BIM Managers oversee their company or organization’s use of building information modeling (BIM) software. These professionals set standards for BIM use that ensure quality control, train others in how to use software, and troubleshoot any issues that arise as teams undertake specific projects. This is a leadership position, and one will need five to ten years of on-the-job experience working in industries like architecture, construction, design, and engineering to move into this position. Those looking to move into this leadership position should read on to learn more about what BIM Managers do, what skills they must possess, what one can expect to earn in this profession, and how to find the best training to prepare for this career.
What is a BIM Manager?
BIM Managers are responsible for developing and managing the use of BIM software practices at an organizational level. BIM stands for building information modeling and is becoming an essential part of drafting, modeling, and managing projects in industries like design and architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). BIM Managers will lead their organization’s use of digital software and construction documentation and are responsible for tasks such as setting standards for creating BIM models, handling BIM software updates or issues, assigning project tasks to team members, managing important construction documents, and interfacing with clients and other important project stakeholders.
The role of a BIM Manager requires these professionals to oversee an organization’s use of BIM software. To be successful, BIM Managers need to know how to work with BIM software like Revit and need to know how this software interacts with others like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other BIM and CAD programs depending on their organization’s needs. In addition to knowing how to use BIM software, these professionals will need strong communication and leadership skills, as they will be in charge of a larger team and need to facilitate communication between different project stakeholders. While one can find entry-level BIM jobs after receiving the necessary training, this role will require five to ten years of on-the-job experience, similar to other manager and director roles within an organization.
Job Requirements
BIM Managers will need the right mix of technical training, communication skills, and on-the-job experience. Most BIM Managers have a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field. An Associate’s degree or Master’s degree in a relevant field can also stand in for your educational background. Additionally, there are certificate programs and professional certifications you can receive to show employers that you have the necessary subject-area knowledge and skills.
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The position of BIM Manager is a leadership role. You can think of someone in this role as a Project Manager. As such, someone pursuing this profession needs excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Not only do they need these skills, but they also need to be able to work well with others and manage a larger team of BIM professionals. BIM Managers might not only work on task delegation for their team, but they will be responsible for communicating with other project stakeholders, as well.
Not only will this job require you to have specific technical skills and industry knowledge, but you will also need at least five years of experience working within your industry. Many BIM Managers will start out working in entry-level positions like CAD Designer or BIM Technician, as these roles will allow prospective BIM Managers to do detailed work with CAD and BIM software. Starting out with an entry-level position in the AEC industry allows you to work up to other roles like BIM Designer or BIM Coordinator, which will allow you to grow your technical skills enough to fulfill the BIM Manager requirements.
Job Responsibilities
- Design and implement BIM standards and processes for a company or organization
- Work with team members to use BIM software to solve problems or create more efficient design practices
- Monitor creation of digital models to ensure they meet organization and industry standards
- Collaborate and communicate with BIM design teams, Architects, Engineers, IT, clients, and other stakeholders
- Set processes for dealing with BIM software updates, software clashes, and troubleshooting needs
- Provide training for team members in BIM best practices and professional skill development
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge about new technologies and software trends
Skills
BIM Managers need a skill set that combines technical knowledge of BIM software, knowledge of industry-standard practices, leadership skills, and a strong ability to communicate and work well with others. Most organizations will need a BIM Manager with a detailed knowledge of Revit, as this is the most common BIM software program used in architecture, engineering, and design. A BIM Manager will usually not be involved in the day-to-day use of designing models in Revit; rather, they will be setting organization-wide standards for how to use this and other BIM software.
In addition to Revit, BIM Managers should know other BIM and CAD software, as they will need to be aware of how Revit and BIM programs overlap, work with, or clash with necessary software for 2D, 3D, and 4D modeling and construction documentation. Archicad and Vectorworks are two other popular BIM programs that a BIM Manager might need to know depending on their industry. AutoCAD is one of the most popular 2D modeling programs, and an employer will likely expect a BIM Manager to understand how to use AutoCAD, even if a BIM Manager will not be drafting projects as part of their role.
BIM Managers will also need to know project management tools, like BIM 360, and have strong leadership and communication skills. The role of a BIM Manager will involve leading the organization’s use of BIM software and communicating with various team members and project stakeholders. They will be the person to design standards that the entire organization will be expected to follow, and they will also be the person who Designers, Modelers, Architects, and Engineers can come to for guidance on using digital design and construction software. A BIM Manager needs experience leading teams and a strong ability to guide others through BIM software's complexities.
Why Do Businesses Need BIM Managers?
BIM Managers have a unique role to play in workplaces in the AEC industry. They will be the person who is expected to be the most knowledgeable about how to use BIM software, and they have the important responsibility of setting the best practices for the organization. If only one person in a company uses BIM software, you likely will not have someone working as a BIM Manager. Instead, BIM Managers are often in organizations, companies, and firms where there are multiple other BIM Designers or BIM professionals. Once an entire team uses BIM software, an organization will need to set standards and develop quality control measures for using this technology in the different stages of project design and implementation.
As the professionals with the most knowledge of how their company or organization needs to use this important digital modeling software, they are also the people who can troubleshoot software issues or help teams use BIM software to solve design issues. BIM Managers are an important link between their BIM design team members, IT professionals, and other stakeholders invested in a project. As new technologies like artificial intelligence and augmented reality continue to progress, BIM Managers will also be able to recommend the adoption of new technological developments and practices that they think are worthy of use by their company or organization.
Where Do BIM Managers Usually Work?
