Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Aluminum Window Foreman

🎯 Role Definition

The Aluminum Window Foreman supervises and coordinates all on-site activities related to aluminum window systems, curtainwalls, storefronts and glazed assemblies. This role combines hands-on installation and fabrication oversight with crew leadership, quality assurance, safety compliance, client communication and scheduling to ensure efficient, code-compliant and high-quality fenestration projects. The Foreman is the primary field representative ensuring that aluminum window systems are installed per manufacturer specifications, architectural drawings, and project specifications.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Lead Glazier / Journeyman Glazier
Aluminum Fabricator / Installer
Site Carpenter or General Construction Lead

Advancement To:

Site Superintendent (Glazing / Façade)
Project Manager — Glazing & Curtainwall
Operations Manager / Estimating Manager for Glazing Division

Lateral Moves:

Curtainwall Specialist / Engineering Lead
Quality Control Inspector (Façade/Glazing)
Construction Safety Coordinator (with safety certification)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead, schedule and supervise daily field operations for aluminum window, storefront and curtainwall installations, ensuring crews meet production targets while maintaining high standards of workmanship and safety.
Read, interpret and implement architectural drawings, shop drawings, submittals and manufacturer installation manuals to ensure installations meet design intent and performance specifications.
Perform and oversee precise site layout, field measuring, mock-ups, and fit-up of frames, sills, transoms, anchors and glazing to guarantee plumb, level, square and weather-tight assemblies.
Coordinate delivery, storage and protection of aluminum framing, glass, gaskets, sealants and hardware to prevent damage and maintain traceability against project schedules.
Conduct daily toolbox talks and enforce site safety programs, PPE use, fall protection, and compliance with OSHA and local regulations; maintain safety documentation and incident reports.
Train, mentor and evaluate glazing crews, apprentices and subcontractors on installation techniques, proper use of tools, sealant application, glazing pressure/fastening, and manufacturer tolerances.
Create and maintain installation schedules, manpower rosters and progress reports; adjust resources and sequencing to mitigate delays and keep project milestones on track.
Inspect incoming materials for conformance to specifications (glass type, thickness, coatings, thermal break, hardware) and report discrepancies or nonconforming items to procurement and project management.
Manage on-site quality control: verify alignment, thermal break continuity, glazing bite, backer rod placement, and sealant bead size; perform glazing, water test and air leakage checks as required.
Troubleshoot field issues including out-of-plumb conditions, unusual substrate interfaces, anchor conflicts, and provide engineered or manufacturer-approved corrective actions.
Supervise installation of anchors, brackets, shim systems and shear blocks; ensure proper torqueing, embedment and structural attachment to building substrates.
Oversee mock-up assembly and mock-up testing, coordinate third-party testing (air, water, structural) and ensure corrective actions are completed and documented for sign-off.
Lead punch list creation and closure: identify deficiencies, assign corrective tasks, verify repairs, and document completion for owner/architect acceptance.
Coordinate with general contractor, concrete, masonry, glazing, waterproofing, and curtainwall subcontractors to maintain sequencing and ensure interface details function as designed.
Administer on-site documentation: daily logs, RFIs, time sheets, inspection reports, material tracking forms and photographs for project records and claims avoidance.
Enforce manufacturer warranty and maintenance procedures, ensure as-built documentation and O&M manuals are compiled and turned over with final project closeout.
Manage small-scale field fabrication and adjustments: frame trimming, glass handling, setting, re-glazing, and hardware installation when shop adjustments are required.
Supervise safe operation and maintenance of field equipment (scissorlifts, boom lifts, cranes, rigging and hoisting) and coordinate operator schedules and lift plans.
Implement and monitor weatherproofing and flashing details at perimeter interfaces, transitions and penetrations to prevent water intrusion and thermal bridging.
Control on-site inventory and coordinate reorders to prevent stoppages; verify quantities and part numbers against purchase orders and submittals.
Communicate proactively with owners, architects, consultants and contractors regarding sequencing, potential impacts, and schedule changes; represent the glazing team in site meetings.
Review and verify change orders and field change documentation for accuracy before submission to project management for pricing and authorization.
Ensure compliance with building codes, thermal performance requirements, fire-rating interfaces, accessibility standards and local permit conditions.
Promote continuous improvement by documenting best practices, training needs, and lessons learned to improve productivity, safety and installation quality.

