Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Foreman
A Foreman is a professional who plays a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating construction projects, ensuring they run smoothly from start to finish. Acting as the linchpin between management and on-site workers, a Foreman is entrusted with the task of not only managing resources efficiently but also fostering a safe and productive work environment. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Foremen.
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Main Responsibilities of a Foreman
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Foreman:
Address
Address issues promptly and implement effective solutions.
Adhere to
Adhere to environmental regulations during construction.
Adhere to safety policies and procedures set out by employer.
Adhere to the policies and procedures manual.
Adhere to the safety and record keeping requirements.
Adjust
Adjust plans based on changing project requirements.
Advise
Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
Allocate
Allocate general and daily responsibilities.
Analyze
Analyze information and evaluate problems.
Analyze job cost reports to ensure production is within budget.
Apply
Apply feedback to improve performance.
Assess
Assess external and environmental factors and determines appropriate work plan.
Assign
Assign daily production to in-house and subcontract laborers and crews.
Assign work tasks and supervise it.
Assign work to employees, based on material or worker requirements of specific jobs.
Assign work to Workers on a daily basis.
Assist with
Assist with billing / preparing invoices.
Assist with grievance issues, and general site labour issues.
Assist with landscape constructions.
Assist with material handling.
Assist with various office administration (tracking employee timesheets etc..).
Carry out
Carry out established policies and procedures.
Commit
Commit to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
Communicate
Communicate and coordinate tasks with other trades on site.
Communicate daily with Production Manager on progress and planning.
Communicate on site requirements to the Project Manager.
Communicate plan details to the Project Team.
Communicate staffing requirements to Production Manager.
Communicate with customer and ensures a high level of customer satisfaction.
Communicate with sub-contractors to coordinate work, goals, etc..
Complete
Complete all necessary Safety Training as requested by Management.
Complete all required daily safety site paperwork.
Complete client site-specific training as required.
Complete daily set-ups for dispatch.
Complete jobs safely and within specified guidelines.
Complete jobs using and teaching others to use a variety of tools and equipment safely.
Conduct
Conduct daily inspections and maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Conduct preventive maintenance programs and keep maintenance records.
Conduct Safety Orientation and Weekly safety meetings with Sub-trades.
Contribute to
Contribute to creating and execute safety plan.
Contribute to improvements and upgrades that enhance unit performance.
Contribute to production operations by complying with policies and procedures for meat processing.
Coordinate
Coordinate activities with subcontractors as needed.
Coordinate and supervise daily activities of a 2 – 7 person crew.
Coordinate installations with the Customer.
Coordinate technical training for technicians to ensure to meet Mercedes Benz minimum requirements.
Coordinate technician training with the Corporate Service Manager.
Coordinate the activities of Service Technicians.
Coordinate work activities with other project supervisors or managers.
Create
Create daily work orders for all production team members.
Cut
Cut materials to fit job specifications.
Delegate
Delegate responsibilities based on individual strengths and project requirements.
Develop
Develop and execute emergency response plans.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive project timeline.
Develop and maintain construction and finishing management plan.
Develop and participate in departmental planning and budgeting – as needed.
Develop Inspection and Test Plans.
Develop subordinates' skills and encourages growth.
Develop work schedules and establish procedures.
Direct
Direct onsite day to day finishing activities.
Document
Document and record IFTA mileage reports for monthly tax payments by the company.
Edit
Edit work for spelling and grammar.
Enforce
Enforce all company standards, safe work practices and procedures with all shop employees.
Enforce safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
Ensure
Ensure accurate and timely updating of rotation schedules.
Ensure adherence to local building codes and regulations.
Ensure all corrections are made before installation begins.
Ensure all deadlines are met.
Ensure all PPE requirements are met for workers on site.
Ensure all the applicable quality checklists are properly completed.
Ensure compliance of crew with regards to safety policies, procedures and rules.
Ensure crews participation in c.
Ensure employees follow Company's safety and quality procedures.
Ensure new shop employees are enrolled in and complete our Mentorship program.
Ensure prepared substrates meet all industry specifications in which tiles are to be installed.
Ensure proper functioning and maintenance of tools and machinery.
Ensure quality control on final product and correction of any deficiencies.
Ensure safe completion of project on time.
Ensure seamless collaboration among team members.
Ensure that all tools & material delivered to site are returned in same condition.