BIM Managers work in the AEC industry. They are usually found working in larger design or AEC companies and are typically part of a larger team of Designers, Architects, Engineers, or Project Managers working to carry out specific building or infrastructure projects. As there are industry-specific toolsets for necessary software like Revit, BIM Managers will need to specialize in the specific technical skills and software used within their industry.
The role of a BIM Manager is a leadership position that is more likely to be found in larger design firms, companies, or organizations. The BIM Manager oversees how others use BIM software across the organization, so there usually needs to be a larger team or multiple people across different departments working with BIM before the need for a BIM Manager arises. BIM Managers can still do remote or freelance work, especially considering that much of the job requires setting standards, ensuring others are adhering to quality assurance protocols, and troubleshooting software issues.
BIM Manager Salary and Job Outlook
The job outlook is strong for BIM Managers and other BIM professionals in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that both architecture and engineering professions and construction professions are growing at a faster-than-average rate in comparison to all other professions. This means that there are many job openings in the AEC industry and that this industry is expected to continue to grow steadily over the coming years.
Additionally, knowledge of BIM software is an in-demand skill set. AEC firms and companies are looking for individuals who can work with CAD and BIM software at an advanced level, as all stages of their design and construction projects require detailed use of these programs. As this software has become an essential part of these industries, employers need professionals who can manage the software, oversee the team members who use it, and establish standards and protocols for how to use digital design and construction programs and generate the necessary construction documentation for building and infrastructure projects.
BIM Managers earn an average yearly salary of $83,000, according to Indeed. This can range anywhere from around $75,000 at the low end to around $139,000 at the high end. One working in this position may also earn additional pay in the form of bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing. What one actually earns as a BIM Manager will depend on their education, experience, location, and any specializations they have acquired.
How Long Does It Take to Become a BIM Manager?
A BIM Manager is a professional, manager-level role within a larger company or organization. Becoming a BIM Manager will typically take between five and ten years, as one will need the right training, certifications, experience, and skill level to take on the responsibilities required for this role. To be hired in this role, an employer will want to see at least five years of on-the-job experience working with BIM on construction sites within your specific industry. It is important to spend these years gaining experience so that you can manage others within this role, as you will be one of the leaders on your team.
Your first step to becoming a BIM Manager is receiving the right BIM and CAD training. From there, you can usually find an entry-level job as a BIM Technician or BIM Modeler, which will allow you to start gaining the on-the-job experience necessary for this professional role. Employers may also want to see that you have the necessary educational background and training to work successfully with BIM software and that you have industry-standard certifications such as becoming an Autodesk Certified Professional in your industry’s version of Revit or gaining certification with other organizations like BRE Academy or buildingSMART.
BIM Manager Vs. BIM Coordinator
BIM Managers play a distinct role within their company, though this title may sound similar to other professional BIM roles. Another role that may seem similar to a BIM Manager is a BIM Coordinator. While these are different positions, they can often be found at the same company or organization and may even work together to execute organizational goals and projects.
BIM Managers have a broad, strategic role as they manage and monitor how BIM software is used and implemented across an entire organization. BIM Managers may not be involved in the day-to-day creation of digital models or execution of projects. Instead, they focus on how a company can best use BIM software to meet its organizational needs and to align with industry standards.
A BIM Coordinator, by contrast, works closely with design teams, clients, and project stakeholders to coordinate the use of BIM software. These professionals act as project leaders in that they ensure everyone is following and implementing BIM project plans. They are more involved in setting project workflows, verifying that all models are accurate and up-to-date, and ensuring that all project designers and stakeholders have access to the project model and data at all stages of project planning.
Learn the Skills to Become a BIM Manager at Noble Desktop
The Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) offers two comprehensive certificate programs for those needing BIM Manager training. VDCI offers nationally accredited training for individuals pursuing work in the AEC industry and design fields, making them a great option for those who want accelerated, career-oriented training. Their classes and certificate programs are conveniently online and part-time, providing industry-standard technical skills, software, and professional skill development so that students can easily transition from the classroom to the workplace.
The BIM Certificate Program is a condensed, self-paced online training program designed to get students job-ready in just eight months. This course of study tasks students with learning introductory and intermediate Revit skills, designing a complex 3D building model, and generating necessary construction documentation. Those enrolled in this program will also take additional electives and have the chance to specialize in Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or SketchUp Pro. Students will have access to software during their course of study.
Another VDCI program to consider is the CAD/BIM Certificate Program, a ten-month, self-paced training program for those who need both AutoCAD and BIM training. Like the BIM Certificate Program, participants in this program learn to use Revit and create detailed construction documents through BIM software. This longer course of study includes detailed training in 2D drafting with AutoCAD and how to use this software to create construction documents. Students will have access to any necessary software while taking this course and can specialize through electives in Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or AutoCAD construction documents.
Noble Desktop also offers top-rated, career-oriented training in AutoCAD. Their 30-hour AutoCAD Bootcamp provides intensive training in using the basic and advanced features of the industry-standard 2D drawing features of this software. Those pursuing Autodesk certification will be interested in the AutoCAD Certification Program, which provides comprehensive training in introductory, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD drawing tools and technical skillsets. The cost of the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam is included in the course’s tuition, and enrolled students will also receive six hours of 1-on-1 private tutoring to prepare for this certification exam and further enhance their AutoCAD skills. All of Noble Desktop’s classes are taught by expert instructors who provide students with hands-on training and individualized feedback on their skill levels. Classes can be taken in-person at their Manhattan training facility or online from any location.