Small Parts Fabrication Chargehand at Cental · Carlow

Cental is a global supplier of fully designed, engineered, built and integrated modular and skid-mounted solutions for the Data Centre, Utilities, Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas markets. From our headquarters in Carlow, Ireland, we deliver comprehensive solutions for clients worldwide.

Our people are the foundation of our success. With three manufacturing facilities and a talented team of engineers, designers, project managers, and tradespeople, our team manages every detail, ensuring seamless delivery from initial design to final installation. We value teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement, creating a collaborative, innovative environment where everyone can reach their potential.

Growth and learning are central to Cental. Whether you’re joining as an apprentice, graduate, or experienced professional, we provide training and development opportunities to help you build a rewarding, long-term career.

If you’re passionate about excellence, innovation, and teamwork, join us and be part of a company that’s engineering solutions and building futures.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking a proactive and organised Small Parts & Fabrication Chargehand to lead our Small Parts Manufacturing area and support the successful delivery of major projects.

Reporting to the Manufacturing Supervisor, the Small Parts Fabrication Chargehand will be responsible for coordinating and leading daily operations across the Laser Cutting, Press Brake, Small Parts Assembly and Kitting functions.

This is a key frontline leadership position focused on ensuring that components and kits are manufactured accurately, safely and on time to support fabrication, electrical installation and project delivery activities. The successful candidate will lead a team of operators while driving performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Planning

• Coordinate daily activities across Laser Cutting, Press Brake, Assembly and Kitting operations.
• Allocate work and resources to meet production schedules and project priorities.
• Monitor production progress and ensure targets are achieved.
• Work closely with Engineering, Stores, Purchasing, Fabrication and Electrical teams to ensure smooth workflow.
• Identify and escalate issues that may impact delivery or production performance.
• Support the achievement of departmental productivity and output targets.

Kitting & Material Readiness

• Ensure production kits are prepared accurately and delivered on time to manufacturing teams.
• Verify that kits contain the correct materials, drawings, fasteners and components.
• Work closely with Stores and Purchasing to identify and resolve shortages.
• Maintain clear visibility of kit status and readiness.
• Support the development of robust kitting processes and standards.

Safety

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture within the department.
• Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with company safety procedures and safe systems of work.
• Monitor compliance with PPE requirements and safe operating practices.
• Participate in safety inspections, audits and toolbox talks.
• Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation.

Quality

• Ensure all manufactured parts and assemblies meet engineering drawings and specifications.
• Promote a Right First Time approach to manufacturing.
• Support quality inspections and corrective actions.
• Reduce rework, scrap and manufacturing defects.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and attention to detail.

Team Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to operators within the Small Parts area.
• Support employee training and development.
• Promote teamwork, accountability and positive working relationships.
• Assist with onboarding and mentoring of new team members.
• Lead by example through a hands-on and collaborative approach.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
• Promote and maintain 5S workplace standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, productivity and efficiency.
• Participate in problem-solving activities and process improvement initiatives.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, engineering or production environment.
• Previous experience leading or coordinating a team.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Good communication and problem-solving ability.
• Strong focus on safety, quality and delivery.

Desirable

• Experience operating or supervising Laser Cutting and Press Brake equipment.
• Experience in assembly, kitting or material control processes.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Forklift licence or material handling experience.
• Experience within modular construction, steel fabrication or project-based manufacturing environments.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• A natural leader who enjoys developing people.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Proactive and solutions-focused.
• Safety-conscious and quality-driven.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Able to prioritise effectively and manage multiple tasks.
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

If you are an experienced manufacturing professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for delivering results, we would like to hear from you.