A foreman is a worker who supervises and coordinates the work of other workers, usually in construction, manufacturing, or similar hands-on jobs. On a construction site, the foreman makes sure everyone knows what to do, checks that the work meets safety standards, and solves problems that come up during the day. A foreman in a factory might oversee an assembly line, ensuring products are made correctly and on schedule.

The position sits between regular workers and upper management. A foreman typically rises to the role by being skilled, reliable, and good at working with people. They understand the actual work because they've done it themselves, which helps them train new workers and make practical decisions when things go wrong.

While the traditional term uses “man,” today you might also hear foreperson or simply supervisor for the same role. A jury foreman leads jury discussions in a courtroom, showing how the word can apply beyond physical labor to anyone who coordinates a group's work.