Kenowa Builders Working Site Supervisor / Lead Carpenter Grand Rapids, MI · Full time

Apply for Working Site Supervisor / Lead Carpenter

Kenowa Builders is a custom Grand Rapids home builder and remodeler with over 50 years of experience. We’re committed to thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a seamless process from concept through construction—building homes that perform as well behind the walls as they do on the surface. We don’t just build to code or plan; we build to exceed expectations.

Kenowa Builders is looking for an experienced carpenter who is ready to take ownership of the jobsite while continuing to work with the tools. This is not a desk-based superintendent position. It is approximately 60% hands-on carpentry and 40% jobsite leadership. We are looking for someone who can build at a high level, lead other carpenters, coordinate subcontractors, communicate professionally with clients, and solve the everyday problems that come with complex residential construction.

You do not need previous experience with the title "Site Supervisor." An experienced carpenter or lead carpenter with strong leadership ability who is ready for more responsibility may be an excellent fit.

About Kenowa Builders

Kenowa Builders is a Grand Rapids-area custom home builder and remodeler with more than 50 years of experience. We specialize in high-end residential remodeling and custom homes where craftsmanship, thoughtful design, communication, and attention to detail matter.

Our projects are not production construction. They involve custom details, challenging existing conditions, high expectations, and a lot of problem-solving. We are looking for someone who enjoys that.

The role

The Site Supervisor is the day-to-day leader on the jobsite. You will typically oversee one or two projects while working closely with the Project Manager. The Project Manager handles budgets, contracts, change orders, purchasing, and overall scheduling. The Site Supervisor owns what is happening in the field and communicates directly with the client.

On a Kenowa project, you set the tone for the jobsite: keeping the project organized, helping everyone understand what needs to happen next, catching problems early, and making sure the work reflects Kenowa's standards.

Build (about 60% hands-on carpentry)

We want a builder who leads from the field, not someone who only supervises other people doing the work.

• Interior and exterior finish carpentry
• Doors and trim
• Cabinetry and built-ins
• Architectural millwork and custom details
• Framing and structural modifications
• Hardware installation
• Punch-list and detail work
• Solving the unusual field conditions common to remodeling and custom construction

Lead the jobsite (about 40%)

• Direct day-to-day jobsite activities
• Coordinate Kenowa carpenters and subcontractors
• Review plans and details before work begins
• Identify conflicts and problems early
• Maintain Kenowa quality standards
• Monitor jobsite safety, organization, and protection
• Keep work moving efficiently
• Communicate field conditions and needs to the Project Manager
• Communicate professionally with homeowners
• Help train and develop less-experienced Kenowa carpenters

Who we are looking for

• Strong residential carpentry skills
• Understanding of rough and finish construction
• Ability to read plans and construction details
• Understanding of construction sequencing
• Comfort coordinating other trades
• Pride in craftsmanship and details
• Ability to identify poor-quality work and address it
• Clear and respectful communication, and comfort talking with homeowners
• Dependable, organized, and calm when problems come up
• Takes ownership instead of waiting for someone else to solve a problem
• Willing and able to teach less-experienced carpenters
• Able to hold people accountable without creating unnecessary conflict
• A positive attitude that makes for a good jobsite

What success looks like

• Develops people: carpenters who work alongside you get better because they worked with you
• Creates a positive jobsite: people work hard, communicate well, and enjoy being part of the project
• Communicates: clients, subcontractors, carpenters, and the Project Manager know what is happening
• Solves problems: when something unexpected happens, you understand it and help drive a solution
• Protects quality: you notice details and do not walk past something that is not right
• Takes ownership: if it is happening on your jobsite, you care about it

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday to Friday, typically 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Projects throughout the greater Grand Rapids area
• Generally one or two active projects at a time

Compensation and benefits

• $35 to $45 per hour based on experience and capabilities (up to about $93,600 a year at 40 hours a week)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-provided tools and equipment
• Consistent year-round work
• Company vehicle available for the right fit
• Room to keep growing professionally

Interested?

If you are a skilled carpenter who enjoys building but also finds yourself organizing the job, solving problems, teaching others, and keeping things moving, we would like to talk with you. Apply here and answer the short screening questions. We will follow up with a short online assessment and a phone call.