Secondary Functions

Assist project management with labor forecasts, material takeoffs and field-based estimating support as required.
Participate in pre-construction site evaluations and provide constructability input for glazing sequences and attachment solutions.
Support vendor and manufacturer relationships by coordinating technical service visits, warranty inspections and product clarification.
Participate in mock-up design and review meetings to optimize details for constructability and cost effectiveness.
Maintain and update field tool and equipment inventories; recommend capital purchases to improve efficiency and safety.
Help develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials for glazing installation practices.
Provide input to procurement on long-lead items, custom extrusions, and specialty glass requirements to avoid schedule impacts.
Facilitate cross-training opportunities for team members in glazing, fabrication and site safety disciplines.
Coordinate with quality assurance teams to implement corrective action plans arising from audits or client feedback.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Deep knowledge of aluminum fenestration systems including storefronts, curtainwalls, commercial windows, punched openings and unitized systems.
Expert blueprint and shop drawing reading; ability to translate drawings into field layouts and install sequences.
Proficient in glazing techniques: glass setting, wet glazing, dry glazing, setting blocks, setting tape and backer rod/sealant systems.
Strong understanding of anchorage systems, anchors, shim strategies, torque requirements and structural loads.
Competent with hand and power tools used in glazing and aluminum fabrication (drills, riveters, saws, grinders, torque wrenches, pneumatic tools).
Experience with field fabrication: cutting, mitreing, punching, notching, and mechanical fastener installation on aluminum extrusions.
Knowledge of sealants, primers, gasketing materials, thermal break systems and compatibility testing for long-term performance.
Familiarity with air and water infiltration testing procedures, mock-ups and third-party testing requirements.
Proficient with construction software and tools: Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Bluebeam (mark-ups), Procore or similar field documentation platforms.
Ability to read and apply manufacturer installation manuals, performance specifications and industry standards (AAMA, ASTM).
Experience coordinating lifts, rigging, cranes and suspended access for multi-story glazing installations.
Competence in quality control processes including tolerance verification, inspection checklists and punch list management.
Familiarity with local building codes, fire-rating details, wind-load considerations and accessibility requirements affecting fenestration.
Basic welding and metal-assembly skills (as applicable) or ability to coordinate TIG/MIG welding operations through certified fabricators.

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and crew management: ability to motivate teams, delegate tasks and maintain high morale under tight schedules.
Excellent verbal and written communication for coordinating with GC, architects, owners and multi-disciplinary trades.
Problem-solving mindset with ability to generate practical, safe, cost-effective field solutions under time pressure.
Organized, detail-oriented and disciplined with time management to handle multiple tasks and shifting priorities.
Customer-facing professionalism and conflict resolution skills for managing client expectations and on-site concerns.
Coaching and mentoring aptitude to develop less-experienced glaziers and apprentices into productive team members.
Safety-focused attitude that models and enforces safe behaviors and continuous safety improvement.
Adaptability to changing site conditions, weather impacts and last-minute design changes.
Strong observational skills for quality assurance and early detection of potential leaks, misalignments, or material defects.
Collaborative team player comfortable working across trades and with project leadership to achieve project goals.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent; strong on-the-job experience in glazing or aluminum window installation.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or technical diploma in glazing, metal fabrication, carpentry, or construction trades.
Additional certifications such as AAMA glazing certification, OSHA 10/30, NCCER, or a trade apprenticeship completion.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management / Technology
Architectural Technology / Drafting
Metal Fabrication / Welding
Glazing Technology / Fenestration Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

4–10+ years in commercial glazing, aluminum window systems and field installation with at least 2–4 years in a supervisory or lead role.

Preferred:

5+ years of direct experience installing storefronts, curtainwalls and commercial window systems; proven track record as a foreman or lead installer overseeing teams, mock-ups, testing, and client coordination.
Experience with multi-story/complex façade projects, working knowledge of building envelope performance and history of successful project closeouts.