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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Panel Foreman

💰 $70,000 - $95,000

ConstructionFacadeAluminumForeman

🎯 Role Definition

The Aluminum Panel Foreman is the on-site supervisor responsible for managing crews who fabricate, assemble, and install aluminum curtain wall systems, storefronts, window walls and panelized façade components. This leadership role coordinates installation with general contractors and subcontractors, enforces safety and quality standards, interprets shop drawings and manufacturer instructions, and ensures projects are completed on schedule and within budget. Ideal candidates demonstrate deep hands-on aluminum façade experience, strong blueprint-reading ability, proven crew leadership, and a disciplined approach to QA/QC and construction safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aluminum panel installer / Journeyman Glazier
  • Sheet metal fabricator or trade foreman
  • Site carpenter or façade technician with curtain wall experience

Advancement To:

  • Site Superintendent / Construction Superintendent (façade specialty)
  • Project Manager / Facade Project Manager
  • Regional Field Operations Manager / Prefabrication Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Curtain Wall Estimator
  • Shop Foreman / Fabrication Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead and supervise installation crews in the fabrication, assembly, and field installation of aluminum curtain wall systems, storefronts, window walls and other panelized façade components, ensuring compliance with approved shop drawings, manufacturer specifications, and project schedules.
  • Interpret complex construction drawings, shop drawings, and specifications to layout anchor locations, mullion spacing, unit alignment and panel attachment details, and communicate required adjustments to the team and project management.
  • Coordinate daily and weekly manpower planning, assign crew tasks, sequence work to meet tight schedules, and adjust crew composition and workflow to respond to field conditions or RFI responses.
  • Enforce rigorous quality control and inspection processes including checking tolerances, alignment, sealant joints, flashings, glazing stops and thermal breaks; document non-conformances and direct corrective actions to meet manufacturer and contract standards.
  • Manage on-site material handling, protection, and inventory for aluminum panels, framing, anchors, gaskets, sealants and glazing; verify incoming deliveries against purchase orders and submittals and report shortages or damage.
  • Oversee mock-up construction and acceptance testing for curtain wall systems, coordinate owner/architect/engineer inspections, implement punch-list remediation, and document sign-offs and warranty conditions.
  • Direct and supervise installation of glazing (dry glaze, pressure glazed, structural silicone) including proper handling of insulated glass units (IGUs), setting blocks, glazing tapes and pressure plates in accordance with manufacturer and industry best practices.
  • Ensure all rigging, lifting, and crane operations for large panel installations comply with approved lift plans; coordinate with crane operators and signal persons to execute safe and precise placements.
  • Implement and enforce site safety programs, daily safety briefings, fall protection, scaffold and aerial lift protocols, and compliance with OSHA, local regulations and client safety requirements.
  • Train, mentor and certify crew members in façade-specific installation techniques, quality standards, safe use of tools and equipment, and best practices for handling fragile glass and precision aluminum components.
  • Participate in pre-installation meetings, coordination meetings with general contractor, MEP trades, and other subcontractors to resolve interface conflicts and ensure proper sequencing of work (curtain wall vs. slab edges, waterproofing, etc.).
  • Maintain daily field reports, production logs, material usage records, and site diaries; produce timely progress updates for project managers and document issues, delays and corrective actions.
  • Execute thermal and air/water infiltration testing preparation and remedial work as required; coordinate third-party testing and ensure assemblies meet performance criteria.
  • Review and enforce site-level control of sealant application, gaskets, and flashing installation to eliminate water intrusion and ensure long-term façade performance.
  • Supervise field modifications of shop-fabricated components, on-site trimming, field-cutting and rework while preserving factory tolerances and finish quality.
  • Coordinate with engineering and factory for field-measured revisions, update shop drawings, and ensure revised parts are fabricated and delivered per updated schedules.
  • Manage subcontracted specialty trades when required (e.g., high-access window washers, structural steel anchorage specialists), verifying compliance with contract terms and site safety.
  • Prepare and manage punch lists at substantial completion, prioritize remedial work, supervise completion of final adjustments and obtain sign-offs from clients/architects.
