Plant Operations Lead

Plant Operations Lead - West Sussex40,000-45,000kRoleSupport and coordinate the daily operations of internal and external plant hire. Youll line-manage key area leads, support the Plant Manager, and ensure smooth, efficient, and compliant delivery of plant hire services aligned with operational plans.ResponsibilitiesCoordinate between internal and external plant hire, ensuring structured planning and clarity with minimal duplication or delays.Monitor equipment use and help reduce downtimeidentify underused assets and recommend improvements.Investigate incidents (damages, losses), track trends, and support awareness initiatives like toolbox talks.Work with the Plant Manager to design and implement a sustainable external hire solution prioritising internal supply and cost-efficiency.Support stock control, supplier pricing, and negotiating supply agreements for faster turnaround and better value.Provide oversight of daily compliance and safety routines.Line-manage the Stores, Internal Hire, and External Hire teams; cover the Workshop and Fleet functions when needed.Attend key planning sessions and act as liaison between project teams and plant hire functions.Track incoming/outgoing plant to meet deadlines and manage hire fulfilment with scheduling and turnaround.Drive system improvements in EVision, and help clean and optimise system usage.Lead consistency across departmental functions while developing a customer-facing information-sharing solution.Maintain and share operational dataprepare monthly reports on internal/external hire spend, revenue, trends, and activity.Coordinate and share regular equipment toolbox talks, updates, datasheets, and catalogues.About YouExcellent organisational skillsyoure comfortable managing multiple priorities effectively.Strong leadership capability with experience in team coordination or line management.Solid understanding of plant hire operations, logistics, or workshop/fleet management.Analytical mindset with ability to track performance metrics and support data-driven decision-making.Familiarity with compliance routines, incident investigation, and risk awareness.Tech-savvycomfortable using systems like EVision or similar, with a focus on improving workflows.Able to engage stakeholders, communicate clearly, and support operational planning across departments.Skills&KnowledgeExcellent organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities at onceConfident in identifying process gaps and pushing forward practical, common sense improvementsClear and direct communication style, with ability to link up activity across teams and departmentsStrong attention to detail, especially in task follow through, documentation, and internal communicationWorking knowledge of plant/fleet/logistics operations is helpful but not essentialExperienceProven experience coordinating operational activity across multiple stakeholders, ideally in a fast paced settingBackground in managing or supporting teams, with a practical, hands on approach to problem solvingTrack record of resolving issues quickly and effectively within mixed skill teamsFamiliarity with plant hire, supply chain, or similar sectors is helpful but not essentialTechnologyskillsProficient with Microsoft Office toolsComfortable using or learning business systems (e.g., ERP or asset tracking platforms)Able to support basic system/process troubleshooting and drive consistency in digital updatesCapable of pulling together summary reports, trackers, and shared documents that others can easily useTrainingWillingness to undertake relevant training (e.g., SSSTS, LOLER/PUWER awareness, hire systems, health & safety)Comfortable delivering toolbox talks and contributing to departmental communicationsMay occasionally support or develop internal training materials and documentation relating to equipment usageAwareness of safe working practices and ability to reinforce a culture of complianceQualificationsFull UK driving licence (essential)CSCS card (desirable)Recognised management or supervisory training (e.g., ILM) is desirableBusiness Administration or relevant vocational qualification (desirable)GCSE English and Maths or equivalentJBRP1_UKTJ

Created: 2025-09-09