Chargehand – Plater

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Methil; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Navantia UK, Methil, is seeking an experienced Chargehand – Plater to lead a small team while maintaining safety and quality standards.

You will manage hands-on trades work, allocate tasks to a team of 8–10, perform quality checks, and ensure PPE compliance. This role combines supervision with practical fabrication duties in a factory setting.

The position offers opportunities to develop leadership skills and contribute to ongoing projects supporting UK defence and maritime priorities.

Qualifications

• Valid UK Driving Licence.
• Proven hands-on experience as a tradesperson.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, allocate work, and supervise a team of approximately 8–10
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with plans
• Promote and enforce PPE and safety compliance at all times
• Carry out quality checks and report findings to the Line Supervisor
• Ensure daily equipment and vehicle checks are completed and defects reported
• Maintain machinery and tools, ensuring they are clean, safe, and fit for purpose
• Identify training needs and support development within your team
• Drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency
• Provide cover for the Line Supervisor when required
• Support operations during out-of-hours or emergency situations

Skills

Leadership

Trades experience

Communication

Organisation

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Job Description

Chargehand – Plater

Methil | Full Time

We are looking for an experienced Chargehand – Plater to join our team in Methil. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled tradesperson ready to step into a leadership role, managing a small team while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and performance.

About the Role

As a Chargehand – Plater, you will play a key role in both hands‑on trade work and team leadership. You’ll support the Line Supervisor in delivering operational goals while ensuring your team performs efficiently and safely.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, allocate work, and supervise a team of approximately 8–10
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and in line with plans
• Promote and enforce PPE and safety compliance at all times
• Carry out quality checks and report findings to the Line Supervisor
• Ensure daily equipment and vehicle checks are completed and defects reported
• Maintain machinery and tools, ensuring they are clean, safe, and fit for purpose
• Identify training needs and support development within your team
• Drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency
• Provide cover for the Line Supervisor when required
• Support operations during out‑of‑hours or emergency situations

What We’re Looking For

• Valid UK Driving Licence
• Proven hands‑on experience as a tradesperson
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Excel
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Previous experience in a supervisory or team leadership role

Key Skills

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making
• Strong interpersonal skills and team collaboration

What Success Looks Like

You will be measured against key performance indicators including:

• Quality pass rates
• Safety and PPE compliance
• Equipment checks and defect reporting
• Training completion within your team

Why Join Us

You’ll be part of a supportive environment that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, with the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while contributing to operational success.

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Additional Information

***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on‑line please contact us at [e-mail] and one of the team will be in contact to help you.

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