6 Things Every Good Superintendent Does

In this blog, we’re going to dive into the essential responsibilities of superintendents, their primary focuses, and actionable steps to become a top-notch professional. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, these tips will help you excel in your role.

The Role of a Superintendent

A superintendent’s job is unique. While a project manager (PM) focuses on building the team, ensuring a sound plan, and allocating resources, the superintendent must “see the future” of the project. The PM is the provider, but it’s the superintendent’s job to implement. They lead the field team and ensure the project moves forward seamlessly, hitting all the milestones. Here are the six habits that make a superintendent successful:

1. Build the Team

Building a cohesive field team is crucial. As a superintendent, you need to foster strong relationships between your field crew and office staff. Foremen are a key part of this process, and it’s your responsibility to ensure they work together harmoniously. Establish a culture of trust, communication, and teamwork. Just as you would with your PM team, involve the foremen in team-building activities like lunches, training sessions, and goal-setting exercises. A well-built team will ensure that information, culture, and instructions flow effectively, scaling your efforts from the project management team to the crew on the ground.

2. Keep the Team Focused

Superintendents play a crucial role in keeping their team focused on the bigger picture. With a clear project-level plan and milestone schedules, it’s essential to maintain focus on immediate goals as well as long-term targets. Plan ahead: Conduct pull planning with trades three months before any major phase. Make sure you schedule quality pre-construction meetings three weeks ahead of activities, and always look six weeks ahead for potential risks. This level of forward planning will keep your team aligned with the project’s rhythm and cadence.

3. Manage Risks

Risk management is another essential task. Superintendents need to identify any potential roadblocks or constraints early. By addressing these risks during the planning phases, you’ll avoid delays and unexpected issues down the line. Create a culture of transparency where problems are surfaced quickly and solutions are discussed and implemented without delay. Keeping risks under control will ensure that the project remains on track and free of unnecessary complications.

4. Track the Schedule

Superintendents must always stay on top of the schedule, tracking the flow of work through different zones. Ensure that trade partners know when their phase begins and ends, and that there are plans in place to complete work and move to the next zone on time. Daily schedule tracking helps superintendents balance long-term planning with short-term execution. Keep a close eye on milestones to avoid bottlenecks and ensure that each zone transitions smoothly.

5. Bring in the Resources

It’s not enough to just have a plan; you need to ensure that all the necessary resources are available on time. This means closely coordinating with PMs to ensure that materials, labor, and other resources arrive when needed. A superintendent should monitor the supply chain constantly, keeping a buffer to address any delays or issues. Failing to secure the right resources at the right time can result in costly delays, so it’s important to be proactive.

6. Solve Problems Effectively

The final habit of a great superintendent is problem-solving. Whenever you encounter roadblocks, the solution is always the same: identify the problem, discuss it with your team, and solve it quickly. Superintendents clear the way for trade partners, making sure they have everything they need to keep work flowing. Whether it’s clearing up miscommunications, securing additional resources, or reworking a plan, solving problems efficiently is key to keeping the project on track.