Resumen
This paper analyzes the role of construction site supervisors, including foremen and general foremen, as front-line managers. The role is treated as a criticallabor function and a source of value-added for construction management. An original model based on the labor competency management framework isproposed for training, developing and certifying construction supervisors in Chile and other developing countries. This model was developed from thefindings of a case study in which the competency framework was applied to a specific construction company. The main conclusion of this work is that theapplication of the competency approach might help to greatly improve the human resource management function in construction companies as well asthe site performance of their personnel. The application of this model may help to improve the human resource function in construction companies, aswell the performance on their projects. New applications of this model allow for its adjustment and validation.