The Opportunity

The Non-Working Supervisor (Black Hat) will be responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day activities of up to 35+ Operatives from diverse backgrounds. This role focuses exclusively on supervision and coordination ensuring that all Operations are conducted Safely, Efficiently, and in alignment with Project Specifications, Health & Safety requirements, and Quality Standards. The Non-Working Supervisor provides leadership, direction, and support to the workforce while maintaining documentation and ensuring consistent adherence to protocols and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Oversight and Leadership

• Provide clear and consistent direction to operatives, ensuring all tasks are understood and executed safely and correctly.
• Oversee site activities, identifying risks and implementing solutions to maintain workflow and safety standards.
• Conduct briefings, toolbox talks, and ensure all team members understand daily tasks and expectations.
• Monitor team performance and ensure continual adherence to procedures and regulations.
• Maintain clear alignment of interests and avoid situations where they represent or support conflicting parties or objectives.

Safety and Compliance Management

• Champion a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with all HSE standards and reporting requirements.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and behavioural observations.
• Enforce site rules and procedures, escalating any non-compliance or safety concerns.
• Support incident investigations and lead corrective action implementation.

Accurate Reporting and Documentation

• Complete daily shift reports and ensure accurate, detailed, and timely reporting of all site activities.
• Maintain clear records of team attendance, performance, and safety observations.
• Collaborate with Package Manager and administrative teams to ensure documentation is in line with project protocols.

Team Leadership and Support

• Promote a professional and inclusive work environment that values diversity and respect.
• Provide mentoring and support to operatives, identifying performance gaps and training needs.
• Liaise between the workforce and management to ensure clear communication and operational alignment.

Resource Coordination

• Ensure operatives have the required tools, materials, and resources for their tasks.
• Coordinate with logistics and procurement to minimise delays and ensure optimal resource usage.
• Monitor and report on resource utilisation and availability.

Time & Attendance

• Prepare and distribute daily worker allocations to ensure accurate recording of hours worked, aligned with the appropriate cost codes for each workface.
• Review employee clock-in/out reports to verify accurate timekeeping and adherence to scheduled work hours.
• Monitor team working hours to ensure compliance with the Working Time Directive (WTD).

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Key Skills and Competencies:

Leadership and People Management

• Proven leadership skills with a strong supervisory presence, capable of guiding, influencing, and developing teams in fast-paced, high-pressure settings.
• Experienced in resolving conflicts effectively and fostering a collaborative and supportive workplace culture.
• Support issue resolution by promptly investigating concerns, facilitating difficult conversations, and ensuring accurate documentation of discussions and forward to People Department.
• Conduct Return to Work meetings and escalate any issues or concerns to the People Manager.
• Oversee team performance in alignment with the Company Capability Procedure, implementing and regularly reviewing Capability Improvement Plans in collaboration with the People Manager to support employee development.

Safety and Regulatory Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of health, safety, and environmental protocols within industrial or nuclear sectors.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a zero-harm culture.
• Basic understanding of Site Agreements or NAECI Agreement advantageous

Communication and Organisation

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, prioritise effectively, and maintain accurate documentation.

Analytical Thinking and Decision-Making

• Capable of assessing dynamic worksite situations and making informed decisions quickly.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on preventative actions.

• SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or equivalent supervisory qualification.
• Black Hat Certification (or equivalent recognised site competency status).
• Previous experience supervising multi-skilled teams within construction, industrial, or nuclear environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of coatings, blasting, and spraying operations.

Essential:

• CITB HSE Managers & Professional Test or CCNSG (to be obtained during HPC clearance process)
• Train the Painter Supervisors, OPITO or iCATS certificates essential
• SMSTS or IOSH Safety, Health & Environment
• CILM Certificate

Desirable:

• First Aid at Work Certification
• Experience on large-scale infrastructure projects, especially in nuclear sectors
• Familiarity with LEAN Construction principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Why KAEFER UK & Ireland?

Our mission is clear: to be the most reliable and efficient provider of technical industrial services.

KAEFER UK & Ireland provides a large and growing range of industries with asset integrity services including access solutions, insulation, surface protection, HVAC fabrication, EC&I and more. We focus on improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles. We have twelve operating centres across the UK and Ireland, employing approximately 3,500 highly skilled and experienced people. Our people are our lifeforce and every day they deliver excellence to our customers.

KAEFER UK & Ireland is part of the KAEFER Group, a global €2.3 billion business with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. KAEFER works on more than 5,500 job-sites internationally, with around 33,000 employees. With unrivalled experience and expertise, our teams provide trusted partnerships and tailored support to execute even the most challenging and complex projects for clients.

We take pride in being part of a global company, with common values and many diverse and individual voices. You can ‘count on us’ to make positive contributions in the communities where we live and work.

Our values:

• Reliability

• Ambition

• Team Spirit

• Respect