General Foreman

Summary

The Insulation General Foreman is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all insulation-related field activities, supervising multiple insulation foremen and crews, and ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications, quality standards, and client requirements. This position provides overall field leadership for mechanical insulation operations, including manpower management, productivity, quality control, material coordination, and project execution within industrial and commercial environments.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of industrial insulation experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in a foreman or general foreman role.
• Extensive knowledge of mechanical insulation systems, materials, installation methods, and industry standards.
• Proven experience leading multiple insulation crews on industrial construction, maintenance, and turnaround projects.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, isometrics, P&IDs, specifications, and project schedules.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and industrial work practices.
• Proficient in planning, scheduling, manpower forecasting, and productivity management.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management software preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of industrial insulation systems, including hot and cold insulation applications.
• Thorough understanding of insulation materials such as calcium silicate, mineral wool, fiberglass, perlite, cellular glass, elastomeric insulation, and removable insulation blankets.
• Knowledge of aluminum, stainless steel, and other metal jacketing systems used for weatherproofing and protection.
• Ability to oversee insulation installation on piping systems, pressure vessels, storage tanks, heat exchangers, boilers, ductwork, and process equipment.
• Strong knowledge of industrial maintenance, capital projects, and turnaround operations in refineries, petrochemical facilities, LNG plants, power generation facilities, and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, insulation specifications, and insulation schedules.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to manage multiple crews and foremen simultaneously.
• Ability to identify productivity concerns and implement corrective action plans.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with clients, project managers, and field personnel.
• Ability to mentor, train, and develop insulation foremen and craftsmen.
• Knowledge of quality control requirements and insulation industry best practices.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure while maintaining project and safety objectives.

Essential Functions

• Direct and supervise insulation foremen, leadmen, and insulation craftsmen assigned to projects.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage all insulation installation activities to ensure project milestones and deadlines are achieved.
• Schedule and allocate manpower, equipment, materials, and tools to maximize workforce efficiency and productivity.
• Monitor daily production and labor performance to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Ensure all insulation work is performed in compliance with project specifications, industry standards, client requirements, and company procedures.
• Lead daily safety meetings, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and toolbox talks.
• Enforce compliance with OSHA regulations, site-specific safety requirements, and company safety policies.
• Review isometric drawings, blueprints, specifications, insulation schedules, and work packages to ensure proper execution of work.
• Coordinate work activities with clients, project management, subcontractors, and other crafts to minimize delays and resolve conflicts.
• Conduct routine field inspections to verify workmanship, quality standards, and compliance with project requirements.
• Oversee installation of pipe, vessel, tank, duct, and equipment insulation systems, including associated weatherproofing and metal jacketing.
• Monitor material inventory and coordinate with project management to ensure availability of insulation materials and supplies.
• Identify and resolve field issues affecting safety, productivity, quality, or project schedules.
• Review and approve timesheets, production reports, and daily work documentation.
• Assist with workforce planning, employee development, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations.
• Support project startup, commissioning, maintenance, turnaround, and shutdown activities as required.
• Promote a positive work environment focused on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, and work in physically demanding industrial environments.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work from ladders, scaffolds, elevated platforms, and aerial lifts.
• Ability to access confined spaces and elevated work areas when required.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and industrial environments.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to:
  • hard hat, safety glasses, face shield, gloves, hearing protection, FR clothing, steel-toed footwear, FR clothing, fall protection, respiratory protection and other project-specific PPE.

Work Environment

• Industrial construction sites, refineries, petrochemical plants, power plants, LNG facilities, manufacturing facilities, and maintenance turnaround projects.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, elevated work areas, and active construction environments.