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Construction Crew Manager: What They Do & Why It Matters
Nettie joined the FBi Marketing team in 2022 as the Marketing Content Creator. Nettie grew up just outside of Des Moines, IA. In 2016, she received her BS in Agriculture Communications from Iowa State University. Upon graduation, she has worked in agriculture sales and marketing. She moved to Indiana in 2020. Outside of work, Nettie enjoys quilting, crocheting, crafting, canning, gardening, fishing, and hunting. She is married and enjoys spending time with her husband and dog.
Each post-frame company is unique. Some are a small “Chuck and a Truck,” while others have team members dedicated to office tasks and a construction project team. There are pros and cons to every company, as well as its management structure.
In this blog, we will define the FBi Buildings crew management structure, outline the roles a crew manager has in your pole barn construction project, and explain how having a crew manager benefits you as a customer.
Who Is Involved in the Building Process?
Once you’ve selected your floor plan, set your budget, and signed a contract with your Project Sales Consultant, your pole barn project transitions into the construction phase. At this point, your FBi Buildings Project Manager steps in to handle material orders and coordinate a local crew. Typically, each crew includes 2–4 field workers, a foreman, and a crew manager.
If you're preparing to build, it's important to understand the full scope of who you'll be working with. Before you begin, review this list of key questions to ask your pole barn builder, so you know what to expect from your construction crew.
What is the Role of a Crew Manager in Post-Frame Construction?
FBi Buildings builds in 9 midwestern states and has over 40 crews. With this robust crew, each crew manager has 3-5 crew foremen who report to them. A crew manager has six main roles and responsibilities to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
1) Leadership & Supervision
The Crew Manager leads the construction team on-site, overseeing day-to-day operations. They ensure the crew foreman and laborers follow the construction plan, adhere to safety protocols, and meet project deadlines.
2) Quality Control
They are responsible for maintaining high construction standards. This includes verifying that materials are used properly, structural elements are correctly installed, and the finished product aligns with the specifications laid out by the Project Manager and architectural plans.
3) Communication Liaison
The Crew Manager acts as the main point of contact between the construction crew and the Construction Management Team. They relay updates, communicate any issues or delays, and help problem-solve when unexpected challenges arise on-site.
4) Scheduling & Efficiency
They help plan daily tasks and schedule workflows to maximize productivity. This includes managing breaks, allocating personnel to functions, and coordinating the use of equipment. They ensure that crews are working enough hours to meet their weekly goal, thereby keeping the backlog to a minimum. This minimizes customer wait times for project completion. An efficient crew not only accelerates construction but also helps ensure your project stays on schedule and within budget.
5) Safety Standards Oversight
Ensuring job site safety is a core part of their role. The Crew Manager enforces OSHA regulations and company-specific safety policies, conducts site safety checks, and trains or reminds workers about proper procedures.
6) Mentorship & Training
Crew Managers often serve as mentors, helping newer crew members learn proper construction techniques and jobsite etiquette. Responsibilities also include ensuring that new processes are communicated. Any new tooling is provided, and training is offered.
How Does Having a Crew Manager Benefit Me?
When it comes to post-frame construction, many companies assign only a crew foreman to oversee the build. While foremen play a key role in managing the crew on-site, they are often pulled in multiple directions — from coordinating day-to-day tasks to solving on-the-spot issues — all while trying to keep the build on schedule.
At FBi Buildings, we take it a step further.
We believe your project deserves more than the industry standard. That’s why every FBi jobsite includes not just a foreman, but also a dedicated Crew Manager — a seasoned construction professional who provides oversight, support, and leadership throughout the process.
Here’s how this benefits you:
- More Oversight, Less Risk: With both a foreman and a Crew Manager, there's an added layer of supervision to ensure quality workmanship, safety, and adherence to your project timeline.
- Faster Problem Solving: Crew Managers bring decades of hands-on experience, allowing them to proactively address issues before they become delays.
- Higher Quality Standards: Our Crew Management team works closely with foremen to uphold FBi’s strict construction standards, resulting in a more consistent and polished finished product.
- Veteran Leadership: With an average tenure of over 17 years across our foremen and crew managers, you gain the knowledge, stability, and craftsmanship that only experience can bring.
- Customer-First Focus: While the crew is focused on building, the Crew Manager keeps a close eye on the bigger picture, ensuring your needs and expectations are met at every step.
By investing in experienced Crew Managers, we’re investing in the success of your project — and your satisfaction.
Want to See How Our Experienced Crew Management Team Can Bring Your Vision to Life?
Our dedicated team is ready to collaborate with you, bringing your ideas to life. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we prioritize open communication and transparency.
We understand that every project is unique, which is why we take the time to listen to your specific needs and preferences. Our Crew Managers are not just leaders; they are problem solvers who can adapt to challenges and find innovative solutions. With their extensive experience, they can anticipate potential issues before they arise, keeping your project on track and within budget.
A Crew Manager ensures that the post-frame building is completed right, on time, and safely, serving as both a leader on the ground and a liaison between the field crew and the broader project team.
Ready to get started? Let’s schedule a consultation to discuss your project in detail. Together, we can create a plan that reflects your vision and meets your expectations. With our veteran leadership and customer-first focus, you can rest assured that your project is in capable hands. Your dream building is just a conversation away!
Do you have more questions about pole barn construction crew managers that is not covered in this article? If you need help designing and planning, please contact FBi Buildings at 800.552.2981 or click here to email us. If you are ready to get a price, click here to request a quote and a member of our customer engagement team will help you determine the next steps of your project.