Job Title: Mechanical Foreman (Black Hat)
Location: Plymouth – Devonport Royal Dockyard
Working Hours: 45 hours per week (07:30 – 17:00)
Reporting to: Mechanical Services Manager / Mechanical Package Manager
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Foreman (Black Hat) to support delivery on a major infrastructure redevelopment project within a live MOD environment in Plymouth. This role will focus on frontline supervision, safety, and compliance of mechanical installation works, ensuring all activities are delivered in accordance with project procedures, statutory requirements, and safe systems of work.
Due to the sensitive nature of the site, BPSS security clearance is required (process typically takes up to 8 weeks).
Eligibility Requirements
- Must hold a passport from a NATO or MISWG member country
- Must have resided in the UK for the past 5 years
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise day-to-day mechanical installation activities across site
- Ensure all works comply with project safe systems of work, permits, procedures, and specifications
- Support the Authorised Person (AP) in maintaining safe systems of work
- Monitor subcontractors and operatives, ensuring competence, training, and authorisation are in place
- Ensure RAMS and permits are understood and adhered to by all personnel
- Identify, report, and escalate hazards and unsafe conditions
- Manage testing, flushing, pressure testing, and commissioning activities
- Deliver toolbox talks, briefings, and communicate safety expectations
- Coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and wider project teams for safe work sequencing
- Attend daily coordination meetings and contribute to short-term planning
- Maintain records of inspections, calibrations, and equipment condition
- Support audits, inspections, and compliance reviews
- Promote a strong safety culture across mechanical works
- Identify and drive improvements in processes, supervision, and competence
- Support training and mentoring of site personnel
Requirements
- Time-served Mechanical Engineer or equivalent (e.g. NVQ Level 3)
- CSCS Gold Card (Pipefitter, Mechanical Engineer or equivalent)
- SSSTS or SMSTS
- Strong knowledge of mechanical systems and safe isolation practices
- Proven experience supervising mechanical installation works on construction or industrial projects
- Ability to interpret drawings, RAMS, and permit-to-work systems
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
- Proactive, safety-first mindset with confidence to challenge unsafe practices
Desirable
- Asbestos Awareness
- First Aid / Emergency First Aid at Work
- Experience within nuclear, defence, or similarly regulated environments.
