Lead Carpenter

McCandless Construction is a residential general contractor with a 35-year history of building high-quality custom residential projects throughout the Charlotte area. Our work includes custom remodels, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, trim, framing, and full residential renovations. Every project is unique, and our team takes pride in craftsmanship, precision, communication, and long-term professional growth.

About the role

The Lead Carpenter will lead field carpentry operations on custom residential construction and remodeling projects. This is a hands-on leadership role, not a desk-based superintendent position. The ideal candidate can run a small crew, swing a hammer daily, read plans, sequence work, anticipate material needs, coordinate with subcontractors, communicate with homeowners, and keep jobs moving without waiting for constant direction. This person should be comfortable leading a typical 3-person crew while also performing high-quality framing, trim, door, window, and finish carpentry work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise small crews of skilled carpenters on residential construction and remodeling projects.
• Perform hands-on carpentry work daily while directing the work of others.
• Read, interpret, lay out, and execute work from blueprints and construction plans.
• Lead framing work for walls, floors, roofs, soffits, fascia, and other structural components.
• Complete detailed finish carpentry, including crown molding, base trim, chair rail, doors, windows, and interior trim.
• Install and trim pre-hung doors, door slabs, and custom window units.
• Sequence daily and weekly jobsite tasks to keep projects moving efficiently.
• Anticipate material needs and assist with material takeoffs before shortages slow the job.
• Coordinate with project management, subcontractors, inspectors, and field team members as needed.
• Communicate professionally with homeowners in custom and occupied residential environments.
• Identify potential issues early and help prevent costly mistakes, delays, or rework.
• Coach, guide, and support carpenters in the field.
• Maintain safe, clean, organized jobsites.
• Work efficiently in changing site conditions and outdoor weather environments.
• Lift, carry, and maneuver building materials weighing 60+ lbs as needed.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and standard hand/power tools.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of residential construction, remodeling, or custom home building experience.
• 5+ years of experience leading crews, running jobsites, or directing field carpentry teams.
• Strong hands-on framing and finish carpentry skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and lay out work from blueprints and construction plans.
• Experience leading small crews while also performing carpentry work.
• Knowledge of residential framing, roofing, remodeling, and general building standards.
• Experience with crown molding, base trim, chair rail, doors, windows, and detailed interior trim.
• Ability to perform material takeoffs and anticipate jobsite material needs.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing 60+ lbs.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of residential general contracting, remodeling, or custom build experience.
• Experience running projects from framing through finish.
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors, inspectors, homeowners, and project managers.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• OSHA, fall protection, lift, or other safety/technical training.
• Proven experience mentoring, training, or developing junior carpenters.
• Experience working directly with homeowners in occupied or custom residential environments.

Pay

Competitive hourly pay: $35–$40+ per hour, based on experience, plus fixed bonus opportunities.

Benefits

• Weekly pay cycle.
• Profit-sharing opportunities.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Professional development through mentor training and manufacturer certification programs.
• Company events and collaborative team culture.
• Long-term career growth with an established 35-year company.