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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Framing Manager

💰 $85,000 - $135,000+

ConstructionManagementSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

The Framing Manager is the on-site leader and subject matter expert for all framing-related activities. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the framing phase, from pre-construction planning and material take-offs to crew management, quality assurance, and final inspection. This position requires a powerful blend of hands-on expertise, strong leadership, and exceptional project management skills to ensure that all structural components are built safely, accurately, and efficiently, meeting both budgetary and scheduling goals. You are the critical link between the blueprints and the built structure, ensuring the skeleton of the project is flawless.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Senior/Lead Framer
  • Framing Foreman
  • Assistant Construction Superintendent

Advancement To:

  • General Superintendent
  • Project Manager
  • Director of Field Operations

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Manager
  • Safety Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Direct, manage, and mentor a team of skilled framers and laborers, fostering a culture of high productivity, superior craftsmanship, and adherence to project timelines.
  • Expertly interpret and analyze complex architectural and structural blueprints, schematics, and construction documents to guide all framing activities and ensure precise execution.
  • Develop, maintain, and rigorously manage detailed framing schedules, coordinating seamlessly with the General Superintendent and other trade partners to ensure workflow continuity.
  • Champion a safety-first culture by enforcing all OSHA regulations and company safety policies, conducting regular site inspections, and leading daily safety briefings (tailgate meetings).
  • Oversee the entire material procurement lifecycle, including performing accurate take-offs, managing on-site inventory, and minimizing waste to maintain project budget integrity.
  • Implement and manage a stringent quality control program, conducting regular inspections of all framing work to ensure it meets or exceeds building codes and quality standards.
  • Proactively identify and resolve on-site challenges, construction conflicts, and discrepancies in plans before they impact the project schedule or budget.
  • Manage and coordinate the activities of framing subcontractors, ensuring they adhere to contract specifications, safety requirements, and project schedules.
  • Perform and verify critical layout and survey points, ensuring all walls, floors, and roof structures are dimensionally accurate and plumb.
  • Prepare and submit detailed daily reports documenting crew progress, materials used, site conditions, and any incidents or delays.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for building inspectors for all framing-related inspections, ensuring a smooth and successful approval process.
  • Train, coach, and develop crew members, identifying skill gaps and providing guidance to enhance the overall capability and versatility of the team.
  • Collaborate with the Project Manager to track labor costs, productivity rates, and material expenses associated with the framing scope of work.
  • Lead pre-task planning meetings to ensure that all crew members understand the day's objectives, potential hazards, and required quality standards.
  • Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and safety of all tools and equipment used by the framing crews on the job site.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the pre-construction team by providing expert feedback on framing estimates, constructability reviews, and value engineering opportunities.
  • Evaluate and recommend new framing technologies, tools, and materials that can improve efficiency, safety, and overall project quality.
  • Maintain positive and professional relationships with vendors, suppliers, and local building officials to facilitate smooth project execution.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to labor productivity and material usage.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing accurate field-level data.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Blueprint & Structural Plan Reading
  • Expertise in Structural Wood & Light Gauge Steel Framing
  • Construction Scheduling & Phasing
  • Construction Management Software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, BuilderTrend)
  • Accurate Material Take-offs and Estimation
  • OSHA 30 Certification & Advanced Safety Protocols
  • Deep Knowledge of Building Codes & Regulations (IBC, IRC)
  • Quality Control Inspection & Assurance Methodologies

Soft Skills

  • Decisive Leadership and Crew Management
  • Clear and Concise Communication (Verbal and Written)
  • Proactive Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
  • Exceptional Time Management and Prioritization
  • Collaborative and Team-Oriented Mindset
  • Strong Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Skills

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Construction Management
  • Building Science

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-10+ years in construction framing, with at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role.

Preferred: Demonstrated experience managing framing crews on large-scale, multi-family residential or complex commercial projects. A proven track record of completing the full framing scope of multiple projects on time, within budget, and with an impeccable safety and quality record.