Lead Carpenter

Company : McCandless Construction

Location : Charlotte, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Project Scope: Custom Residential Construction / Remodeling

Pay: $35–$40+ per hour, plus fixed bonus opportunities

Required: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and standard hand/power tools

About McCandless Construction

McCandless Construction is a residential general contractor with a 35-year history of building high-quality custom residential projects throughout the Charlotte area. Our work includes custom remodels, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, trim, framing, and full residential renovations.

Every project is unique, and our team takes pride in craftsmanship, precision, communication, and long-term professional growth.

We are looking for an experienced Working Lead Carpenter who can run small crews, perform high-quality carpentry work, and help drive residential projects from framing through finish.

Position Overview

The Lead Carpenter will lead field carpentry operations on custom residential construction and remodeling projects. This is a hands-on leadership role, not a desk-based superintendent position.

The ideal candidate can run a small crew, swing a hammer daily, read plans, sequence work, anticipate material needs, coordinate with subcontractors, communicate with homeowners, and keep jobs moving without waiting for constant direction.

This person should be comfortable leading a typical 3-person crew while also performing high-quality framing, trim, door, window, and finish carpentry work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise small crews of skilled carpenters on residential construction and remodeling projects.
• Perform hands-on carpentry work daily while directing the work of others.
• Read, interpret, lay out, and execute work from blueprints and construction plans.
• Lead framing work for walls, floors, roofs, soffits, fascia, and other structural components.
• Complete detailed finish carpentry, including crown molding, base trim, chair rail, doors, windows, and interior trim.
• Install and trim pre-hung doors, door slabs, and custom window units.
• Sequence daily and weekly jobsite tasks to keep projects moving efficiently.
• Anticipate material needs and assist with material takeoffs before shortages slow the job.
• Coordinate with project management, subcontractors, inspectors, and field team members as needed.
• Communicate professionally with homeowners in custom and occupied residential environments.
• Identify potential issues early and help prevent costly mistakes, delays, or rework.
• Coach, guide, and support carpenters in the field.
• Maintain safe, clean, organized jobsites.
• Work efficiently in changing site conditions and outdoor weather environments.
• Lift, carry, and maneuver building materials weighing 60+ lbs as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of residential construction, remodeling, or custom home building experience.
• 5+ years of experience leading crews, running jobsites, or directing field carpentry teams.
• Strong hands-on framing and finish carpentry skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and lay out work from blueprints and construction plans.
• Experience leading small crews while also performing carpentry work.
• Knowledge of residential framing, roofing, remodeling, and general building standards.
• Experience with crown molding, base trim, chair rail, doors, windows, and detailed interior trim.
• Ability to perform material takeoffs and anticipate jobsite material needs.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
• Must own standard hand and power tools required for daily carpentry work.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing 60+ lbs.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of residential general contracting, remodeling, or custom build experience.
• Experience running projects from framing through finish.
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors, inspectors, homeowners, and project managers.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• OSHA, fall protection, lift, or other safety/technical training.
• Proven experience mentoring, training, or developing junior carpenters.
• Experience working directly with homeowners in occupied or custom residential environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay: $35–$40+ per hour, based on experience.
• Fixed bonus opportunities.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Profit-sharing opportunities.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Professional development through mentor training and manufacturer certification programs.
• Company events and collaborative team culture.
• Long-term career growth with an established 35-year company.

Equal Opportunity Employer

McCandless Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. Selection decisions are based on job-related qualifications.