JCT Construction management contract
Construction management is a procurement route in which the works are constructed by a number of different trade contractors. These trade contractors are contracted to the employer but managed by a construction manager.
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)’s Construction Management Contract (JCT-CM) is designed for use on projects where separate trade contractors are appointed by the employer, with separate contractual responsibilities to construct the works. The construction manager is appointed by the employer to oversee the completion of the works in the capacity of employer’s agent. This involves issuing instructions, preparing certifications, administering contract conditions, and so on.
The construction manager is generally appointed early in the design process so that their experience can be used to improve the cost and buildability of proposals as they develop, as well as to advise on packaging, and the selection of trade contractors.
Appointing a construction manager enables some trade packages to be tendered earlier than others, and sometimes, even before the design is completed.
The design is provided by the employer, often developed by an architect or design team working on behalf of the employer.
JCT-CM comprises a range of different documents – Construction Management Appointment (CM/A), and separate Construction Management Trade Contracts (CM/TC).
This form of contracting is generally only used by experienced employers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Construction contract.
- Construction manager.
- Construction manager at-risk.
- Construction management: outline work plan.
- Design and build contract.
- Design and build - pros and cons.
- Integrated project delivery (IPD).
- Intermediate Building Contract.
- JCT.
- Management Building Contract.
- Management contractor.
- Repair and maintenance contract.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.