Superintendent (Columbia, SC)

Position Title: Superintendent

The Superintendent is a seasoned field leader responsible for overseeing all on-site construction activities to ensure project success. This includes directing J.M. Cope employees and subcontractors to meet or exceed standards in safety, scheduling, quality, and budget. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in commercial construction, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to lead teams effectively on high-value projects. This position reports to the Rock Hill office but will work on job sites around the Columbia, SC area.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10 years of commercial construction experience.


• High school diploma or GED required; relevant trade certifications or professional training preferred.


• Proven experience managing commercial and/or industrial projects valued at $15M or more.


• Proficiency with digital tools including iPad, smartphone, and email. Procore experience is a plus.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.


• Current OSHA 30-hour, CPR, and First Aid


• Extensive knowledge of construction operations, including self-perform capabilities.


• Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.


• Effective written and verbal communication with internal teams, subcontractors, and clients.


• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently.


• Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, and jobsite efficiency.

• Committed work ethic and alignment with company values.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Comfortable with technology and capable of working with confidential information.


• Computer literate and capable of using MS Word, Excel, internet/email, MS Project, and an iPad/laptop.


• Experience with Procore

• P6


• Microsoft Project Scheduling


• Bluebeam

Behavior Requirements

It’s important to understand not just what we do, but how we do it. The behaviors below are core to how we operate every day, on every site, and in every role. These expectations apply to all employees, regardless of title or experience, and are foundational to our culture.

TEAM FIRST as we are “All in” together

INTEGRITY that is Built on Trust, Driven by Honesty

HUMILITY to Listen, Learn, and Lead

PROACTIVE by running towards & solving the problem

EXCELLENCE by raising the bar, with every project

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Train and mentor field staff in construction best practices.


• Build strong, trusting relationships with clients, subcontractors, inspectors, and internal teams.


• Provide leadership that promotes accountability, respect, and team collaboration.

Project Execution

• Implement effective construction techniques to meet project goals.


• Oversee adherence to subcontractor scopes, project schedules, and contract documents.


• Ensure accurate site setup including layout, utilities, and control points.


• Monitor and maintain field documentation (daily reports, logs, photos, etc.).

Quality Control & Compliance

• Lead the development and execution of the Project Quality Control Plan.


• Ensure compliance with building codes and regulatory requirements.


• Manage and close out testing, inspections, and punch lists.


• Serve as the liaison with third-party inspectors and quality assurance personnel.

Safety & Risk Management

• Promote a culture of jobsite safety and enforce compliance with safety protocols.


• Conduct orientations, review Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and address safety issues proactively.


• Ensure the worksite is maintained in a clean and hazard-free condition.


• Promote a strong safety culture across all project sites.


• Ensure all work complies with company policies, contract requirements, and industry standards.

Scheduling & Coordination

• Develop and maintain the Master Construction Schedule in coordination with the project team.


• Lead weekly reviews of 3-Week Look-Ahead Schedules and ensure milestone adherence.


• Identify and resolve schedule delays, material procurement issues, or manpower constraints.

Documentation & Controls

• Maintain all field documentation including timesheets, RFIs, field changes, and incident reports.


• Track and communicate labor hours, material quantities, and subcontractor performance.


• Distinguish between base scope and scope changes; document all changes accordingly.


• Ensure proper payroll, labor tracking, invoicing, and expense documentation.

Procurement & Subcontractor Oversight

• Participate in subcontractor buyout and procurement processes.


• Review purchase orders and subcontracts for scope accuracy and risk mitigation.


• Assist with subcontractor selection and ensure workforce planning supports schedule objectives.

Communication & Reporting

• Maintain consistent communication with the Project Manager and company leadership.


• Provide timely updates on schedule progress, safety, quality issues, and project risks.


• Uphold J.M. Cope policies, ensuring professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

Physical Requirements:

• This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as well as, evening and weekend work that may be required as job duties demand. Overtime may be required to meet project deadline. 


• Prolonged periods of walking job site. Must be able to stand, walk, sit, reach, climb, squat, kneel and bend.  


• Occupation requires physical activity most of the day. 


• Must be able to lift 50 pounds at times. 


• Must be able to visit multiple job sites if needed. 


• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and risk of vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. 


• Employees are expected to work safely and efficiently while maintaining a clean work area.

As a member of the J.M Cope Team, you can expect:

• Pre-tax Insurance Program (Medical, Dental, Life, Short/Long-term Disability)


• 401-K Plan


• Holiday Pay


• Paid Vacation


• Family and Medical Leave


• Sick/Personal Leave


• Military Leave


• Bereavement Leave


• Jury Duty Leave


• Worker Comp


• Education and Training Reimbursement


• Competitive Salary

Disclaimer:
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not exhaustive and may be subject to change. The employee may be required to perform other duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of J.M. Cope, Inc.