BIM-Manager/BIM-Managerin

Resources related to this profession include Allgemeine Bauzeitung (ABZ), the Training and Skilled Worker Report of the Construction Industry, Bauingenieur bba bau beratung architektur, BIM im Hochbau - Technisches Positionspapier, Build-Ing. - The platform for BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING, buildingSMART, Der Bauingenieur - Beruf mit Zukunft, Deutsches Architektenblatt (DAB), Digital Engineering Magazin, Digitales Planen und Bauen. Stufenplan zur Einführung von Building Information Modeling (BIM), Fraunhofer-Informationszentrum Raum und Bau IRB, integrale planung, Klimaangepasste Gebäude und Liegenschaften, planen bauen 4.0, and Zukunft Bauen. BIM-Leitfaden für den Mittelstand.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) enable photorealistic implementation of architectural projects. VR and AR glasses make abstract plans walkable and experienceable. These virtual plans facilitate communication between involved parties, increase planning and budget certainty, and support specialists in planning and implementation. Compared to models on a screen, a 360-degree view provides a more comprehensive overview and shows, for example, the incidence of light in rooms. Managers and decision-makers must acquire the necessary knowledge to apply this technology and make targeted investment decisions. The European Commission launched the 'New European Bauhaus' in September 2020. This initiative develops new, sustainable, and climate-neutral construction methods.

BIM managers primarily work in office and meeting rooms. They also work on construction sites. If necessary, they may also work from home or remotely.

Core competencies generally required in this profession include: architect software, architecture, tendering, awarding contracts, performance description, construction acceptance, construction operations, construction informatics, construction design, construction control, urban planning, construction site management, structural analysis, construction site surveying, construction supervision (object supervision), construction and architectural law, architectural drawing, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and applying CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems. Other competencies that may be significant for practicing this profession include: building materials science and technology, design-risk management, detailed planning, execution planning (architecture, construction technology), HOAI (Fee Schedule for Architects and Engineers), industrial and commercial construction (planning, supervision), revision plans (creation etc.), security systems (IT), data security, civil engineering (planning, supervision), VOB (German Construction Contract Procedures), and residential construction (planning, supervision). Other relevant skills and knowledge include the 'CAD-/CAM-Applications' competence group.

BIM managers are responsible for creating virtual building models. Errors here can affect the safety of people on construction sites or in finished buildings. Furthermore, delays on construction sites caused by planning errors can lead to significant financial damage. Therefore, diligence and accuracy in planning with BIM are essential. In coordination meetings with all stakeholders involved in the construction project or in discussions with clients, BIM managers demonstrate negotiation skills, assertiveness, and communication abilities. In their work, they adhere to numerous construction technical and legal requirements. BIM managers usually perform planning tasks in the office at a computer. On construction sites, they monitor construction progress. In doing so, they may be exposed to weather conditions and wear protective clothing such as helmets and safety vests. Additionally, they may be exposed to dust, fumes, or machine noise.

Example of a collective bargaining gross basic salary (monthly): 3,385 € to 4,739 €. Source: Collective bargaining collection of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labour and Social Affairs. This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

BIM Managers operate in various sectors such as architecture, construction planning, engineering services, building construction, concrete and reinforced concrete construction, civil engineering, road construction, hydraulic engineering, real estate, building management, and public administration.

Employers often expect a university degree (Studium) in architecture or civil engineering. A relevant vocational training (Ausbildung) or further education (Weiterbildung) also provides access to this profession.

Architecture (undergraduate), Architecture (postgraduate), Civil Engineering (undergraduate), Civil Engineering (postgraduate).

BIM Managers find employment in architectural or engineering offices, construction companies, property developers/real estate companies, and construction administration authorities.

BIM Manager. Also common job titles/synonyms: BIM Coordinator, BIM Modeler.

BIM Managers coordinate the use of software applications for construction planning, execution, and facility management to create digital building models (BIM).

Job and applicant exchanges for BIM Managers: archinoah.de, Bau.de, bauingenieur24.de, BauNetz, bau-stellen.de, Bauverlag BV GmbH, BIngK Bundesingenieurkammer, Competitionline.com, german-architects.com, get in (Engineering), ingenieur.de, ingenieur1.de, JustEngineers, NetLe Moniteur Emploi, SciTechCareer.

Relevant associations and organizations: BG BAU - Berufsgenossenschaft der Bauwirtschaft (Employers' Liability Insurance Association for the Construction Industry), Bund Deutscher Architektinnen und Architekten BDA e.V. (Association of German Architects), Bund Deutscher Baumeister, Architekten und Ingenieure e.V. (BDB) (Association of German Master Builders, Architects and Engineers), Bundesgemeinschaft der Architektenkammern e.V. (Federal Association of Chambers of Architects), Bundesingenieurkammer (BIngK) Bundesgemeinschaft der Ingenieure e.V. (Federal Chamber of Engineers), Bundesverband energieeffiziente Gebäudehülle (BuVEG) e.V. (Federal Association for Energy-Efficient Building Envelopes), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) (German Research Foundation), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen - DGNB e.V. (German Sustainable Building Council), Hauptverband der Deutschen Bauindustrie e.V. (Federation of the German Construction Industry), Industriegewerkschaft Bauen-Agrar-Umwelt (IG BAU) (Construction-Agriculture-Environment Industrial Union), VDI-Gesellschaft Bauen und Gebäudetechnik (VDI-GBG) (VDI Society for Building and Building Technology).

