Lead Carpenter

Lead Carpenter / Field Project Manager

A senior field role responsible for executing high-level carpentry work while managing daily site coordination, quality control, and project progress.

This position combines master-level carpentry skills with project management responsibilities, ensuring projects are built to Williams Contracting standards while maintaining schedule alignment, organization, and communication between the field and office teams.

Primary Purpose

The Lead Carpenter / Field Project Manager serves as the hands-on leader on the jobsite, responsible for executing complex carpentry tasks while coordinating daily construction activities.

This role bridges the gap between construction leadership and skilled field execution, ensuring projects move forward efficiently, safely, and to the high quality standards expected by Williams Contracting clients.

The position allows the Superintendent to oversee overall project direction and scheduling, while the Lead Carpenter manages the day-to-day execution, site organization, and carpentry work required to keep the project progressing smoothly.

Core Responsibilities

• Advanced Carpentry Execution
• Perform high-level carpentry tasks including framing, structural modifications, finish carpentry, and custom installations.
• Interpret architectural drawings, details, and specifications to execute work accurately.
• Maintain Williams Contracting standards for craftsmanship and quality.
• Identify potential issues in plans or field conditions and communicate solutions early.
• Support complex build details that require experienced problem-solving.
• Daily Site Management
• Oversee day-to-day activity on assigned job sites.
• Coordinate daily work flow between carpenters, laborers, and subcontractors.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized job site.
• Ensure all work performed aligns with the approved plans and scope.
• Identify site issues and coordinate solutions with the Superintendent.
• Subcontractor Coordination
• Coordinate subcontractor arrivals, site access, and work readiness.
• Ensure subcontractors have the information needed to complete their scope.
• Verify work completion aligns with plans and quality standards.
• Communicate field updates and concerns to the Superintendent and Project Management team.
• Schedule & Progress Support
• Assist the Superintendent in maintaining the construction schedule.
• Monitor daily progress and report potential delays.
• Ensure work areas are prepared for upcoming trades.
• Coordinate sequencing of carpentry work and subcontractor activity.
• Field Problem Solving
• Identify and resolve field conditions that differ from plans.
• Coordinate with the Superintendent and design team when clarification is needed.
• Propose practical solutions to maintain schedule and quality.
• Material Coordination
• Confirm required materials are onsite prior to scheduled work.
• Coordinate with the Product & Costing Manager and Superintendent regarding product deliveries.
• Notify leadership of missing materials or delivery issues that could impact schedule.
  
  

Required Skills & Competencies

Carpentry Expertise

• Extensive experience in residential construction.
• Mastery of framing, structural carpentry, and finish carpentry.
• Ability to execute custom design details with precision.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and building systems.
  
  

Field Leadership

• Ability to manage multiple trades and coordinate daily work activity.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain productivity while performing skilled carpentry work.
  
  

Technical Understanding

• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, structural drawings, and specifications.
• Clear understanding of residential construction methods and building codes.
• Ability to anticipate build challenges and resolve them proactively.
  
  

Communication

• Clear communication with Superintendent, Project Management, and office teams.
• Professional coordination with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Ability to document and report site conditions or concerns.
  
  

Key KPIs

Construction Quality

• Quality and craftsmanship of carpentry work.
• Reduced punch list items and rework.
  
  

Schedule Performance

• Ability to maintain project progress and sequencing.
• Reduced delays due to site coordination issues.
  
  

Jobsite Organization

• Clean, organized, and safe jobsite conditions.
• Effective subcontractor coordination.
  
  

Team Effectiveness

• Positive feedback from Superintendent and project team.
• Clear communication and issue resolution.
  
  

Tools & Systems

• Construction drawings and specifications
• Jobsite documentation and photo records
• Scheduling coordination with Superintendent
• Communication with internal teams and subcontractors
  
  

Workflow Responsibilities

Receives From

Chris / Principal

• Company standards for quality and craftsmanship
• Overall expectations for project execution
  
  

Construction Superintendent

• Project schedule
• Construction sequencing
• Field priorities and direction
• Scope clarifications
  
  

Account Executive

• Client-driven changes or approvals affecting construction
  
  

Design Team

• Plan updates and clarification of details
• Design intent for architectural elements
  
  

Product & Costing Manager

• Product orders and delivery schedules
• Material confirmations and substitutions
  
  

Delivers To

Construction Superintendent

• Daily site updates
• Progress reports
• Field condition updates
• Coordination of trade activities
  
  

Field Project Managers / Office Team

• Material needs
• Site readiness for upcoming work
• Confirmation of completed tasks
  
  

Subcontractors

• Site coordination and work sequencing
• Access and readiness for scheduled work
• Clarification of scope and expectations
  
  

Provides For

• Clients: High-quality craftsmanship and a professionally managed jobsite.
• Superintendent: Reliable day-to-day field leadership.
• Design Team: Accurate execution of architectural details.
• Construction Team: Organized workflow and coordinated trades.
• Leadership: Confidence that projects are progressing correctly in the field.