Job Title:
Head of Department – Sheet Metal (1st Shift)
Location:
Rittal-CSM Ltd, Plymouth, Devon
Salary:
£44,100- £46,755 depending on qualifications and experience
Contract Type:
Permanent, Full-time
Working Monday – Friday 07:00 - 15:00, 37.9 hours per week.
Are you ready to take your career to the next level?
At Rittal-CSM, we believe in driving innovation and excellence. Our clients include some of the world’s leading technology companies major players in software, hardware, and cloud computing.
About Us
We specialise in enclosures, climate control systems, power distribution, and IT infrastructure for industrial and IT applications. Our success is built on a diverse and talented workforce.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Head of Department (HoD) to lead our Sheet Metal production operations on 1st shift. Reporting to the Shift Manager, this is a key leadership role responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality production performance while driving continuous improvement.
You will take full ownership of your production area, ensuring materials, people, and processes are aligned to achieve operational targets and business objectives
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all aspects of sheet metal production within your department
- Deliver output to agreed targets for quality, cost, and delivery
- Plan ahead to ensure smooth flow of materials, information, and resources
- Take accountability for departmental KPIs and performance outcomes
- Provide strong, visible leadership with a hands-on presence on the shop floor
- Line manage Team Leaders and support the development of high-performing teams
- Conduct appraisals, manage attendance, and support employee development
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
- Champion a safety-first culture with zero tolerance for non-compliance
- Ensure adherence to all quality, environmental, and operational standards
- Lead audits, risk assessments, and problem-solving activities
- Drive waste reduction, efficiency improvements, and performance optimisation
- Lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions
- Engage teams in continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure equipment availability, maintenance, and effective utilisation
- Monitor OEE and implement improvement plans where needed
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
- Strong people management and team development skills
- Demonstrated ability to deliver results against challenging targets
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A proactive, hands-on approach with strong problem-solving capability
- Supervisory/Management qualification (Level 3 or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of production systems, H&S, and quality standards
- Experience of continuous improvement methodologies
Desirable
- Experience within sheet metal or similar production environments
- Lean manufacturing knowledge
- IOSH or higher-level management qualification
What We Value
- Teamwork: Collaborating effectively across diverse teams.
- Training: Commitment to continuous learning and development.
- Communication: Clear and confident communication at all levels.
- Recognition: Respect for diverse perspectives and contributions.
What’s in it for you?
- Opportunity to make a real impact
- Room for innovation and creativity
- Career growth and development
- Collaborative, supportive environment
- Recognition and rewards
Rewards Package
- We’re offering a salary of £44,100- £46,755 depending on qualifications and experience
- A companywide bonus based on attendance, productivity and quality
- 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus holiday purchasing scheme
- Life insurance 3 x your salary
- Pension contributions matched to 5%
- Access to our Westfield Health provision
- Access to our Smart Spending platform
We will review applications and conduct interviews on an ongoing basis. As a result, the vacancy may close at any time once a suitable candidate is found.
Rittal-CSM is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Please Note: As part of our commitment to safeguarding and ensuring the safety of our employees, all prospective employees will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a sanction list check. These checks are essential to ensure that all candidates meet our stringent safety and compliance standards.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK
Pay: £44,100.00-£46,755.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted or free food
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship, and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK
- Proven leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
- Strong people management and team development skills
- Supervisory/Management qualification (Level 3 or equivalent)
Work Location: In person
