What Does a Foreman Do?
Foremen typically work for construction companies or warehouses to ensure the productivity of daily operations. They work closely with the management team to determine hiring needs, deadlines for specific tasks, and safety protocols to enforce among Workers. Their job is to manage projects onsite and host meetings with teams of Construction Workers to establish project deadlines, safety procedures, work schedules or payment details. They may also be responsible for using their trade experience to participate in construction projects.
Foreman Skills and Qualifications
To maximize efficiency and productivity, it is crucial for a Foreman to possess analytical skills for handling unexpected issues and delays while resolving any problems that may arise. It’s also helpful for a Foreman to possess the following qualifications and skills:
- 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.
- Time-management skills to meet deadlines and ensuring construction phases are completed on time so that the next phase can start.
- Writing skills for writing budgets, proposals and plans along with documenting work progress for clients and others involved.
Foreman Salary Expectations
Foremen have an average salary of $23.23 per hour. This information is based on 4,751 anonymously submitted salaries to Indeed by users and employees, along with data collected current and past job postings on Indeed from the last 36 months.
Foreman Education and Training Requirements
While the Foreman job only requires a high school diploma, an associate degree in an industry-relevant field like building systems, power technology, equipment operation, construction or carpentry is often preferred. Typically, individuals with experience as an apprentice or construction worker are more likely to attain the position of Foreman. Coursework in mathematics, computer skills, welding, industrial technology and agricultural mechanics is especially helpful.
Foreman Experience Requirements
Experience requirements for a Foreman position include proven experience as a Foreman for other construction sites, in-depth knowledge of OSHA guidelines, equipment and construction procedures and an understanding of hydraulic and electrical systems.
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