NigCareers

Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a foreman. Feel free to use our foreman job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a foreman.

 

Who is a Foreman?

Foreman refers to a type of supervisor who acts as a liaison between front-line employees and upper management. They oversee the entirety of manufacturing and construction projects. Foremen adhere to blueprints, inspect ongoing work, and monitor compliance with safety regulations.

A foreman is the backbone of any industry. His position is a crucial one. Regardless of the quality or extent of the planning, the foreman is responsible for achieving results. A foreman is a man who has direct supervision over the workforce to ensure that tasks are completed with discipline. In most industries, a Foreman is a person in charge of and responsible for coordinating the activities of a group of workers performing a single type of task. This personality is an indispensable link between management and workers.

 

A foreman is a person who, with the assistance of workers, gives practical form to the enterprise’s policies. The foreman is the conduit for vertically upwards and downward information flow. A foreman is responsible for the direct supervision of employees. This professional is the most important and effective position between management and employees. He is directly responsible for labor and directs the activities in his section. He is responsible for the individual and collective efforts of the group of men reporting to him, as well as for achieving the planned quality and quantity of results. His men must be led and inspired, and he must be well-versed in human psychology and the art of dealing with men.

These employees are the highest-ranking supervisor at locations such as construction sites. People in this position can direct, supervise, and troubleshoot routine issues that arise on the job site due to their industry experience and formal training. In addition to these, the foreman ensures that safety rules are followed at all times on the site and develops work schedules based on employee and contractor availability. They are also responsible for organizing and supervising the work of a group of workers. Foremen report to managers and other company personnel on the productivity and general work habits of the individuals under their supervision. Depending on the demands of the work environment, the precise responsibilities of a foreman, who is typically associated with the construction or manufacturing industries, will vary.

 

Most times the office of a Foreman varies. Below are the types of Foremen;

• Shop Foreman

Commonly found in textile and other manufacturing plants, the shop foreman supervises the employees responsible for maintaining the facility, typically including the manufacturing machinery. Within this organizational structure, the foreman is likely to report to a department supervisor and possess the same authority within the plant as any shift supervisor. This includes the ability to schedule employees under his or her supervision, take disciplinary action when necessary, and request additional personnel or supplies as necessary.

• Job Foreman

Possesses duties comparable to those of a shop Foreman, but may operate in other settings. It is not uncommon for this type of supervisor to work in the construction or building industry. Typically, this entails supervising the execution and completion of various tasks that advance the construction, arranging work schedules, ensuring the delivery of materials, and reporting progress to superiors. As in other contexts, this type of manager typically has the authority to hire and fire employees, enabling the formation of cohesive work teams.

• Electric Foreman

Electric Foreman is a supervisor who, with the assistance of his or her team, oversees all tasks involving the use of electrical current on a construction site. This can include the installation or maintenance of electrical wiring within a facility, troubleshooting special projects such as temporary lighting for a special event, and ensuring that all electrical equipment within the facility is safe and operating following industry standards.

• General Foreman

This Foreman is in charge of multiple support teams. Due to the expansive nature of the job responsibilities, this type of manager typically possesses credentials and experience in multiple areas of specialization. For instance, a general foreman may be proficient in general construction in addition to electrical wiring and plumbing systems.

 

Foreman Job Description

Below are the foreman job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a foreman job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

