Job Description
Six Degrees are delighted to be assisting a respected, high-growth business as they recruit an Assistant Plant Manager to help shape the next stage of their operational evolution. The successful candidate will play a key role in introducing new practices, strengthening processes and guiding teams through a phased workshop transformation.
Overview
The Assistant Plant Manager supports the strategic and operational management of all heavy plant, workshops and engineering activity across a multi-site environment. This role will contribute to the continuous development of plant maintenance, processes and aid in managing a growing fleet of heavy plant machinery.
Working closely with the Plant Manager, you will help lead the transformation of workshop operations, embedding new standards, improving asset reliability in a quickly growing business.
Core Purpose
* Strengthen the day-to-day running of plant and workshop operations.
* Lead the phased evolution of workshops into a modern, efficient, well-controlled engineering function.
* Bring clarity, structure and process into a fast-paced environment.
* Support and coach people through change, ensuring buy-in, consistency and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Operational & Workshop Management
* Oversee daily workshop activity, ensuring plant is serviced, repaired and prepared to meet operational demand.
* Support the continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, maintenance workflows and engineering controls.
* Ensure workshops operate with discipline, cleanliness and compliance at all times.
Phased Workshop Evolution & Change Delivery
* Work with the Plant Manager to design and deliver a phased improvement plan covering:
* Workshop layout and workflow redesign
* Improved stock, parts and tooling control
* Clear role definitions and performance expectations
* Monitor progress, identify gaps and ensure each phase is embedded before moving to the next.
* Champion continuous improvement and challenge legacy practices constructively.
People Leadership & Change Management
* Assist leading and supporting engineers and service staff
* Build trust, set expectations and coach individuals to adopt new ways of working.
* Address resistance to change with clarity, consistency and a solutions-focused approach.
* Promote a culture of accountability, safety and pride in workmanship.
Maintenance & Compliance
* Support planned and reactive maintenance programmes to maximise uptime and asset life.
* Ensure compliance with LOLER, PUWER, RIDDOR and internal safety standards.
* Assist with contractor management.
* Maintain high standards of documentation, audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
Commercial & Cost Control
* Support budget management, cost tracking and identification of savings opportunities.
* Improve parts management, stock control and supplier performance.
* Aid in reducing downtime and avoidable expenditure within the service department
Key Skills & Experience
* Experience in plant, engineering, workshop or fleet management within construction, civils, quarrying, waste or utilities.
* Strong understanding of plant maintenance, diagnostics and workshop operations.
* Demonstrated ability to introduce structure, process and discipline into operational teams.
* Experience supporting or delivering change programmes.
* Confident communicator with the ability to influence and coach people at all levels.
* Highly organised, methodical and proactive, with strong follow-through.
* IT-literate with experience using asset management or maintenance systems.
Personal Attributes
* Calm, steady and credible during periods of change.
* Practical, hands-on and solutions-driven.
* Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust quickly.
* High integrity, safety-focused and committed to raising standards.
* A “finisher” who ensures improvements are embedded, not just introduced