About the Role: Responsibilities, Skills, and Requirements
Ever found yourself admiring flawless cabinetry or a staircase so well-crafted it almost begs to be touched? That’s the impact of a skilled Senior Carpenter — and if you’re ready to take center stage on complex builds, this could be the next step in your craft. As our Senior Carpenter, you’ll combine hands-on expertise with guidance and mentorship, ensuring every project—whether a custom kitchen or an industrial fit-out—meets the highest standards of function, finish, and beauty. It’s a dynamic time in construction, and we’re searching for someone who sees both the artistry and the accountability in every beam and board.
About the Company
We’re a close-knit construction and interiors team—mid-sized, nimble, and passionate about elevating the everyday through smart design and quality craftsmanship. Around here, you won’t find layers of red tape; our project managers know our carpenters by name, and we actually celebrate successful punch lists together (with pizza, typically). We pride ourselves on bespoke work, not “cookie-cutter,” and we’re growing fast thanks to word-of-mouth from clients who value integrity as much as precision. Fridays often mean tool-downs at 4 for a quick catch-up—sometimes at the site trailer, sometimes at the local.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Reading and interpreting architectural and technical drawings to deliver on client visions—sometimes even spotting details the designers have missed
- Crafting, installing, and finishing custom furniture, built-ins, and fine joinery with an obsession for quality
- Supervising, mentoring, and checking the work of junior carpenters and apprentices—encouraging respectful collaboration
- Troubleshooting tricky on-site challenges, offering practical, safe solutions, and sometimes thinking on your feet
- Ensuring strict adherence to all relevant safety codes and internal quality control standards
- Liaising closely with site managers, clients, and other trades to help projects flow smoothly from sketch to signoff
- Managing your own tools, materials, and workspace like a true professional (and helping keep the shared gear in good nick)
What You’ll Bring
Must-Haves:
- Proven experience as a lead or senior carpenter in residential, commercial, or industrial settings
- Outstanding joinery and finishing skills—pride in precision
- Confidence with drawings, measurements, and technical specifications
- Ability to supervise, support, and respectfully train junior team members
- Strong communication—whether chatting with architects or clarifying something with the crew
- Commitment to site safety and quality processes
Nice-to-Haves:
- Certification in carpentry or a related trade
- Experience with unique materials or challenging design features
- Comfort using digital project management tools
- An eye for value engineering and practical design suggestions
Not sure you tick every box? We’d still love to hear from you.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive hourly rates, plus overtime options for those who want them
- All-in health and safety—PPE provided, plus annual training budget
- Opportunities to move into site supervision or specialist joinery roles as you grow
- Option for varied sites or, if you prefer, to specialize in high-end residential
- Tools supplied for trickier jobs and a generous tool allowance otherwise
- Work-life balance is real: last Friday of the month is a team lunch, and weekend work is always optional, never required
- Supportive, down-to-earth team atmosphere—people look out for each other here
If you’re after more than just a job—if you want to make your mark with a team that values your craft—this is your seat at the workbench.
Common Interview Questions and Tips
To help you prepare and feel confident, here are some questions you might encounter during the interview process for this role.
- Can you describe a custom cabinetry or joinery project you led from interpretation of drawings to final installation? What challenges did you face and how did you resolve them?
- How do you approach reading complex architectural or technical drawings, particularly when you notice potential issues or omissions from the design team?
- Which joinery tools and finishing techniques do you consider most essential for achieving a flawless result in bespoke furniture or interiors?
- Walk me through your process for ensuring site safety, both for yourself and for junior team members you supervise.
- How have you mentored or trained less experienced carpenters or apprentices? Can you give an example of a time when your guidance directly improved their work?
- Tell us about a time you had to troubleshoot a tricky on-site issue—what was the situation, and what steps did you take to find a safe, practical solution?
- Communication is key in this role. Can you share an experience where you needed to clarify technical information for a non-technical stakeholder (like a client or architect)?
- Describe a work environment or company culture where you felt especially supported in your craft. What made it a good fit for you?
- Our team celebrates successes together and values camaraderie. How do you contribute to building a positive team dynamic on job sites?
- What strategies do you use to manage your own tools and workspace effectively, especially when working in a shared environment with others?
- Have you ever suggested a design or value engineering change that saved time or improved quality on a project? How was your idea received?
- Give an example of when safety protocol came into conflict with project timelines. How did you handle it?
- This is a dynamic, growing company. What motivates you to deliver top-quality work, even under tight deadlines or on challenging builds?