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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.