• Overseeing and verifying compliance with all safety regulations at all times and on all sites.
• Creating work schedules based on the availability of employees, contractors, labor laws, and tracking crew attendance.
• Coordinating daily tasks following priorities and plans, adjusting as required for weather, supply delivery, and personnel availability.
• Delegating individual responsibilities and projects to crew members and contractors.
• Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, managing, and training personnel and independent contractors.
• Providing sufficient resources and personnel to meet safety requirements, regulations, best practices, and project deadlines.
• Emphasizing the safe use of tools, machinery, and equipment, with training on protective equipment, helmets, and procedures.
• Establishing and monitoring quality standards on all sites.
• Monitoring and managing budgets for all project sites.
• Resolving any conflicts or miscommunications that may arise on-site rapidly and amicably.
• Updating supervisors, site engineers, and officials on the status of the project regularly.
• Supervising, scheduling, and organizing crew work in collaboration with other team members as required daily.
• Reviewing daily all project activities, work equipment, and worksites to ensure compliance with company standards and the most recent OSHA regulations and standards.
• Locating, calculating, and designating the locations of equipment and job site structures, as well as the job site locations, as required.
• Collaborating with other required personnel and supervisors to coordinate all site and crew activities.
• Delegating tasks to crew members based on their abilities, the general requirements of specific work projects, and the parameters of the worksite.
• Meeting with other managers/supervisors and necessary personnel to fully resolve conflicts, complications, and other issues by the standards/requirements of the company and/or client (as required).
• Training new crew members whenever they join the team, and providing workers with continuing education following the most recent industry standards, so that all work meets the most recent standards.
• Recruiting, instructing, supervising, and evaluating employees.
• Monitoring closely daily attendance, and issuing reprimands as necessary, to ensure that a full crew is available and to maintain a tight schedule.
• Maintaining a safe and clean working environment.
• Distributing work to employees based on their capacity and expertise.
• Coordinating construction work following plans and priorities.
• Producing schedules and monitoring crew attendance
• Ensuring adequate manpower and resources
• Supervising the use of machinery and equipment to ensure all safety precautions and quality standards are met.
• Monitoring expenditures and ensuring they don’t exceed the budget
• Encouraging and instructing employees to assume responsibility.
• Promoting and transferring employees without bias.
• Issuing directives and establishing deadlines, for employees.
• Maintaining communication with construction managers who oversee the overall project.
• Providing reports on project progress, estimating timelines, and budget updates.
• Discussing how to address personnel issues such as overtime and leave requests following any applicable collective bargaining agreements with labor unions associated with the project.
• Ensuring the smooth operation of a construction site.
• Serving as the liaison between construction workers and managers.
• Overseeing the quality of the site, and managing the budget.
• Reporting project development to higher-ups.
• Creating a work schedule for employees.
• Monitoring every construction worker
• Solving disputes between workers
• Ensuring that a project has sufficient personnel
• Developing strategies and plans to increase production efficiency and product quality.
• Providing sufficient personnel and resources to meet project deadlines, laws, regulations, best practices, and safety requirements
• Providing training on protective gear, helmets, and procedures, and emphasizing the safe use of tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Developing strategies to reduce waste and scrap.
• Maintaining records for future use.
• Developing cooperation, harmony, and teamwork.
• Developing, and motivating the initiative and interest of employees.
• Contributing to the success of company policies by providing an exemplary model of punctuality, demeanor, leadership, and productivity.
• Considering the suggestions of other supervisors.
• Collaborating with other departments.
• Contributing to construction projects using their trade expertise.
• Coordinating daily tasks following established priorities and plans, making adjustments as required due to weather, supply, delivery, and personnel.
• Delegating tasks and projects individually to crew members and contractors.
• Developing and administering project budgets and quality standards for all locations.
• Communicating managerial policies to employees.
• Collaborating with management to effect changes in methods, compensation, and working conditions.
• Maintaining the required documentation.
• Refraining from and resisting any departmental interference.
• Facilitating the selection of appropriate materials.
• Prioritizing, implementing, and managing construction tasks by established objectives.
• Managing and directing the use of equipment and machinery.
• Monitoring expenditures.
• Keep budget in check.
• Preparing and presenting status reports
• Hiring and managing personnel.
• Purchasing materials as required.
• Ensuring that projects do not exceed the budgeted amount.
• Developing strategies to reduce waste and scrap.
• Completing the necessary production on time.
• Referring promptly to management any matters requiring their attention.
• Supervising the construction personnel

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or skilled trade certification.
• Four or more years of work experience as a construction foreman.
• Knowledge of construction best practices, equipment maintenance, and use, and OSH regulations.
• Understanding of use and maintenance of electrical and hydraulic systems.
• The capability of reading drawings, plans, and blueprints and communicating this information to others.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• The capability of communicating and reporting effectively.
• Aptitude in mathematics.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent physical fitness and stamina.
• Fluency in English.

 

Essential Skills

• Communication skills

To work with project managers and their employees, a foreman must have excellent communication skills. Verbal and written communication skills are required for the effective execution of this role’s daily responsibilities. Communication is essential to achieving success as a Foreman. Because you manage multiple projects simultaneously, effective communication ensures that the work is completed correctly, on time, and within budget. Additionally, it reduces the risk of injury and equipment and property damage. You must continue to develop your communication skills on the job. Foremen with developed communication skills can utilize listening techniques and nonverbal strategies to enhance conversations. As a Foreman, you must have the ability to balance time constraints and a heavy workload with the management of other employees and projects. You should have developed communication skills as a professional. You must be able to give clear verbal and written instructions, as much of your work involves directing others. As email and messaging applications become more prevalent in the workplace, it is increasingly important to be able to express yourself clearly in writing. When communicating face-to-face, it is essential to employ active listening skills. Demonstrate to your co-workers that you value what they have to say through the use of nonverbal cues and feedback that demonstrate you are listening.

• Problem-solving skills

This role requires the identification of complex issues and the review of relevant data to generate, evaluate, and implement viable solutions. It requires that you analyze available data and address work-related problems and concerns.

• Dispute resolution

When managing multiple individuals, conflicts may occasionally arise. In these circumstances, it is your responsibility as the Foreman to resolve the disagreement. Frequently, the most effective conflict resolution involves a compromise from both parties. You must be able to calm everyone down and help them understand the other person’s perspective during tense situations. Conflict occurs when change occurs and positions diverge. When a Foreman can effectively manage conflict, issues are resolved and productive relationships are formed. The ability of a Foreman to define and identify conflict styles, causes, and resolution strategies can increase the department’s or organization’s productivity.

