Leading Hand
Provide direction and support to workers in order to maximise efficiency.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
-
5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Leading Hand?
- How to become a Leading Hand
- Latest Leading Hand jobs
- Top skills and experience for Leading Hands
- Is Leading Hand the right role for you?
- Leading Hand role reviews
What's it like to be a Leading Hand?
A Leading Hand is an experienced and specialist worker responsible for certain employees or processes with limited supervision from management. Leading Hands are usually found in construction, building, telecommunications, production and manufacturing environments. Leading Hands are often the ‘go-to’ person for workers and supervisors and are responsible for ensuring that teams operate safely and smoothly. Their role is also one of providing motivation for team members to meet their goals. Excellent communication skills are required for Leading Hands as they regularly liaise with a variety of managers, employees and clients.
Tasks and duties
- Liaising with supervisors to provide direction and support to workers so as to achieve set goals and maximise profit and efficiency.
- Assisting with co-ordination, management and scheduling of particular activities to ensure that equipment and resources are efficiently utilised to meet production outcomes.
- Acting as a mediator between workers and management, undertaking safety and hazard assessments and ensuring employees comply with OHS requirements.
How to become a Leading Hand
There are many ways to become a Leading Hand in Australia, as it depends on what industry you are working in. If you are a Leading Hand in the construction industry you’ll need to hold a White Card.
- Decide which industry to work in. Leading Hands may work in areas such as manufacturing, engineering, telecommunications and construction. Leading Hands are usually experienced practitioners or specialists who implement and initiate activities based on managers’ requests.
- Complete required training for your role, for example obtain a White Card, complete risk assessment and hazard management training or First Aid training.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Leading Hands.Latest Leading Hand jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Leading Hand jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Leading Hand employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Construction Induction White Card
Drivers Licence
Workplace Health and Safety
Team Leadership
Leadership
Carpentry
Installation
Concreting
Understand Construction Drawings
Mining
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Leading Hand reviews
Jun 2025
My experience as a Leading Hand has been a rewarding mix of hands-on work and leadership, where I’ve grown by managing people, solving problems under pressure, and delivering results in fast-paced environments.
Reviewer's QualificationNational Certificate II in Welding
Experience5 – 9 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationConstruction
The good thingsI enjoy the responsibility and leadership that comes with the role. Being a Leading Hand / Production Supervisor allows me to support my crew, solve problems on the fly, and make sure the job gets don...
The challengesOne of the challenges is balancing production demands with limited resources or tight deadlines. At times, there’s pressure from management to push output, even when conditions aren’t ideal, which can...
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Aug 2019
Leading hand requires patience and a lot of thinking but wouldn’t have it any other way
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate III in Building and Construction
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeMedium (20-199 employees)
SpecialisationCarpenter and concreter
The good thingsStart early finish once the job is done, work every where so it’s nice to have different scenery and different jobs.
Form a close bond with the guys you work with which helps complete tasks quicker ...
The challengesWeather can be challenging at times if it heavy rain or 40 degrees with no shade. Some jobs have limited access and council requirements
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SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
