Working Superintendent & Lead Foreman

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title:  Working Superintendent & Lead Foreman

Location:  Grand Rapids

Classification: Full-Time

Why Build Your Career at Owen-Ames‑Kimball

At Owen-Ames-Kimball, you are not just taking a job. You are joining a team that has spent more than 130 years proving that great buildings are built by great people. We trust our employees to do meaningful work, encourage them to grow, and support them with leaders who value integrity as much as results. We are people who value people, and with an average tenure of 12 years, that is something we live every day.

 

O-A-K is launching a self-perform carpentry and general trades division based in West Michigan. Our crews will take on rough/finish carpentry, doors, frames, and hardware, Division 10 specialties, selective demolition, and general conditions work on O-A-K projects. This is a ground-floor opportunity: you will help build the crews, the standards, and the culture from day one, and you will do it as an employee-owner.

 

About this opportunity

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. is hiring a hands-on construction leader to serve as the Working Superintendent for our growing self-perform division. As the leader of our first self-perform crew, you will play a critical role in establishing the culture, craftsmanship, safety standards, and operating practices that will define the division for years to come.

 

This is a working leadership position where you'll spend your time in the field leading by example, performing skilled carpentry work alongside your crew, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. As the division grows, you'll have the opportunity to help develop future leaders and expand your responsibilities as additional crews are added.

 

What you’ll do

Field Execution

• Lead and work alongside a crew of three to six craft professionals performing rough carpentry, finish carpentry, doors, frames and hardware installation, Division 10 specialties, demolition, and general conditions work.
• Plan and coordinate daily and weekly work activities to ensure projects remain on schedule and productive.
• Order materials, manage tools and equipment, and coordinate project sequencing with O-A-K Project Superintendents and project teams.
• Monitor labor productivity by tracking crew hours and installed quantities against project estimates, identifying potential labor overruns early.
• Ensure all self-perform work is completed to O-A-K's quality standards with a goal of zero punch-list items at project turnover.
• Support the setup, organization, and maintenance of company tools, gang boxes, shop operations, and yard facilities.

Safety & Leadership

• Lead by example in maintaining a safe, organized, and professional jobsite environment.
• Conduct toolbox talks and ensure compliance with all company and regulatory safety requirements.
• Train, mentor, and develop apprentices and crew members to build the future workforce of the self-perform division.
• Identify high-potential team members and help develop future foremen and field leaders.
• Provide field productivity data and operational feedback to the Project Manager/Estimator to improve future estimating accuracy and project planning.
• Foster strong relationships with project teams, subcontractors, owners, and facility stakeholders while representing O-A-K professionally in the field.

What we’re looking for

• Journeyman-level carpentry skills with 10+ years of commercial construction experience.
• 3+ years of experience leading crews as a Foreman, Lead Carpenter, or similar field leadership role.
• Hands-on experience with rough and finish carpentry, doors, frames and hardware installation, and Division 10 specialties.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, layouts, and project documents.
• Proven experience planning work, managing crew productivity, and delivering high-quality results in the field.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with a passion for developing craft professionals and future leaders.
• OSHA 30 certification required, or the ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
• Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Experience working in occupied facilities, K-12 schools, higher education environments, healthcare facilities, or similar active construction settings is preferred.
• Self-motivated, accountable, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism.
• A team-first mindset with the ability to balance hands-on craft work with field leadership responsibilities.

 

The O-A-K Advantage

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to salary, 401(k) profit sharing, paid time off, health insurance . You’ll work with a close‑knit, supportive team in a low‑turnover culture where people genuinely enjoy what they do. Our size and values mean your contributions are recognized, your work makes a real impact in the communities we serve, and no two days are the same thanks to a variety of engaging, cross‑departmental tasks. Founded in Grand Rapids in 1891, O‑A‑K is a stable, respected company delivering construction projects annually across Michigan, Colorado, and Florida.

 

Owen-Ames-KimballCo. complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. O-A-K does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

Candidates that accept an offer of employment must undergo and pass pre-employment testing including a physical, lift test, drug and background screen. 

 

Notice to External Search Firms : Owen-Ames-KimballCo. does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. O-A-K Talent Acquisition engages with search firms directly for hiring needs.