alongside their knowledge, experience and professional judgement.

Cost:

FREE to CITB NI registered employers – please have your registration number to hand when booking

£25 for non-CITB NI registered attendees

(See CITB NI’s General Privacy Notice on your rights, your information and how we use it here (https://www.citbni.org.uk/CITB/files/1e/1e0191f5-7fff-4863-8ab4-d8590bce7128.pdf))

Description supplied by the event organiser.