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Site Supervisor job description

A Site Supervisor oversees works across a section of a construction site, coordinating gangs and keeping the day's work to plan. They pass on the engineer's instructions, deploy labour, check line, level and quality, and keep the site orderly and safe. Often risen from the trades, they bring practical know-how to daily supervision. A good Site Supervisor keeps several gangs productive, holds quality and safety on the ground, sorts out labour and material issues quickly, and keeps the engineer informed of progress and problems.

DetailFor this role
DepartmentConstruction and Projects
LevelEntry level
Reports toSite Engineer
Direct reportsForeman, Mason, Helper
Experience3 to 8 years in site supervision

Site Supervisor job description template

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Job title: Site Supervisor

Department: Construction and Projects

Reports to: Site Engineer

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

A Site Supervisor oversees works across a section of a construction site, coordinating gangs and keeping the day's work to plan. They pass on the engineer's instructions, deploy labour, check line, level and quality, and keep the site orderly and safe. Often risen from the trades, they bring practical know-how to daily supervision. A good Site Supervisor keeps several gangs productive, holds quality and safety on the ground, sorts out labour and material issues quickly, and keeps the engineer informed of progress and problems.

Key responsibilities

  • Deploy labour and gangs across the day's works on the assigned section.
  • Pass on the engineer's instructions and keep the works to the plan.
  • Check line, level and quality of works as they proceed.
  • Arrange material, tools and access so the gangs are not idle.
  • Enforce site safety and the correct working method among the workers.
  • Handle labour attendance, discipline and disputes on the ground.
  • Coordinate between the trades so their works do not clash.
  • Correct mistakes on the works before they are covered up.
  • Flag material shortages and drawing doubts to the engineer early.
  • Report daily progress and manpower to the site engineer.

Requirements

  • Diploma or ITI, or strong site experience
  • Able to read basic drawings
  • Practical knowledge of construction works
  • 3 to 8 years in site supervision

KRAs and KPIs for a Site Supervisor

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result areaHow to measure it
ProgressAssigned works kept to the daily plan
QualityWorks to line, level and quality with rework minimised
Labour productivityLabour deployed to plan with idle time minimised
SafetyZero avoidable safety incidents on the section
Front readinessMaterial and access ready so works do not stall

Skills and tools

Site supervisionLabour deploymentLine and level checkingTrade coordinationSite safetyLabour handlingPractical construction knowledgeCoordination

Tools used day to day: Measuring tape and level, Line and plumb, Attendance sheet, MS Excel, Safety gear.

Reporting line and career path

Site EngineerSite SupervisorForemanMasonHelper
Moves up from: Foreman, Mason, Carpenter
Next roles: Site Engineer, Execution Engineer, Senior Supervisor

Interview questions for a Site Supervisor

  1. How do you deploy labour across several gangs on your section?
  2. How do you keep quality while pushing for the day's output?
  3. How do you handle a labour dispute on site?
  4. How do you coordinate trades so their works do not clash?
  5. How do you check line and level of works as they proceed?
  6. How do you keep the work fronts supplied with material?

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Frequently asked questions

What does a Site Supervisor do?

A Site Supervisor oversees works across a section of a construction site. They deploy labour and gangs, pass on the engineer's instructions, check line, level and quality, and keep the day's work to plan. They arrange material and access, enforce safety, handle labour issues, coordinate trades, and report progress and problems to the site engineer.

What is the difference between a Site Supervisor and a Foreman?

A Foreman leads one gang or trade on the ground and is usually a senior skilled worker. A Site Supervisor oversees works across a section, coordinating several gangs and foremen and reporting to the engineer. The foreman drives a gang's output; the supervisor coordinates the broader work and keeps the whole section moving.

How do you become a Site Supervisor?

Many site supervisors rise from the trades or start with a diploma or ITI and site experience. Employers look for practical construction knowledge, the ability to read basic drawings, coordinate gangs and trades, hold quality and safety, and handle labour on the ground. Proven site experience matters more than a specific degree.