General Labor Lead
SPAR Group · Chicago, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $41,600 / year
- Chicago, IL
Job highlights
- Lead overnight retail remodel teams of 3-5 people.
- Perform general labor and construction tasks.
- Extensive travel across Midwest and Northeast.
- Career path to management roles.
- Competitive pay with full benefits.
About the role
General Labor Lead - Travel. Lead. Build the Future.
SPAR, a leader in retail construction and merchandising, is hiring General Labor Leads to join our dynamic overnight reset and remodel team. This is your opportunity to combine hands-on construction work with team leadership while traveling extensively and building a long-term career with competitive pay and full benefits.
About The Role
As a General Labor Lead, you'll supervise a 3–5 person team on high-impact remodels at big box home improvement stores. This role is 100% travel-based — you'll be on the road for extended periods, working across multiple states and leading projects involving heavy steel racking, shelving, fixtures, store resets, and general construction-related tasks. You'll spend weeks or months at a time servicing projects outside of your home state while helping ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to plan. If you're a reliable problem-solver who enjoys physical work, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is looking for a pathway into construction leadership, we want to hear from you.
Why Join SPAR?
- Certification-to-Career Track: Earn $20–$21 per hour while completing your training and certification program, with opportunities for advancement upon successful completion.
- Extensive Travel: This role is made for road warriors — expect to be continuously assigned to projects outside your home state.
- Travel Perks: All hotel accommodations provided, meal per diem, tolls, and approved expenses covered, mileage reimbursement.
- Career Growth: General Labor Leads are on a career path toward District Operations Manager and other field leadership opportunities.
- Shift Schedule: Overnight Shifts: Monday through Friday, 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and support a 3–5 person team on overnight retail remodel projects.
- Perform and oversee general labor tasks related to store remodels and resets.
- Remove and replace damaged steel racking and shelving systems.
- Reconfigure pallet racking and cantilever tower systems.
- Install fixtures, displays, and store signage according to project plans.
- Read and execute store layouts, schematics, and blueprints.
- Ensure safety, quality, and compliance standards are met on every project.
- Maintain project timelines and communicate progress effectively.
- Perform physical work, including lifting up to 50 pounds and climbing ladders as needed.
- Travel extensively and adapt to changing project locations and schedules.
What You Bring
- Prior construction, carpentry, remodel, installation, warehouse, or general labor experience required.
- Previous team lead, crew lead, foreman, or supervisory experience preferred.
- Comfortable working at heights up to 20 feet.
- Ability to travel extensively and work overnight shifts.
- Experience reading blueprints, schematics, or store layouts.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic reporting systems.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in a fast-paced environment.
- Must own basic hand tools, including a mechanic set, gloves, and utility knife.
- Reliable transportation required; valid driver's license preferred.
- Steel-toe boots required.
- Professional appearance and commitment to workplace safety.
This is more than just a job — it's a stepping stone to a long-term career in retail operations, construction, and field leadership. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, hit the road, and lead from the front, APPLY NOW!
SPAR Marketing Force partners with national retail stores to manage new store setups, store resets, and full-scale remodel projects throughout the United States.
Key skills/competency
- Team Leadership
- Construction Remodel
- Retail Merchandising
- General Labor
- Overnight Shift
- Extensive Travel
- Blueprint Reading
- Safety Compliance
- Project Management
- Problem-Solving
Skills & topics
- General Labor
- Team Lead
- Construction
- Retail Remodel
- Overnight Shift
- Travel
- Merchandising
- Store Reset
- Steel Racking
- Leadership
How to get hired
- Customize your resume: Highlight leadership, construction, and travel experience for the General Labor Lead role.
- Showcase your skills: Emphasize experience with steel racking, shelving, and blueprint reading.
- Prepare for travel: Clearly state your willingness and ability to travel extensively and work overnight.
- Demonstrate leadership: Provide examples of successfully leading teams and ensuring project completion.
- Express commitment: Articulate your desire for a long-term career in field leadership.
Technical preparation
Practice reading blueprints and schematics.,Familiarize with steel racking and shelving.,Review safety protocols for construction.,Learn Microsoft Office for reporting.
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you led a team to success.,How do you handle demanding physical work?,Share an experience adapting to new locations.,How do you ensure safety and quality on projects?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical duration of projects for a General Labor Lead at SPAR?
- Projects for a General Labor Lead at SPAR can last anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the scope and complexity of the remodel or reset. You will be traveling extensively and working on assignments outside of your home state for extended periods.
- What are the benefits of the 'Certification-to-Career Track' at SPAR?
- The 'Certification-to-Career Track' offers a pathway for General Labor Leads to gain training and certification while earning a competitive wage of $20-$21 per hour. Upon successful completion, there are opportunities for advancement into higher leadership roles within SPAR.
- Does SPAR provide accommodations for the extensive travel required for the General Labor Lead role?
- Yes, SPAR covers all hotel accommodations for the extensive travel required for the General Labor Lead position. Additionally, meal per diem, tolls, and approved expenses are covered, along with mileage reimbursement.
- What kind of physical demands does the General Labor Lead role involve?
- The General Labor Lead role involves physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, and working with heavy steel racking and shelving systems. Comfort working at heights up to 20 feet is also necessary.
- What tools and equipment are required for a General Labor Lead applicant to own?
- General Labor Lead applicants must own basic hand tools, including a mechanic set, gloves, and a utility knife. Steel-toe boots are also a mandatory requirement for this role due to safety regulations.
- What is the expected work schedule for a General Labor Lead at SPAR?
- The General Labor Lead position operates on overnight shifts, typically from Monday through Friday, 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This schedule is consistent with the nature of retail remodels and resets.
- What career advancement opportunities are available for a General Labor Lead at SPAR?
- SPAR offers a clear career path for General Labor Leads, with opportunities for advancement into roles such as District Operations Manager and other field leadership positions. The company invests in employee growth and development.
- Is prior supervisory experience mandatory for the General Labor Lead position?
- While prior team lead, crew lead, foreman, or supervisory experience is preferred and beneficial for the General Labor Lead role, it is not strictly mandatory. Strong leadership potential combined with relevant general labor or construction experience is highly valued.