Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Plumbing Supervisor

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a seasoned Master or Journeyman Plumber ready to take the next step in your career? We are actively searching for a dynamic and dedicated Plumbing Supervisor to join our growing team. In this pivotal role, you will be the on-site leader, responsible for overseeing all aspects of plumbing projects from inception to completion. You will manage a talented crew, ensuring that all work adheres to strict safety protocols, building codes, and project specifications. Your expertise will be crucial in troubleshooting complex issues, managing resources effectively, and serving as the primary point of contact for clients, general contractors, and project managers. This is a fantastic opportunity for a natural leader to make a significant impact on our operations and mentor a team towards excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Master Plumber
Journeyman Plumber
Lead Plumber / Plumbing Foreman

Advancement To:

Project Manager (Construction)
Operations Manager
Plumbing Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Construction Superintendent
Quality Control Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Supervise, coordinate, and schedule the daily activities of a team of journeyman and apprentice plumbers across multiple commercial and residential job sites.
Provide hands-on leadership and technical guidance to the plumbing crew, ensuring all work is performed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
Conduct regular site inspections and quality control audits to verify that all plumbing installations and repairs comply with current local, state, and national plumbing codes (IPC/UPC).
Read, interpret, and work from complex blueprints, schematics, and construction documents to ensure accurate layout and installation of plumbing systems.
Manage project timelines and workflows, proactively identifying and resolving potential delays to keep projects on schedule and within budget.
Act as the primary on-site point of contact, communicating effectively with general contractors, project managers, other trade supervisors, and clients to ensure seamless project coordination.
Troubleshoot and diagnose complex plumbing system issues, including water distribution, sanitary drainage, gas piping, and fixtures, providing expert solutions.
Enforce all company and OSHA safety regulations on the job site, conducting regular safety meetings (toolbox talks) and ensuring all personnel utilize appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Mentor and provide on-the-job training for apprentice plumbers, evaluating their progress and fostering their technical skill development and understanding of the trade.
Manage the procurement, inventory, and allocation of necessary materials, tools, and equipment for all assigned projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Prepare and submit accurate daily field reports, progress updates, timesheets, and other necessary project documentation.
Assist project managers and estimators in developing labor and material cost estimates for change orders and potential new projects.
Oversee the installation, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of plumbing systems, including domestic water, soil, waste, vent, gas, and storm drainage.
Coordinate and manage inspections with local building officials to ensure all work passes required evaluations and receives necessary approvals.
Handle on-site conflict resolution, addressing any personnel or inter-trade issues professionally and effectively to maintain a positive work environment.
Conduct performance evaluations for team members, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for professional growth.
Ensure the proper maintenance and security of company vehicles, high-value tools, and equipment assigned to the plumbing crew.
Plan and lay out work for the crew, ensuring that the right materials and tools are available to prevent downtime and maximize productivity.
Respond to and manage after-hours or emergency service calls as needed, dispatching crew members effectively to resolve urgent issues.
Review project-specific submittals and specifications to ensure the correct materials and fixtures are ordered and installed as per the contract.
Champion a culture of professionalism, accountability, and exceptional customer service within the plumbing team.

Secondary Functions

Assist the purchasing department with vendor relations and sourcing cost-effective, high-quality plumbing materials.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of company standards, procedures, and safety protocols.
Participate in pre-construction and project planning meetings to provide expert plumbing-related insights.
Support the service department by providing technical expertise for particularly challenging diagnostic or repair jobs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Master or Journeyman Plumber License: A valid, current state-issued license is essential.
Expert Code Knowledge: Deep understanding of International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and local amendments.
Blueprint and Schematic Interpretation: Proven ability to read and execute complex construction drawings and P&IDs.
Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools such as Procore, Bluebeam, or similar construction management platforms.
Cost Estimation: Ability to accurately estimate labor hours and material costs for various plumbing tasks and change orders.
System Layout and Design: Strong capability in laying out plumbing systems for new construction and retrofits.
Drain Cleaning & Hydro-Jetting: Experience with advanced drain clearing equipment and techniques.
Gas Piping Installation & Repair: Certified or highly experienced in installing and testing natural gas and propane lines.
Backflow Prevention Certification: Current certification for testing and repairing backflow prevention assemblies is highly preferred.
Complex Troubleshooting: Advanced diagnostic skills for identifying root causes of system failures in large-scale plumbing infrastructure.

Soft Skills

Leadership and Team Management: Ability to motivate, delegate, and manage a diverse team to achieve common goals.
Effective Communication: Clear and professional verbal and written communication with crews, management, and clients.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Aptitude for analyzing complex situations and developing practical, efficient solutions under pressure.
Time Management and Organization: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines effectively.
Conflict Resolution: Skill in de-escalating conflicts and negotiating positive outcomes among team members or stakeholders.
Mentorship and Coaching: A passion for teaching and developing the skills of junior team members.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing project demands, schedules, and on-site conditions.
Decision-Making: Confidence in making timely and informed decisions that impact project safety, quality, and budget.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Completion of a recognized Plumbing Apprenticeship program.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or Associate's Degree from a vocational or technical college in Plumbing Technology.
OSHA 30 Certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Plumbing Technology
Construction Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in the commercial or residential plumbing trade.

Preferred:

A minimum of 3 years of experience in a leadership capacity, such as a Lead Plumber or Foreman, with direct supervisory responsibilities.
Verifiable experience managing crews on large-scale new construction or renovation projects.