Job Description
A civil enigneering and utilities contractor is seeking a Plant and Fleet Manager. The role will be responsible for the efficient management, maintenance, compliance, and utilisation of all plant, vehicles, and specialist equipment across the business. This role ensures that equipment is safe, reliable, cost-effective, and optimally deployed to support project delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
1.
Plant & Equipment Management
* Oversee the procurement, inspection, allocation, maintenance, and disposal of all plant and specialist equipment.
* Develop and maintain a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedule.
* Ensure accurate plant records including service history, utilisation logs, and equipment specifications.
* Coordinate repairs, servicing, and breakdown support to minimise downtime.
2. Fleet Management
* Manage the company vehicle fleet (vans, trucks, commercial vehicles).
* Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, taxed, MOT’d, insured and compliant with all relevant legislation.
* Monitor driver behaviour, fuel usage, mileage and maintenance costs.
* Develop and implement fleet policies including driver eligibility, use of vehicles and safety procedures.
3. Compliance & Safety
* Ensure all plant and vehicles comply with statutory and industry regulations (e.g., LOLER, PUWER, DVSA, VOSA).
* Work with the Health & Safety team to enforce safe plant operation procedures on all sites.
* Facilitate risk assessments, method statements, and toolbox talks related to plant operations.
4.
Budgeting & Cost Control
* Prepare and manage the plant/fleet budget.
* Monitor expenditures including fuel, parts, hire costs, insurance and repairs.
* Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency without compromising quality or safety.
5. Supplier, Hire & Contract Management
* Manage relationships with external suppliers, hire companies, service providers and OEMs.
* Negotiate contracts and service agreements to secure competitive rates and dependable support.
* Evaluate and approve plant and vehicle hire requests in line with project needs.
6. Team Leadership
* Supervise and develop a team of plant/fleet operatives, drivers and workshop staff.
* Set performance targets, conduct appraisals and support training.
* Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Essential Skills and Experience:
* Proven experience in plant and fleet management, preferably within construction, civil engineering or similar sectors.
* Strong knowledge of equipment maintenance, compliance requirements and industry legislation.
* Budget management and reporting experience.
* Ability to manage contractors and supplier relationships.
* Excellent organisational, planning and communication skills.
* Proficient with fleet/asset management systems and Microsoft Office.
Key Competencies:
Leadership
Ability to inspire and manage a team in a fast-paced environment
Problem Solving
Strong analytical skills to resolve operational issues quickly
Communication
Clear and effective communicator across all levels
Decision-Making
Confident in making operational and financial decisions
Safety Focus
Demonstrates a commitment to health and safety excellence