Deputy Plant Manager
8 days ago
Carlisle
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