• Decision-making skills

A Foreman will most times be in the position to select personnel and subcontractors for particular tasks and projects to meet deadlines and budgets. As a Foreman, you must take the initiative to generate the company’s business opportunities and actively seek out new clients. Foremen make crucial decisions for the team regularly. Identify a decision-making process that enables you to make intelligent and prompt decisions. Utilize your critical thinking skills to evaluate your options and anticipate the best outcomes. When making a decision, consider the welfare of your team and the business. Try to view situations objectively, and use the available information to make an informed decision. When making a decision that may affect people besides yourself, be willing to seek input from others.

• Leadership skills

For delegating tasks effectively to lower-level managers, subcontractors, and construction workers. You as a Foreman should be capable of resolving the various issues that arise from the relationships between the workers. You must be able to control the workers by guiding them down the correct path. To effectively manage the employees, you must encourage them to look to you for direction whenever they encounter a challenge in performing their duties. You should never be reluctant to demonstrate your superior skill and knowledge when required. You must attempt to comprehend the workers’ perspective, listen to their complaints, and attempt to have their complaints removed or rectified if they are found to be fair and justifiable. You as a Foreman are expected to lead by example, exhibit sound judgment, and demonstrate initiative in overcoming obstacles. Thus, we can conclude that you must be full of vitality and alertness and possess a robust physique to perform your duties effectively. You must be able to instill confidence and respect in your subordinates through your superior knowledge of production techniques and deft handling of individuals.

• Technical skills

As a foreman, you must possess the necessary qualifications and experience to comprehend the plant and equipment, materials handling, and processes utilized in your section. Ability to interpret construction methods and technologies, as well as contracts and technical drawings.

• Time-management skills

This skill is highly needed to meet deadlines and ensure construction phases are completed on schedule so the next phase can commence. Time management is an essential ability for foremen. The work environments are typically fast-paced, so it may be necessary for you as a Foreman to manage the project’s resources and deadlines efficiently. Foremen with time management and prioritization abilities can increase productivity and efficiency. This skill should include the ability to juggle a heavy workload and time constraints while managing and delegating other employees and projects. It is ideal for you as a Foreman to be aware of what is urgent and what is crucial. Foremen with time and priority management skills can recognize differences in their employees’ time, and priority management, and adjust projects and workloads accordingly to ensure success.

 

How to Become a Foreman

• Education

While a high school diploma is sufficient for the Foreman position, an associate’s degree in an industry-related field such as building systems, power technology, equipment operation, construction, or carpentry is frequently preferred. Those with experience as an apprentice or construction worker are typically more likely to attain the position of foreman. Particularly beneficial are courses in mathematics, computer skills, welding, industrial technology, and agricultural mechanics.

• Experience

Experience requirements for a Foreman position include demonstrated experience as a Foreman on other construction sites, in-depth knowledge of OSHA guidelines, equipment, and construction procedures, and comprehension of hydraulic and electrical systems.

• Certifications

As a construction Foreman, professional certification is not required; however, certifications help demonstrate a particular level of knowledge and experience. Below are some professional certifications;

Certified(Professional) Construction Manager (CCM)

The Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential recognizes construction management professionals. Certified Construction Managers are devoted to excellence in construction management/project management, professional growth, and the pursuit of knowledge. They offer professional services in which effective management techniques are applied to the planning, design, and construction of a project from inception to completion to control time, cost, and quality. In addition to meeting education and experience requirements, candidates must also pass a technical exam. Additionally, candidates must complete a self-study course on construction manager-related topics, including the manager’s role, legal issues, and risk allocation. Renewal is necessary every three years.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program certificate

The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides workers with fundamental and advanced training on common workplace safety and health hazards. It aims to promote workplace safety and health and increase workers’ awareness of workplace hazards and their legal rights. The training program is designed primarily for entry-level employees. The training program is designed to provide workers with some safety responsibilities as well as a more comprehensive and diverse education. All outreach training is intended to provide an overview of the potential hazards a worker may face on the job. The emphasis of training is on hazard identification, avoidance, control, and prevention.

 

Where to Work as a Foreman

• Construction companies
• Warehouses
• Government agencies

 

Foreman Salary Scale

A typical monthly salary of a Foreman in Nigeria ranges from 89,100 NGN to 142,000 NGN.

The average salary of a Foreman in the United States is $81,015, with a range between $72,140 and $90,159.

 

Manufacturing and Production

Tags: Foreman, Foreman Job Description, Foreman Qualifications, Foreman Salary, Foreman Skills, How to Become a Foreman, Job Description, Who is a Foreman