Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Electrical Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

As an Electrical Supervisor, you are the critical link between project management and our on-the-ground electrical team. You will be responsible for the direct supervision, planning, and execution of all electrical work, from large-scale installations to complex maintenance and troubleshooting. This role requires a hands-on leader who can enforce rigorous safety standards, interpret complex technical documents, and drive team performance to deliver exceptional quality. You will be the go-to expert for all electrical matters, ensuring all systems are installed and maintained according to code and project specifications.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Senior Electrician
Lead Electrician
Electrical Foreman

Advancement To:

Electrical Superintendent
Project Manager
Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Electrical Estimator
Safety Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of a team of electricians, apprentices, and helpers, assigning tasks and ensuring project milestones are met.
Plan, schedule, and oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems, equipment, and fixtures in accordance with blueprints, schematics, and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Enforce strict adherence to all company, client, and OSHA safety policies, including conducting daily toolbox talks, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and ensuring the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Interpret complex electrical blueprints, technical drawings, and specifications to determine work requirements and layout for electrical installations.
Perform quality control inspections of all work in progress and completed projects to ensure workmanship conforms to specifications and industry standards.
Troubleshoot and diagnose complex issues within electrical systems, including control panels, motors, VFDs, and high-voltage distribution equipment, providing expert guidance for resolution.
Manage and coordinate project resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to maximize efficiency and maintain project budgets.
Serve as the primary point of contact on-site for all electrical matters, liaising with project managers, clients, inspectors, and other trade supervisors to ensure seamless project coordination.
Train, mentor, and develop team members, providing constructive feedback and performance evaluations to foster a culture of continuous improvement and skill enhancement.
Maintain accurate and detailed project documentation, including daily work logs, progress reports, as-built drawings, material requisitions, and employee timecards.
Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for critical electrical infrastructure to minimize downtime and ensure operational reliability.
Lead the response to emergency electrical breakdowns, assessing the situation quickly and directing repair efforts to restore service safely and efficiently.
Conduct comprehensive site evaluations and risk assessments prior to commencing work to identify potential hazards and implement mitigation strategies.
Oversee the commissioning and testing of newly installed electrical systems to verify functionality and ensure they meet operational performance criteria.
Manage the procurement and inventory of electrical materials, tools, and equipment, ensuring the team is properly supplied for all scheduled work.
Investigate and report on any accidents, incidents, or near-misses, implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Secondary Functions

Assist project management and estimating teams by providing input on labor hours, material costs, and scheduling for upcoming bids.
Champion the adoption of new technologies, tools, and methodologies that can improve safety, quality, and productivity.
Participate in project planning meetings to represent the electrical scope of work and provide technical expertise on constructability and design.
Review and approve electrical submittals and shop drawings to ensure they align with project requirements and design intent.
Coordinate and schedule electrical shutdowns with facility operations to minimize disruption to business activities during maintenance or new installations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Expert Knowledge of NEC: Deep understanding and practical application of the National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70E, and local building codes.
Blueprint & Schematic Interpretation: Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex electrical blueprints, single-line diagrams, P&IDs, and control schematics.
High/Medium/Low Voltage Systems: Hands-on experience with the installation, termination, and maintenance of systems across various voltage levels.
Motor Controls & VFDs: Advanced knowledge of motor control circuits, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and soft starters.
PLC & Control Systems: Familiarity with troubleshooting and installing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and associated instrumentation.
Electrical Testing Equipment: Skilled in using a wide range of diagnostic tools such as multimeters, megohmmeters, circuit tracers, and thermal imagers.
Project & Workforce Planning: Ability to effectively plan, schedule, and delegate work for a team to meet project deadlines.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of electricians, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to diagnose complex problems and implement effective, lasting solutions.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction with crew members, project managers, clients, and other stakeholders.
Safety Leadership: A steadfast commitment to safety, with the ability to instill a safety-first culture within the team.
Decision Making: The capacity to make sound, timely decisions under pressure, especially during emergencies or critical project phases.
Time Management & Organization: Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and administrative tasks simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED; Possession of a valid State Journeyman Electrician license.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or a related field; Master Electrician License.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electrical Technology
Construction Management
Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

7+ years of progressive experience in the electrical trade, with at least 3-5 years in a formal leadership or supervisory role (e.g., Foreman, Lead Electrician).

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience supervising crews on large-scale commercial or industrial construction projects, or in a heavy manufacturing/plant maintenance environment.