Construction superintendent
In the United States, a construction superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operations on a construction site, overseeing all the phases from initial planning to completion. The equivalent in the UK is the general foreman.
The superintendent is typically site-based and coordinates with the more office-based project manager on quality control and subcontractor coordination. Typically, the superintendent is involved in pre-construction budgeting and estimating, and monitors costs during construction to help ensure they stay on budget.
A superintendent can specialise in different types of project, whether infrastructure works such as bridges and dams, residential or commercial projects. On very large projects there can be multiple tiers of superintendents, broken down into different roles, including:
- Program superintendent (responsible for overall coordination and completion of the project).
- Superstructure superintendent.
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection superintendent.
- Interior superintendent.
- Assistant superintendent.
The superintendent is often tasked with interviewing and selecting workers for the site, in addition to communicating the site rules and ensuring that they are enforced. They also prepare the work schedule, organise site logistics, approve time-off requests, time cards, are the point of contact for workers relating to pay and benefits, provide necessary training, inspect and approve the works, and so on.
It is essential that construction superintendents have several years experience in the industry and some employers also require college degrees in construction project management or related subjects.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).