Our superintendents oversee our construction sites each and every day and interact with all project participants—from our clients to material suppliers. As some say, they are “where the rubber meets the road.”
We asked some of our most seasoned “supers” about the qualities and skills required to be a top performer in this role. Together, they shared these five attributes. A great super is:
1. Knowledgeable
A great superintendent becomes an expert on—not just the industry—but the specific job at hand. A superintendent should learn as much as possible about the structure, the client, and their vision in order to create value on the project.
2. Focused
Supers must focus on the “big picture” at hand, while also keeping a variety of small project details in mind. The job is a balancing act which requires a focused mind, priority management, and learned experience.
3. Engaged
A truly engaged superintendent seeks out opportunities in a project that improve the final product. They reach out to subcontractors and team members for valuable input. In that journey, he or she gains a better understanding of the project, what is of value to all project participants, and how to improve the construction experience for all involved.
4. Tenacious
The superintendent is “the first and last line of defense for risk management.” This puts great responsibility on supers to manage project risk and mitigate any issues. They must be steadfast in assuring that each part of the project has been completed and every team member is working safely and efficiently.
5. Professional
Great superintendents lead their teams by example by following and promoting policies on the job site. They build relationships with team members by promoting integrity, and collaboration, which creates an environment of trust and open communication.
EMJ is hiring quality superintendents for our team! Learn more here.