SUMMARY
- Covid = risk = cut costs
- All BIM projects need model management
- The most affordable model managers are BIM Coordinators
- Salaries capped
- Experience level reducing to meet salary caps
THE SCIENCE
A lot of things have changed since Covid arrived on the scene, but one thing has remained constant, the continuing need for BIM Coordinators.
We need to understand the financial impact Covid is having on the industry. All but the most fortunate employers are in survival or, at best, recovery mode. Until they can see a healthy, full, pipeline of work stretching far enough into the future, they will be focussed on reducing costs. Even those with healthy pipelines are monitoring the bottom line very carefully.
This focus on driving down costs has a big impact on the demand for BIM talent.
For the risk averse accountants, money will only be spent if it is on something that is still budgeted for. Properly priced projects include all the team salaries – including the BIM specialists where specified. Project funded roles are budgeted for and therefore , where there are gaps, people can be hired. Unfortunately, this does not include higher level personnel whose costs are not completely funded by a project or projects.
All BIM projects need accurate models. All the BIM teams should be checking their models are accurate. Although some in the supply chain can pass this responsibility upstream, the Project Managers (including the major contractors), with ultimate responsibility for the federated model, need BIM Coordinators or Managers to ensure accuracy.
As BIM is relatively new, not enough experienced talent has been available to meet demand. More BIM centric talent is entering the supply chain but the demand for people who know how to ensure model accuracy is still not being met. So, the demand for BIM Coordinators and Managers continues.
WHY NOT BIM MANAGERS?
It’s simply down to cost cutting. Even though budgeted for, if accountants can shave project costs, they will. The demand may well be for experienced project BIM Managers but with salaries remaining stable and high, the need to cut costs has increased the demand for BIM Coordinators.
Before and throughout Covid, the demand for affordable BIM Coordinators has continued. Now, with the more fortunate companies pushing ahead with recruitment, and supply not increasing as affordable, project-funded, talent is being retained, the demand is higher than ever.
Over 50% of the opportunities are now for BIM Coordinators.
WHERE IS THE DEMAND HIGHEST?
The most demand is with companies with the most responsibility for ensuring good BIM – the Project Managers / tier 1 Contractors. Also, with more companies outsourcing the responsibility (to reduce risk as well as save cost), demand with BIM Consultancies is increasing.
Geographically, demand is wherever new projects are landing. London is top but demand is increasing in other major cities like Manchester and, increasingly, overseas.
See the BIM jobs board for BIM Coordinator jobs currently available.
WHAT IMPACT IS ALL THIS HAVING ON SALARIES?
Hopefully, the message is clear. The accountants are in charge. Costs must be kept at a minimum. If recruitment is given the green light, candidates must be found within budget.
Despite the scarcity of BIM Coordinators, it is now common for salaries on offer to be lower than average (see BIM salary guide) – as they are based on balance sheet calculations, not the real world.
As cost control takes priority over experience and good candidates will not move for a lower salary, clients are having to reduce their expectations on the level of experience needed.
Budgets seem to be capped at £45k or less so ‘advanced beginner’ and ‘competent’ BIM Coordinators candidates are becoming the most in demand.
With most of the construction industry in survival and recovery mode for the foreseeable future, this accountancy led trend is set to continue for many months.
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