Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Tile Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

The Tile Supervisor is a cornerstone of any successful construction or finishing project, serving as the on-site leader and technical expert for all tile and stone installation activities. This role bridges the gap between project management and hands-on craftsmanship, requiring a unique blend of deep technical knowledge, strong leadership, and exceptional organizational skills. You are responsible for orchestrating the work of a dedicated crew of tile setters and helpers, ensuring that every project is executed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency, from initial layout to final grout and polish. The Tile Supervisor is the primary driver of quality control, guaranteeing that the final product not only meets but exceeds client expectations and architectural specifications.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Tile Setter / Journeyman Tiler
Lead Installer
Flooring Installer with specialization in tile

Advancement To:

Construction Superintendent
Project Manager (Finishes)
Field Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Flooring Supervisor
Finishing Foreman
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct, supervise, and mentor a team of tile setters and apprentices, providing clear instruction, ongoing training, and performance feedback.
Plan and coordinate daily and weekly work schedules for the tiling crew to ensure project milestones and deadlines are consistently met.
Meticulously read and interpret architectural blueprints, shop drawings, and finish schedules to guide accurate installation and layout.
Enforce strict quality control standards throughout all phases of installation, from substrate preparation to final cleaning, ensuring compliance with TCNA (Tile Council of North America) guidelines.
Manage the on-site inventory of all tiling materials, including tile, stone, mortar, grout, and waterproofing membranes, to prevent work stoppages.
Conduct pre-installation site inspections to assess substrate conditions, identifying and resolving any issues related to leveling, moisture, or structural integrity.
Act as the primary on-site point of contact for tiling operations, coordinating seamlessly with other trade supervisors (plumbers, electricians, painters) to maintain project flow.
Troubleshoot complex installation challenges in real-time, such as intricate patterns, difficult cuts, or unexpected site conditions, and implement effective solutions.
Communicate regular, detailed progress updates to the Project Manager, highlighting achievements, potential delays, and resource needs.
Lead daily job site safety meetings ("toolbox talks") to reinforce safety protocols and ensure a hazard-free work environment for the crew, in compliance with OSHA standards.
Perform hands-on installation work as needed to support the team, demonstrate techniques, or accelerate progress on critical path activities.
Review and approve crew timesheets, ensuring accurate tracking of labor hours and job costing for the project.
Conduct final project walkthroughs with project managers and clients to identify any deficiencies and create a detailed punch list for completion.
Oversee all aspects of substrate preparation, including the application of self-leveling underlayment, crack-isolation membranes, and waterproofing systems.
Manage the precise layout of complex and custom tile designs, ensuring aesthetic and technical requirements are perfectly aligned with the project vision.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Project Manager with material take-offs and ordering, verifying quantities and specifications to prevent shortages or incorrect deliveries.
Maintain a comprehensive daily log of site activities, including work performed, crew attendance, weather conditions, and any incidents or delays.
Resolve any interpersonal conflicts or professional disagreements that may arise within the crew or with other on-site personnel.
Ensure the job site is kept clean, organized, and professional at all times to promote safety, efficiency, and a positive company image.
Evaluate the performance of team members and contribute to formal performance reviews, identifying opportunities for skill development and advancement.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert-Level Installation: Mastery of installation techniques for a wide variety of materials, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, large format tile, and natural stone.
Blueprint & Drawing Comprehension: High proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural plans, specifications, and shop drawings.
TCNA & Industry Standards: Deep knowledge of the TCNA Handbook and ANSI standards for tile installation, ensuring every job is built to last.
Substrate Analysis & Preparation: Expertise in evaluating and preparing substrates, including mastery of waterproofing, crack isolation, and self-leveling techniques.
Material & Labor Estimation: Ability to accurately estimate material quantities and labor requirements for projects of varying scale and complexity.
Construction Math: Strong mathematical skills for calculating layouts, areas, and material needs, including complex angles and patterns.
Tool & Equipment Proficiency: Safe and efficient operation of all relevant tools, from wet saws and grinders to laser levels and moisture meters.
Safety Regulation Knowledge: Thorough understanding of OSHA construction safety standards and best practices for job site safety.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of skilled tradespeople, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Problem-Solving: A proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and resolving technical, logistical, and personnel issues as they arise.
Communication: Clear, concise, and professional communication skills for interacting effectively with your crew, project managers, other trades, and clients.
Attention to Detail: An uncompromising eye for detail and a commitment to the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality.
Time Management & Organization: Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks, manage schedules, and organize resources to keep projects on track.
Conflict Resolution: The capacity to mediate disputes and resolve conflicts constructively and professionally.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or trade school in tiling, construction technology, or a related field.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management
Building Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 7-10 years of hands-on experience in the tile installation trade, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity as a Lead Setter or Foreman.

Preferred:

Demonstrable experience supervising crews on large-scale commercial, institutional, or high-end residential projects with complex requirements.
A portfolio of completed projects showcasing a wide range of materials, techniques, and challenging installations.