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- Tasks: Supervise mechanical installations and ensure safety compliance on a major redevelopment project.
- Company: Join a leading team in a live MOD environment at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on safety and compliance.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a vital infrastructure project while promoting a strong safety culture.
- Qualifications: Time-served Mechanical Engineer with supervisory experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
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
Mechanical Foreman in Plymouth employer: VGC Group
Contact Detail:
VGC Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Foreman in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, attend local meetups, or join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Tailor your answers to highlight your experience with mechanical systems and safety compliance, showing them you're the perfect fit for the Mechanical Foreman role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Actively search for opportunities on our website and apply directly. This shows initiative and can help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a quick thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the best choice for the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Foreman in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical Foreman role. Highlight your experience in supervising mechanical installation works and any relevant qualifications like your CSCS Gold Card. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Safety Mindset: Since safety is a big deal for us, emphasise your proactive approach to safety and compliance. Share examples of how you've promoted a strong safety culture in previous roles. This will show us you're the right fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at VGC Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around safe systems of work and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience with mechanical installation works and how you've ensured safety on previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Mechanical Foreman, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised teams, managed subcontractors, and delivered toolbox talks. Highlight your ability to communicate safety expectations clearly.
✨Understand the Project Environment
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of working in a live MOD environment. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle the unique challenges that come with such sensitive sites, including security clearance processes and compliance with strict regulations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, safety culture, and any upcoming challenges on the project. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.