  • Control and maintain tools, equipment, and rigging gear to ensure calibration, inspection, and safe condition; schedule preventive maintenance and replacement of worn items.
  • Enforce site-level environmental controls, dust and debris mitigation, and proper disposal procedures for construction waste and glass/aluminum scrap.
  • Review and implement manufacturer bulletins, field advisories, and updated installation methods; keep crew informed of technical changes and product improvements.
  • Support project estimating and planning by providing accurate field-based labor and productivity feedback, anticipated durations, and material lead-time requirements to the project team.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in punch list preparation and final turnover documentation including as-built marks, vendor warranties, and instruction manuals.
  • Maintain and file daily logs, equipment checklists, toolbox talk records, incident reports and training documentation for audit and compliance.
  • Coordinate and schedule inspections by the architect, owner, and third-party testing agencies and facilitate access to the work areas.
  • Participate in mock-up review sessions and incorporate client/architect comments into the field installation plan.
  • Provide input to procurement regarding long-lead items, alternate products, and potential supply chain risks affecting façade schedules.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proven expertise installing aluminum curtain wall systems, storefronts, window walls and panelized façade systems.
  • Ability to read, interpret and enforce construction drawings, shop drawings, submittals, and specifications.
  • Proficiency with layout tools, laser levels, plumb bob, transit, and digital measuring devices for precise alignment and tolerances.
  • Knowledge of glazing systems including structural silicone, pressure plate, wet glaze and dry glaze techniques.
  • Experience with anchorage systems, embed plates, anchors, and anchorage tolerance corrections for curtain wall framing.
  • Competency in sealant and gasket selection/application methods, including backer rod, primer use, tooling, and finishing to ensure watertight seals.
  • Familiarity with thermal break details, insulation interfaces, and performance-based facade assemblies.
  • Skilled at coordinating and implementing lift plans, rigging, load calculations and working with cranes for large panel installation.
  • Working knowledge of relevant building codes, NFRC, ASTM standards, AAMA facade standards and OSHA safety regulations.
  • Strong quality control and inspection skills, including use of checklists, tolerancing, and field measurement documentation.
  • Experience preparing and maintaining daily field reports, production logs, material reconciliation and punch lists.
  • Basic competency with common construction software tools (Procore, PlanGrid, Bluebeam, MS Excel) for RFIs, submittals and documentation.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and crew management with the ability to motivate, mentor and discipline field teams.
  • Excellent communication skills to coordinate with project managers, architects, inspectors, and general contractor stakeholders.
  • Problem-solving orientation with the ability to diagnose field issues, propose practical fixes, and implement corrective measures quickly.
  • Time management and planning skills to sequence complex façade work against tight schedules and phased building construction.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality finishes and precision installations.
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to manage trade interfaces and subcontractor performance.
  • Adaptability and composure under pressure when managing schedule impacts or weather-related constraints.
  • Safety-first mindset and proven ability to enforce a zero-harm culture on site.
  • Customer-focused professionalism when representing the façade contractor during site visits and owner inspections.
  • Continuous improvement mindset; open to learning new materials, systems and installation techniques.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or trade school preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Technical certificate or diploma in construction technology, architectural drafting, or glazing technology.
  • Additional training/certification such as OSHA 10/30, NCCER, manufacturer-specific certificiations, or façade installation training programs.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Technology
  • Architectural Drafting / CAD
  • Sheet Metal Fabrication / Glazing Technology
  • Civil or Architectural Engineering Technician programs

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5–12+ years of hands-on façade and aluminum panel installation experience, with at least 2–4 years in a supervisory/foreman role.

Preferred:

  • Demonstrated track record managing commercial curtain wall projects, mid- to high-rise building façades, or large-scale panelized façade installations.
  • Prior experience working with architectural teams, managing mock-ups, and resolving complex interface conditions.
  • Certifications: OSHA 10/30, Scaffold/Scissor Lift training, first aid/CPR; manufacturer certifications for specific curtain wall systems are a plus.
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