Hiring the right foreman is crucial for the success of any construction business. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your operations, finding someone with the right mix of experience, leadership, and team compatibility can make or break your projects. In a recent conversation with our very own Jeff Spencer, an experienced construction project manager, we discussed what to look for when hiring a foreman. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and advice shared during the discussion.
Experience Matters, But Be Realistic
One of the first things to consider when hiring a foreman is their level of experience. As our expert pointed out, it’s important to find someone with enough field experience to handle the responsibilities of the role. However, hiring a foreman isn’t as simple as picking the person with the most years under their belt.
In today’s market, it can be challenging to find workers at all levels, including foremen. The advice here is clear: unless you know the person well, always conduct an interview and check references. Look for someone who has been in the field long enough to understand the intricacies of the job but is also young enough to stay with you for the long haul. The sweet spot, according to our expert, is usually someone in their early to mid-30s. However, don’t discount older candidates, as a seasoned foreman in their 50s could still have 10-15 years of productive work ahead.
Quality Over Quantity
A good foreman isn’t just about getting the job done quickly; it’s about doing it well. The quality of work your crew produces under the guidance of a foreman is paramount. Our expert emphasized that while production is important, it should never come at the expense of quality.
A foreman should be someone who not only knows how to get work done efficiently but also understands the importance of delivering a high-quality product. This quality is often reflected in how well a foreman manages their crew and works with other teams on the job site. The best crews are those that have been together for years, led by a foreman who fosters teamwork and collaboration.
Trust and Leadership: The Foreman as a Coach
Think of a foreman as the coach of your team. Just as in sports, if the team doesn’t trust the coach, success is hard to achieve. A good foreman is someone who has earned the trust of their crew, who can give instructions confidently and knows they will be followed.
This trust is built on experience and leadership. When hiring a foreman, look for someone who has been in the trenches, knows the work, and can lead by example. If your foreman isn’t confident in their decisions, the crew won’t be either, which can lead to mistakes, delays, and ultimately, lost profits.
Growing Your Own Foreman
Sometimes, the best foreman is someone you develop from within your team. If you’re a smaller contractor, you might find yourself doing double duty as both owner and foreman. As your business grows, it’s essential to delegate the day-to-day management of the crew so you can focus on other aspects of the business.
One effective strategy is to promote an experienced operator to the role of foreman. Operators have often seen everything that happens on a job site and have a deep understanding of the work. If you’ve got time to train someone, this can be a long-term investment that pays off as the foreman you train will already be familiar with your standards and expectations.
The Interview: Key Questions to Ask
When sitting down with a potential foreman, it’s important to ask the right questions to gauge whether they’re the right fit for your business. Our expert recommends starting with their current job—how long they’ve been there, what their responsibilities are, and how they’ve handled those responsibilities. If a candidate has a history of short-term jobs, it might be a red flag that they’re not in it for the long haul.
Ask for references and take the time to call them. You want to know not just about the candidate’s technical skills but also how they interact with their team. A foreman who doesn’t work well with others or doesn’t respect the crew can create more problems than they solve. Your goal is to find someone who understands that the end goal is to deliver the best quality job while making the most money for the company.
Hiring a foreman is a critical decision for any construction business. It’s about more than just finding someone with experience; it’s about finding the right person who can lead a team, maintain high standards of work, and stay with your company for the long term. Whether you’re looking to hire someone new or promote from within, keep these insights in mind to ensure you’re making the best choice for your business.