Ensure that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget and schedule.
Ensure that technicians are properly documenting their repairs.
Ensure that work is completed during regular hours.
Erect
Erect or inspect dust containment.
Establish
Establish and maintain professional customer relations.
Establish crews, designates responsibilities and follows through with assigned work.
Establish work plan and staffing for each phase of project.
Evaluate
Evaluate worker's abilities.
Facilitate
Facilitate inspections by relevant authorities.
Fill out
Fill out daily log books and keep track of delivery packing slips & paperwork.
Follow
Follow all safety procedures involved in the transferring of equipment.
Follow safety policies for safe work.
Follow-up
Follow-up consistently with employees and provide feedback and coaching.
Foster
Foster clear and open communication channels among team members.
Foster skill development within the team.
Generate
Generate new solutions to complex problems.
Help
Help create schedule stability that allows for maximum return on efficiencies.
Identify
Identify and mitigate potential risks to project success.
Identify equipment and labor resource requirements for task and their utilization.
Identify training needs and development potential of site personnel.
Implement
Implement feedback for process enhancement.
Inspect
Inspect electrical systems, equipment, and components to identify hazards and defects.
Inspect, supervise, and participate in the work being performed by tower crew members.
Inspire
Inspire and motivate team members to achieve project goals.
Install
Install and troubleshoots fire protection sprinkler systems for commercial application.
Install appliances and other equipment.
Install shingles, tile, slate, asphalt, or related roofing materials.
Interact with
Interact with clients and customers, representing the company in a professional manner.
Interface with
Interface with clients to provide updates and address concerns.
Investigate
Investigate potential problems and implement corrective measures.
Keep
Keep crews on task in field.
Keep projects and work on-track for completion.
Keep track and organize with customer for product improvement programs / recall programs.
Lead
Lead and participate in toolbox meetings.
Lead group toolbox meetings weekly, to coach and improve and review SWP.
Lead other workers to follow instructions received from supervisors, and to meet deadlines.
Look out
Look out for training and factory technical bulletins as they become available.
Maintain
Maintain accurate information in the Company Maintenance Management System (ex. MAXIMO).
Maintain accurate records of all work done by the project team.
Maintain accurate records of project activities and milestones.
Maintain all tools, vehicles, and equipment.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Maintain construction schedules (MS Project).
Maintain high standards of workmanship that adhere to original plans and specifications.
Maintain ongoing communication with the superintendent and / or general superintendent.
Maintain records and submit records for health and safety inspections.
Maintain, repair, install and test switchgear, transformers.
Maintain the necessary truck stock / inventory (equipment and tools).
Maintain various schedules for inspections for multiple locations.
Make
Make outbound telephone calls as required to keep customers informed of the status of their repairs.
Manage
Manage on-time delivery of individual projects, as per contracted scopes of work.
Manage shop personnel by providing continuous feedback and conducting formal performance evaluations.
Manage the acquisition and distribution of construction materials.
Manage the day-to-day activities of crew members.
Manage up to 30 technicians on multiple crews.
Maximize
Maximize efficiency in resource utilization.
Mediate
Mediate conflicts among team members to maintain a positive work environment.
Mentor
Mentor and train mechanics and apprentices.
Monitor
Monitor expenses and adhere to budget constraints.
Monitor jobs as work progresses, to ensure that quotes are not exceeded.
Monitor progress of subordinates and subcontractors to ensure satisfactory job completion.
Motivate
Motivate employees and maintain good shop morale.
Motivate, inspire, observe, and delegate tasks to crew.
Observe
Observe and report possible compound / equipment defects or hazards.
Operate
Operate heavy equipment as required, including hydrovacs, horizontal and directional drills.
Operate heavy machinery as necessary.
Operate power tools such as quick cut, power trowel, laser and other concrete related tools.
Order
Order material required to meet job specifications.
Oversee
Oversee work to guarantee adherence to quality standards.
Participate in
Participate in accident / incident investigations and reviews.
Pay attention to
Pay attention to surroundings and crews working.
Perform
Perform general farm duties.
Perform layout and installation of switchgear.
Perform maintenance or repair work on existing tower equipment using hand or power tools.
Perform physical activates requiring use of arms, legs, prolonged standing, bending etc..
Perform road tests to confirm repairs are completed satisfactorily.
Perform safety tool box meetings & hazard assessments.
