leadhand

A lead hand is a frontline supervisory role in many trades, responsible for coordinating a small crew within a larger operation. The lead hand acts as a bridge between workers and higher-level management, combining hands-on work with task supervision.

Primary duties include translating a supervisor’s plan into actionable steps, assigning tasks, explaining procedures, and ensuring safety and compliance. They monitor progress and quality, address day-to-day issues, train and mentor newer workers, and maintain tools and equipment. The lead hand also coordinates with other crews, tracks materials, and reports progress or shortages to the supervisor. In some settings, they may handle short-term scheduling and resource allocation to keep the workflow steady.

The exact authority of a lead hand varies by industry. In many contexts, the lead hand has less authority than a foreman or supervisor and focuses more on direct guidance and problem-solving on the shop floor or job site. In other environments, such as manufacturing or shipyards, the lead hand may be the primary on-site coordinator for a particular shift or operation.

Qualifications typically include substantial hands-on experience in the relevant trade, strong communication and leadership skills, and an understanding of safety regulations and procedures. Some roles require industry certifications or training, such as safety courses or equipment operation credentials. The term and role can be synonymous with crew chief, lead worker, or first-line supervisor, depending on the organization and industry.