January 16, 2013

GVCA trailblazes with first-ever salary survey of key middle management jobs

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

The Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) is poised to poll its members on salaries paid to personnel in key middle management positions — the first such survey to be conducted by a local construction association in the province.

The survey will cover salaries, bonuses and benefits paid in the positions of estimators, project managers, site superintendents, safety coordinators and contract administrators. Results will be tallied for general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers.

The survey is to be completed by senior management.

Association president Martha George said the purpose is to help firms remain competitive in order to attract and retain “the brightest and the best” personnel.

She said the GVCA regularly receives requests from its member firms for such data.

“I think the survey results will be really beneficial for our members,” she said.

“Firms may find out, for example, that compensation packages are in line with what is being offered by other companies.

“Alternatively, they may find they are paying way below (the going rate). That could explain why they are having problems attracting and retaining personnel.”

The survey is open to all GVCA members in good standing. Company information will be kept confidential.

Overall results will be shared with participants.

Non-participants can purchase the data for $500.

At the national level, the Canadian Construction Association conducted a survey of salaries and benefits a number of years ago.

“I thought that was a good thing,” George said.

“But a lot has changed since then. We wanted to obtain an up-to-date snapshot of what our local contractors are paying.”

She said the ability of firms to remain competitive assumes ever-increasing importance in light of an impending exodus of middle management personnel as a result of retirement and ongoing mobility in the industry.

The survey has attracted interest outside of the Grand Valley area.

Dave Baxter, executive director of the London & District Construction Association, said he plans to discuss the initiative with George at a meeting later this month.

“I think the survey is a good idea,” he said.

Follow Patricia Williams on Twitter @Patricia_DCN.

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