Foreman is responsible for overseeing daily operations at a worksite to ensure the completion of projects in a safe and efficient manner. Their duties include hiring Construction Workers and trade professionals to perform specific tasks, monitoring budgeting expenses for Workers, supplies or tools and reviewing laws and regulations to maintain a safe work environment.
A Foreman should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Foreman should be able to execute:
- Coordinating daily tasks according to priorities and plans, making changes when necessary due to weather, supply, delivery and personnel
- Delegating individual responsibilities and projects to crew members and contractors
- Recruiting, hiring, training, managing and mentoring employees and contractors
- Providing adequate resources and staffing to meet project schedules, laws, regulations, best practices and safety needs
- Emphasizing safe use of tools, machinery and equipment while providing training on safety gear, helmets and procedures
- Developing and managing project budgets and quality standards for all sites
A competitive Foreman will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Customer-service skills to communicate with inspectors and administration to develop a positive working relationship.
- Decision-making skills for selecting personnel and subcontractors for specific tasks and jobs to meet deadlines and budgets.
- Initiative for generating their own business opportunities and being proactive in locating new clients. Many foremen market the companies that employ them while bidding on jobs.
- Leadership skills for effectively delegating tasks to lower-level managers, subcontractors and construction workers.
- Speaking skills for providing clear orders, explaining complex information to clients and construction workers and discussing technical details with other building specialists.
- Technical skills for interpreting construction methods and technologies along with contracts and technical drawings.
