Location: Sydney, NSW

The Leading Hand is responsible for supervising and working alongside a team of tradespeople and subcontractors to ensure the successful delivery of residential construction projects. This role bridges the gap between site management and the work crew, ensuring that construction tasks are completed safely, on time, and to a high standard of quality. The Leading Hand will coordinate daily site activities, oversee subcontractors, and actively participate in hands-on building work (carpentry) as required. A trade-qualified carpenter with strong leadership skills is ideal for this position, as it requires both technical construction expertise and the ability to manage and motivate a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordination of Daily Work: Plan and assign daily crew tasks based on project deadlines. Review objectives each morning, clarify expectations, monitor progress, and reassign labour as needed to stay on schedule.

• Hands-On Work: Work alongside your team in carpentry and construction. Balance direct involvement with supervision, taking the lead on complex work and overseeing routine tasks.

• Oversight of Subcontractors: Coordinate subcontractors’ activities with the crew, monitor their progress and quality, and promptly report issues or safety concerns to the Site Manager. Verify completed work meets standards before sign-off.

• Quality Assurance: Inspect team output to ensure compliance with drawings and standards. Address any issues immediately and consult the Site Manager or plans if in doubt about requirements.

• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Address minor site issues using your experience; escalate significant or unresolved problems to the Site Manager with suggestions for resolution.

• Mentoring and Team Development: Provide training and guidance to junior staff, demonstrate correct techniques, answer questions, and foster a supportive learning environment.

• Materials Management: Liaise to ensure timely material deliveries, supervise unloading and storage, minimize waste, and keep track of tools and equipment.

• Collaboration with Site Management: Maintain communication with management, provide updates, attend meetings, relay changes, and ensure information flows between management and crew.

• Deadline Management: Track progress against deadlines, use initiative to resolve delays (e.g., reallocating staff or rescheduling), and strive to deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Enforcing Standards and Discipline: Uphold company policies and standards, address underperformance or rule violations fairly, and report serious issues to management.

• Acting for Site Manager/Foreman when Required: Step up to oversee broader site operations when needed, coordinate multiple trades, and make decisions within your authority to maintain site continuity.

What We’re Looking For

• Certificate III in Carpentry (minimum); Certificate IV or Builder’s Licence preferred

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on residential construction experience, including supervisory roles

• Strong understanding of Australian building codes and safety regulations

• Proficient with construction software (e.g. Buildertrend, WunderBuild, Excel)

• Excellent communication, problem solving and leadership skills

• Ability to read and interpret plans, schedules, and technical drawings

• White Card and valid driver’s licence required

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses

• Supportive team culture with career progression opportunities

• Access to training and leadership development

• Opportunity to work on high-end renovations and custom builds across Sydney