What Does a Steel Supervisor Do?

A steel supervisor oversees the activities of work crews involved in the fabrication and erection of steel assemblies. He may work in a manufacturing facility, or out in the field on various construction sites. These professionals combine knowledge of the steel industry with basic business and leadership skills. They handle tasks related to personnel management, record keeping, safety, and quality control. Many steel supervisors start as laborers or general crew members in this industry before working their way up to supervisory positions.

Depending on the company, the steel supervisor may participate in assembly and fabrication work, or simply oversee others as they perform these tasks. Often, the supervisor is responsible for handling complex work tasks, or helping employees resolve difficult issues that could impact performance. The steel supervisor also takes the primary responsibility for the safety of employees, members of the public, and any property or equipment located nearby. He maintains and inspects equipment and conducts training exercises in addition to ordering materials and inventory needed to complete the job.

A steel supervisor also plays an important role in scheduling. He determines the best order in which to complete the various tasks related to a job. For example, when erecting a steel building, the steel supervisor may decide to complete certain sections of the building first before proceeding to other areas based on his knowledge and experience. He must also review blueprints and other project drawings to determine how his work affects other trades, then coordinate with the leaders of these affected work crews.

The supervisor of a steel crew is responsible for a great deal of employee management and personnel issues. He makes decisions related to hiring, firing, and promotions, and determines when employees should be transferred to other areas. He also schedules his crew and handles their time cards and payroll. The steel supervisor often serves as a liaison between his crew members and other management officials within the company.

Steel supervisors must also complete all paperwork and business tasks required by the company they work for. This includes daily progress reports and inspection results, as well as invoices and work tickets. He may be required to produce estimates for new jobs, or to price changes and additions to existing projects. The steel supervisor can review the contract for a project to ensure it meets the agreed upon scope of work, and that all prices are correct. He may also be required to handle budgeting and basic bookkeeping for a job to help track expenses and maximize profits.