Who are MJ Church
MJ Church is one of the South West's leading civil engineering and waste management companies, with a proud reputation for delivering excellence, innovation, and sustainability across our operations.
At the heart of our business is our Plant Department — a critical division that supports our construction, earthworks, and waste operations with a modern, well-maintained fleet of heavy plant and machinery. From excavators and bulldozers to specialist equipment, our plant is relied upon across major infrastructure projects and in-house operations alike.
We're now looking for a highly experienced Plant Manager to lead this dynamic department — someone who combines technical knowledge, operational leadership, and commercial awareness to drive efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement across the fleet.
The Role
The Plant Manager will be responsible for the effective management of the MJ Church plant department, overseeing the profit and loss (P&L) performance and ensuring that all plant operations are delivered efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively.
This role will provide strategic and operational leadership for the plant function, managing the service, upkeep, and maintenance of all plant assets across the group, while supporting the operational needs of MJ Church's divisions, including earthworks, civil engineering, transport, waste, and recycling.
Key Responsibilities
Financial & Commercial Management
· Full responsibility for the P&L of the plant department, ensuring cost control and profitability.
· Maximise efficiency and drive down operational costs, including fuel usage, damage reduction, and optimised plant utilisation.
· Forecast, in collaboration with internal departments, future plant requirements and align procurement strategies accordingly.
· Assist with the procurement of new assets, ensuring alignment with operational demand and budget.
· Oversee procurement of plant parts, ensuring cost-effectiveness and quality, and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best value.
· Oversee and manage PAYE Plant Operators, assist with resource and management of CIS Operators where applicable
Operational Leadership
· Oversee the servicing, upkeep, and maintenance of all plant equipment across MJ Church's operations, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal utilisation.
· Maintain overall responsibility for low loader operations, including compliance, scheduling, and efficient utilisation.
· Ensure plant operations deliver value to internal customers across all divisions, supporting project delivery.
· Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand their plant needs and deliver effective solutions.
People Management
· Line manage the Plant Workshop Manager and Hire Desk Controller, setting objectives, managing performance, and developing capability.
· Oversee HR-related activities within the plant department, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and succession planning.
· Foster a positive, collaborative team culture that prioritises efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Compliance, HSEQ & ISO Standards
· Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, environmental, and quality (HSEQ) regulations and company policies.
· Maintain and develop ISO standards within the plant department, ensuring robust processes and regular audits.
· Drive a proactive safety culture, ensuring plant operations meet the highest safety and environmental standards.
Who you are
You are an experienced, dynamic leader.
Key Skills and Qualifications
* Experience in managing plant operations or similar technical environment.
* Proven track record in managing P&L.
* Experience of overseeing maintenance, servicing and compliance for plant and equipment.
* Commercially focused with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Benefits
* Salary £60,000
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Company pension
* Holiday buy and sell scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Opportunities to purchase tickets to events at a discounted rate
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £60,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Marshfield SN14: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
* Will you now or in the future require Visa sponsorship?
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person