What are the responsibilities and job description for the Millwright General Foreman position at JR Merit Inc.?
About JR Merit
JR Merit, Inc. was founded in 1997 on the belief that "merit"—the quality of being good and worthy—was something worth working for. Today, we are recognized as one of the highest-value industrial and mechanical construction contractors in the marketplace for complex infrastructure and critical plant processes. We take pride in being a union shop with a passion for surpassing client expectations.
We're growing JR Merit offers an exciting opportunity to develop and expand your career by supporting projects in highly unique and technical industries. If you want to have a voice, influence our continued growth, and work collaboratively as a team to find innovative solutions to our clients' construction challenges, we want to get to know you.
Position Overview
The General Foreman will be responsible for ensuring that all projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This role requires exceptional leadership, project management skills, and a deep understanding of construction processes and safety regulations.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Supervision
- Provide overall supervision and guidance to multiple foremen and their crews, ensuring effective team performance and adherence to project safety, quality, and schedule requirements.
Safety & Quality Control
- Lead the implementation of safety protocols and conduct regular site inspections to ensure a safe, compliant work environment for JR Merit crews and subcontractors.
- Support the development and execution of Site-Specific Safety Plans for each project.
- Maintain clean, organized, and compliant work areas, including trailers, gang boxes, conexes, and equipment.
- Implement & enforce quality control measures to ensure all work meets project specifications, codes, and industry standards.
- Ensure timely completion of all required equipment and tool inspections (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Lead Flex & Stretch sessions, PTP/JSA, and site safety audits.
Project Planning & Coordination
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and superintendents to align resources and schedules.
- Allocate labor, materials, and equipment to optimize productivity and efficiency.
- Develop project-specific work packages, including measurable productivity and labor tracking components.
Communication & Reporting
- Maintain detailed daily logs of work progress, timesheets, material usage, and incidents.
- Serve as a liaison between union crews and management, addressing and resolving issues promptly and professionally.
- Provide regular updates and reports to senior project management.
Training & Development
- Mentor and coach foremen and crew members on best practices, techniques, and safety.
- Foster a learning environment to support team development and career growth.
Conflict Resolution
- Promptly address and resolve on-site issues or personnel conflicts.
- Notify management of at-risk behaviors and participate in joint disciplinary action when necessary.
Budget & Resource Management
- Monitor job costs and resource utilization to stay within budget.
- Identify and recommend cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality, safety, and union standards.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal construction regulations and safety standards.
- Stay up to date with evolving codes, regulations, and legal requirements impacting the construction industry.
Required Qualifications
- 7–10 years of construction experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or Foreman role.
- Must have senior-level experience in industrial construction and a deep understanding of the millwright trade.
- Proven leadership and team management abilities, with a strong track record of supervising crews and delivering successful outcomes.
- Must belong to or be eligible to join Local 96 Union.
Desired Qualifications
- Proficient with construction management software and tools, as well as interpreting blueprints, schematics, and construction plans.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities on fast-paced job sites.
- Ability to plan, lay out, and perform all types of mechanical equipment setting and maintenance work in alignment with applicable plans, specifications, codes, and industry standards.
- Skilled in reading and interpreting blueprints, drawings, specifications, and safety/quality standards related to millwright and construction work.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the project team.
Working Condition
- Regular interaction with internal staff, leadership teams, customers, subcontractors, and vendors.
- Reports to the Superintendent as part of the Operations team.
- Requires a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and successful completion of a pre-employment drug test and background check.
- Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, climbing, balancing, and the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Also requiring regular communication and the ability to see, hear, and speak clearly, as well as frequent standing, walking, and use of hands and arms.
- Must be able to access all areas of active construction sites, including uneven terrain and heights, in varying weather conditions.
Compensation
Compensation is based on Local 96 Union rates as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). All benefits are provided in accordance with the terms of the CBA.
Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
JR Merit, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. We are a background screening, drug-free workplace.
JR Merit, Inc provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to
Work Authorization
JR Merit, Inc. is a federal contractor which participates in E-Verify. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
Notice to Staffing Agencies and Recruiters:
JR Merit does not accept unsolicited resumes, profiles, or applications. Agencies and third-party recruiters are asked not to contact JR Merit employees to present candidates unless a prior signed agreement is in place. Any unsolicited resumes submitted will be considered property of JR Merit.
- Must be able to qualify for local 96 Union Membership