Lead/Layout Carpenter

W3Global; Carpentersville (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Lead/Layout Carpenter at W3Global is a hands-on field role responsible for leading daily job-site operations, executing top-tier rough and finish carpentry on luxury residential projects, and maintaining craftsmanship standards on every project.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in carpentry, can lead a crew, read blueprints, and proactively identify issues before they affect quality or schedule, while collaborating closely with the Project Manager and Superintendent.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction experience in carpentry and finishes.
• Experience in high-end or custom residential construction.
• Ability to lead a team while maintaining craftsmanship standards.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily site operations with PM and Superintendent to plan work and schedules.
• Perform rough and finish carpentry on luxury residential projects with precision.
• Read blueprints, specs, and architectural details; lay out and install materials.
• Identify issues on site, document them, and propose practical solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent work

Tools

Buildertrend

Job description

The Lead/Layout Carpenter is a key member of our field team and is responsible for leading daily job-site operations, executing exceptional rough and finish carpentry, and maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship and care that the company expects on every project.

This position is ideal for an experienced carpenter who takes pride in high-quality work, understands the demands of luxury residential construction, can lead a team without sacrificing craftsmanship, and is proactive about identifying issues before they affect quality or schedule.

About The Role

This is a hands-on field role for an experienced carpenter who can take ownership of demolition, framing, prep work, and daily site execution in remodeling and new construction. The right person understands how to work inside existing homes, solve problems as they come up, communicate clearly with the Project Manager, and leave each phase clean and ready for the next trade.

You do not need to manage the entire project or coordinate every subcontractor. You do need to be the person on site who sees issues early, documents them clearly, communicates what is needed, and performs high-quality work without constant supervision, in addition to making technical decisions.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily job-site operations for projects assigned by the Project Manager, working closely with the Superintendent to plan work, sequence complex details, and maintain project schedules.
• Perform rough and finish carpentry on custom luxury residential projects with a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Lead and work alongside the construction team to complete projects on time and to company standards for quality and craftsmanship.
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, specifications, and architectural details.
• Accurately lay out, measure, cut, assemble, and install materials.
• Install framing, blocking, doors, windows, trim, baseboards, crown molding, custom trim, cabinetry, millwork, paneling, hardware, and other finish materials.
• Install, fit, and finish custom cabinetry and millwork to a high level of craftsmanship.
• Identify design, layout, constructability, and job-site issues; communicate discrepancies and potential solutions to the Project Manager or Superintendent before they impact quality or progress.
• Communicate proactively regarding project progress, material needs, quality concerns, site conditions, and anything affecting the schedule.
• Monitor materials and supplies on site and anticipate future needs to prevent delays.
• Document site conditions, progress, issues, and completed work in the Buildertrend project management system, including daily site photos and job notes.
• Lead by example and help establish and maintain company standards of care, professionalism, and craftsmanship.
• Mentor and train junior and less-experienced carpenters on proper techniques, installation methods, attention to detail, and company expectations for quality.
• Work independently while collaborating effectively with the Superintendent, Project Manager, subcontractors, and other members of the construction team.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and professional job site.
• Provide your own hand tools and small power tools appropriate for the work.
• Work weekends as needed, although weekend work is rare.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of construction experience.
• Extensive experience in all aspects of carpentry, including framing, trim work, finish carpentry, and custom woodworking.
• Proven experience in high-end or custom residential construction.
• Strong background installing doors and windows, baseboards and crown molding, custom trim, cabinetry, millwork, paneling, and hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and sequence complex custom details.
• Proven ability to lead a team while maintaining a high standard of craftsmanship-not simply focusing on production pace.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned work.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to anticipate project needs.
• Experience with Buildertrend or similar construction management/project management software is preferred; willingness to learn is required.
• Ability to identify problems, communicate them clearly, and work toward practical solutions.
• Physical ability to perform the demands of residential construction, including heavy lifting, working at heights, and working in confined spaces when necessary.
• Must have a strong eye for detail and take genuine pride in the quality of finished work.

Show Us Your Work

Candidates should be prepared to bring photos or examples of high-end finish work they are proud of. We want to see the level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and quality you bring to a project.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience and craftsmanship
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to work on high-end, custom luxury residential projects
• A professional team that values craftsmanship, accountability, and quality
• Opportunity to grow with an established custom home builder

The Ideal Candidate

The right person for this role is more than a skilled carpenter. They are a leader, problem-solver, and craftsman who understands that exceptional custom homes require planning, communication, attention to detail, and pride in the work.

You should be comfortable taking ownership of a job site, anticipating what comes next, communicating issues before they become problems, and holding yourself and your team to a high standard of care. You know how to get the work done efficiently-but you also know when the details matter and won't compromise quality simply to move faster.

Compensation

$35-$55/hour, depending on experience.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location

In person