Perform the best quality of work with a product offering to match.
Plan
Plan and implement construction schedules alongside assigned Project Managers & Supervisors.
Plan, organize and supervise the work of any assigned personnel.
Prepare
Prepare accurate dimensioned as-built drawings of installed system components.
Provide
Provide accurate estimates for labor and materials.
Provide administrative support including submitting and updating paperwork and tracking job activity.
Provide customer instruction on system operation and functionality.
Provide detailed reports on project status.
Provide documents and complete information requests to QC and CFIA.
Provide hands-on assistance and guidance on all construction and renovation projects.
Provide proper guidance and learning opportunities for laborers and apprentices.
Provide quality customer service to internal and external clients.
Provide your carpentry skills to build our clients projects efficiently and effectively.
Read
Read plans, understand codes, manage the schedule and budget, working with the Project Manager.
Read and interpret IFC, and install drawings.
Report
Report all mechanical or safety related deficiencies not noted on the repair order.
Research
Research as required for materials and references for repairs.
Respond to
Respond promptly to customer needs.
Respond to facility and equipment alarms and system failures on an on-call basis.
Review
Review and submit electronic time sheets on a daily basis.
Review field file with project manager to understand job requirements for materials and installation.
Review project daily to verify labor production and learn from any problems encountered.
Review subordinates' time and expense reports prior to supervisor's approval.
Run
Run all aspects of swimming pool construction project.
Run an efficient crew of tradespeople within budgeted hours.
Run locator for directional drill operator.
Schedule
Schedule and attend all customer site visits (e.g. Frame walks etc.).
Schedule & relocate manpower.
Set-up
Set-up and start-up of extrusion (EBM) and PET blow molding machines and auxiliary equipment.
Stand
Stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, and crawl as needed to perform work activities.
Strive
Strive to exceed client expectations through quality work.
Supervise
Supervise a line clearance crew and responsible for planning daily work.
Supervise and control snow clearing contractors.
Supervise and direct materials orders and receipts, prepare and submit weekly operations reports.
Supervise and direct the work of assigned work crews.
Supervise and oversee multiple special projects work sites.
Supervise employees in the reroof and installation process of single ply roofing systems.
Take
Take responsibility for the organisation and cleanliness of tools and trailer.
Trade
Trade coordination / Municipality Inspections.
Trade school, and any training courses pertaining to the trade.
Train
Train technicians and apprentices to ensure quality workmanship.
Understand
Understand and communicate project plans to the team.
Understand and follow detailed construction schedules.
Understand how to read and construct from a design schematic of map.
Understand the Hydraulics of an irrigation system.
Use
Use of technology for communication.
Verify
Verify completeness of site documentation submitted by crew members.
Work
Work on a construction site.
Work
Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean and in order) and Technical Practices.
Work with the Project Manager to write Change Orders.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Foreman:
Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera.
Interpret and understand construction plans.
Stay updated on the latest construction technologies.
Utilize software for accurate budget management.
Ability to operate and understand construction machinery.
In-depth knowledge of local building codes and regulations.
Efficiently manage the acquisition of construction materials.
Identify and assess potential risks to project success.
Implement and monitor quality assurance processes.
Stay informed on the latest safety guidelines and regulations.
Accurately estimate labor and material costs.
Proficiency in CAD software for project planning.
Utilize tools like Microsoft Excel or specialized software for scheduling.
Understand and leverage BIM for project planning.
Understand the functioning of construction machinery.
Conduct and interpret tests to ensure material quality.
Conduct surveys to assess project feasibility.
Understand the structural requirements of construction projects.
Efficiently manage contracts and agreements.
Stay compliant with safety regulations.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Foreman:
Leadership: Inspire and guide the project team with confidence.
Communication: Clearly convey information to team members and stakeholders.
Problem Solving: Address challenges with innovative and effective solutions.
Decision-Making: Make informed decisions for the benefit of the project.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans in response to changing circumstances.
Team Collaboration: Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
Time Management: Efficiently allocate time to meet project deadlines.
Conflict Resolution: Mediate conflicts and maintain a harmonious work atmosphere.
Attention to Detail: Ensure precision and accuracy in project execution.
Client Relations: Build and maintain positive relationships with clients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Foreman's role is multifaceted, requiring a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Success in this role demands a keen understanding of construction processes, effective leadership, and the ability to navigate challenges with finesse.
