If You're The Kind Of Person Who...
- naturally takes ownership without waiting to be told
- enjoys leading by example instead of just giving orders
- solves problems before they become delays
- notices details other people miss
- plans your work before picking up your tools
- holds yourself and others to a high standard
- communicates clearly with Site Supervisors, Project Managers, and trades
- wants to become a Site Supervisor or Project Manager
...you'll probably like working here.
Olive Tree Builds is hiring a Lead Hand – Commercial Construction to help lead commercial renovations, franchise fit-outs, retail projects, offices, and tenant improvements throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
This isn't simply a senior carpenter position.
We're looking for someone who can lead people, coordinate work, maintain quality, and keep projects moving forward.
If you're looking for a company that recognizes leadership and promotes from within, we'd like to meet you.
What Your Job Actually Is
Your job isn't just to build.
Your job is to make everyone around you more productive.
That means helping create jobsites that are:
✔ Safe
✔ Organized
✔ Efficient
✔ Professional
✔ On Schedule
A weak Lead Hand creates confusion.
A great Lead Hand creates momentum.
What Winning Looks Like In Your First 90 Days
If you're the right person, within your first 90 days you will:
- Earn the trust of the Site Supervisor and Project Manager
- Successfully organize and lead daily work activities
- Maintain high standards of workmanship across the crew
- Identify and solve problems before they affect the schedule
- Coordinate efficiently with subcontractors and suppliers
- Complete work with minimal deficiencies
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe jobsites
- Become someone the team relies on to keep projects moving
What You'll Be Responsible For
As a Lead Hand, you'll be responsible for both producing quality work and helping lead the field team.
Leadership
- Lead crews of 2–5 employees
- Assign daily work
- Coach and mentor junior employees
- Maintain productivity throughout the day
- Lead by example
- Help develop future Skilled Labourers and Carpenters
Site Coordination
- Review drawings before work begins
- Plan daily work activities
- Coordinate tools, equipment, and materials
- Track material shortages
- Coordinate work with subcontractors
- Ensure work areas are prepared for upcoming trades
- Help maintain project schedules
Construction
- Commercial framing
- Finish carpentry
- Millwork installation
- Cabinet installation
- Door installation
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Hardware installation
- Deficiency work
- Quality control inspections
Quality Control
- Inspect completed work
- Correct deficiencies before inspections
- Verify layouts and dimensions
- Ensure work meets Olive Tree Builds' quality standards
- Protect completed work
- Prevent unnecessary rework
Safety
- Ensure workers follow company safety procedures
- Monitor site housekeeping
- Report hazards immediately
- Maintain a clean and organized jobsite
- Promote safe work practices
Communication
- Provide daily progress updates
- Communicate delays early
- Report site issues to the Project Manager
- Coordinate with clients and consultants when required
- Represent Olive Tree Builds professionally on every project
Who This Role Is For
This role is for someone who:
- Leads by example
- Produces excellent workmanship
- Holds others accountable respectfully
- Thinks ahead
- Communicates professionally
- Enjoys teaching less experienced workers
- Solves problems independently
- Takes ownership of the entire project—not just their own work
- Wants to become a Site Supervisor
Who This Role Is NOT For
This role is not for someone who:
- Blames others for poor planning
- Avoids difficult conversations
- Produces inconsistent workmanship
- Creates drama on site
- Doesn't communicate problems early
- Ignores safety procedures
- Leaves deficiencies for someone else
- Needs constant direction
Construction projects succeed because of leadership.
That's why this position exists.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum 7 years of construction experience
- Minimum 5 years of commercial construction experience preferred
- Previous experience leading crews or acting as a Lead Hand
- Strong understanding of commercial construction sequencing
- Confident reading and interpreting construction drawings
- Able to coordinate multiple trades
- Strong finish carpentry skills
- Reliable transportation
- Legally authorized to work in Canada
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with:
- Restaurant construction
- Retail fit-outs
- Franchise construction
- Tenant improvements
- Commercial interiors
- Site scheduling
- Material planning
- Quality control
- Deficiency management
- Working at Heights
- WHMIS
- First Aid
The Olive Tree Standard
We don't expect perfection.
We do expect ownership.
That means:
- We lead by example.
- We communicate early.
- We solve problems.
- We protect the schedule.
- We build it right the first time.
- We develop the people around us.
- We represent Olive Tree Builds professionally.
If that sounds like how you already work, you'll fit in well here.
Growth Opportunities
We promote from within whenever possible.
This role can grow into:
- Site Supervisor
- Assistant Project Manager
- Project Manager
- Field Operations Manager
Our goal isn't just to hire Lead Hands.
Our goal is to develop future leaders.
How To Apply
Submit your resume and answer the following question:
Tell us about a time you led a construction crew through a difficult situation. What happened, what decisions did you make, and what was the outcome?
(Optional but encouraged)
Include photos of commercial projects you've completed or managed.
Pay: $35.00-$42.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Paid time off
- Profit sharing
Application question(s):
- Have you previously led construction crews or worked as a Lead Hand?
- Can you confidently read and interpret commercial construction drawings?
- Which of the following have you completed professionally? (Let us know all that apply.)
Crew Leadership, Commercial Framing, Finish Carpentry, Millwork Installation, Cabinet Installation, Door Installation, Layout, Quality Control, Deficiency Management, Scheduling, Material Planning, Trade Coordination
- Have you coordinated multiple trades on an active commercial construction project?
- Which certifications do you currently hold?
Working at Heights, WHMIS, First Aid, Lift Training, None
- Describe the commercial construction project you're most proud of leading. What was your role, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?
- Why do you want to join Olive Tree Builds?
- Are you looking to grow into a Site Supervisor or Project Manager role?
Experience:
- Construction: 7 years (required)
- Commercial construction: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