BIM Managers are responsible for material assets (e.g., planning and supervising construction projects for residential and commercial buildings). They engage in group and teamwork (e.g., participating in coordination meetings with all stakeholders involved in the construction project). They have customer contact (e.g., conducting discussions with the building owner). They adhere to various regulations and legal requirements (e.g., building plans, standards, building regulations). They perform screen work (e.g., creating the structure and content of the BIM model). They wear protective clothing and equipment (e.g., hard hat and safety vest on construction sites). They work in office environments and on construction sites (e.g., monitoring construction progress). They may work in cold, heat, wetness, humidity, and drafts (e.g., during construction supervision activities on site). They may work in smoke, dust, gases, and vapors (e.g., construction dust). They work in noisy environments (e.g., construction machinery noise). Irregular working hours may occur (e.g., for larger construction projects).

BIM Managers use data and software (e.g., building data, BIM software, CAD programs, 3D models), documents (e.g., BIM project file, BIM Execution Plan (BAP), schedule and cost plan, legal regulations, training materials). They also utilize office equipment and devices (e.g., PC, internet access, telephone, tablet, video conferencing tools, possibly data glasses for augmented reality applications).

BIM Managers implement and further develop BIM processes in various companies within the construction industry. They create BIM strategies, implement digital workflows, and train employees in the use of CAD programs or 3D laser scanners. During a project, they manage the BIM model, define performance specifications, and ensure data quality. They continuously monitor goals, deadlines, costs, and building regulations. Additionally, they control the flow of information between involved specialist planners. On the construction site, they check construction progress with the help of augmented reality applications.

Access professions/activities for BIM Manager: Construction Technician specializing in Architecture, Construction Technician specializing in Civil Engineering, Construction Technician specializing in Underground, Traffic Route and Landscape Construction, Architectural Drafter, Master Professional in Electromobility and Sustainable Energy Systems, State-certified Technician specializing in Civil Engineering with a focus on Building Construction/Bachelor Professional in Technology, State-certified Technician specializing in Civil Engineering (without specialization)/Bachelor Professional in Technology, State-certified Technician specializing in Civil Engineering with a focus on Underground Construction/Bachelor Professional in Technology, State-certified Construction Technical Assistant.

Continuing vocational training (Anpassungsweiterbildung) helps to keep professional knowledge up-to-date and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in Computer Aided Design (CAD), construction project management, construction law). Furthermore, the trend towards sustainable and climate-neutral construction methods, combined with new design forms and digital technologies, can become an important training topic for BIM Managers. The trend towards serial and modular construction also offers potential for further training.

Further professional and career opportunities open up – depending on previous education – through an undergraduate (grundständiges Studium) or postgraduate (weiterführendes Studium) degree program (e.g., in Architecture or Civil Engineering). Under certain conditions, it is also possible to study without a general higher education entrance qualification. More information: Access to higher education in the individual federal states (Bundesland) of Germany.

BIM Managers introduce Building Information Modeling (BIM) in companies and construction administration authorities. They create and implement internal BIM strategies, develop guidelines for working with BIM applications, and prepare and conduct staff training. They coordinate and control BIM processes for construction projects, define performance specifications, and create a BIM Execution Plan (BAP). They establish the model structure, input data into the BIM model, and check the correctness and consistency of the BIM model. They provide technical and professional support to specialist planners, manage individual BIM sub-models, and merge them into an overall model. They control schedules and cost plans, and take on tasks in construction management or construction supervision. If necessary, they optimize efficiency and quality on the construction site with the help of Lean Management methods. They represent the interests of employers in coordination meetings. In facility management, for example, they integrate information on building services and maintenance into the BIM project file.

Legal regulations for the activity are defined by the Act on Saving Energy and Using Renewable Energies for Heat and Cold Generation in Buildings (Gebäudeenergiegesetz - GEG) of August 8, 2020 (BGBl. I S. 1728), last amended by Article 3 of the Act of January 9, 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 4).

The following lists professions or activities that show similarities to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants. Furthermore, employers can consider professionals from these fields as alternatives for filling a position in the original profession. Some alternative professions only cover partial activities of the original profession, while others require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of BIM Manager: For the overall activity (usually short induction): Certified Specialist for Building Information Modeling (BIM) in crafts, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Underground Construction Engineer. For professional specializations (usually short induction): Architect.