About Zen Development
Zen Development is a Greenville-based General Contractor specializing in residential renovations and commercial upfits. We partner with homeowners and business leaders to transform spaces with quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and a commitment to long-term value. From kitchen remodels and garage apartments to office buildouts, we deliver tailored solutions that enhance function, style, and everyday experience.
Company values:
- Prioritizing People First
- Taking Responsibility
- Adding Value
- Exceptional Communication
Position Overview
The Lead Carpenter works across active renovation projects — supporting larger jobs alongside our project team and leading smaller scopes independently. Daily work includes finish millwork, cabinet installs, drywall, paint, demo, minor framing, light MEP, and punch work.
You’ll own the carpentry scope and fill the gaps that keep jobs on schedule — prepping before subs arrive, adjusting after they leave, and stepping in wherever the project needs you. Working closely with the Project Superintendent and project team, the Lead Carpenter helps turn plans into progress while upholding the high standards we’re known for.
Who We Are Looking For?
We're a small team that moves fast and does quality work in people's homes. We need someone who takes pride in their work and doesn't need to be managed — shows up knowing what needs to get done, executes it cleanly, and communicates when something's off. Experience matters, but so does attitude.
Responsibilities
- Own your work from start to finish - show up prepared, work independently, communicate with the team, and leave every job cleaner and tighter than you found it
- Execute finish millwork and carpentry across active renovation projects
- Perform general renovation work including demo, drywall, paint prep and finish, minor framing adjustments, and fixture installs
- Install exterior siding, Hardie board, windows, and doors
- Work alongside our subcontractor team - prepping scopes, coordinating access, and filling the gaps that keep jobs moving between trades
- Coordinate daily with the Project Superintendent on priorities, scheduling, field needs, and any issues before they become problems
- Source, order, pick up, and deliver materials as needed
- Communicate with clients professionally to provide updates and address concerns
- Complete punch list and warranty items quickly and accurately
- Maintain daily logs, hours, and progress photos in JobTread
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of hands-on residential renovation experience - must be verifiable
- Proficient in finish millwork, cabinet installs, drywall, paint, demo, and minor framing
- Experience with exterior installs - siding, Hardie, windows, and doors
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, building codes, and industry standards
- Experienced with supporting light MEP prep and coordination around trade partners
- Reads a scope and executes independently - no hand-holding required
- Sharp eye for detail and quality - fixes it before it gets called out
- Clear communicator with homeowners and the project team
- Proficiency in project management software and tools. JobTread experience is a plus
- Reliable truck or van and personal tools required
- Ability to lift, carry, and transport tools and materials as needed
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Application Question(s):
- Walk us through a recent renovation project you worked on - what was your scope, what challenges came up, and how did you handle them?
- This role requires moving between job sites and shifting priorities day to day. Describe how you stay organized and communicate when things change on the fly.
- Describe a time you caught a mistake - yours or someone else's - before it became a bigger problem on a job site. What did you do?
- Describe how you approach residential renovation projects when the homeowners are living in the space.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Construction: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Greenville, SC 29601 (Required)
Work Location: In person
