Deputy Plant Manager

Joseph Gallagher Limited; Wellingborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering firm in Wellingborough is looking for a Deputy Plant Manager to support the Plant Manager in maintaining and efficiently operating a fleet of plant and tunnelling machinery. This hands-on role requires extensive experience in heavy plant management, strong technical expertise, and excellent leadership skills. The successful candidate will ensure that all equipment is maintained to high standards and comply with safety regulations. Join us to contribute to innovative projects with a focus on health and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience managing or maintaining heavy plant and tunnelling equipment.
• Strong understanding of electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Proven background in steel fabrication and mechanical modifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the plant and equipment fleet across multiple project sites.
• Supervise workshop operations including repair and refurbishment.
• Ensure plant equipment meets manufacturer and company standards.

Skills

Leadership and people management skills

Problem-solving skills

Understanding of electrical systems

Understanding of hydraulic systems

Ability to read technical drawings

Good communication skills

Tools

Tunnelling machinery

Slurry TBMs

Mechanical assemblies

Job description

Location: Specialist Plant, Wellingborough
Salary: Competitive (DOE)

We are currently recruiting for XXX to join our team based in XXX on a XXX term project.

About the Role

Joseph Gallagher Ltd is seeking a highly motivated Deputy Plant Manager to join our team at Specialist Plant, Wellingborough. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in supporting the Plant Manager with the maintenance, mobilisation, and efficient operation of our fleet of plant and tunnelling machinery, which are deployed across microtunnelling and infrastructure projects nationwide. This is a hands‑on leadership position, requiring strong technical expertise and a proactive approach to ensuring the reliability, quality and readiness of a diverse range of equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Technical Manager in the day‑to‑day management of the plant and equipment fleet across multiple project sites.
• Supervise workshop operations, including repair, refurbishment, fabrication and modification of mechanical and structural components.
• Ensure all plant, tunnelling and support equipment are maintained in line with manufacturer and company standards.
• Plan, prioritise and coordinate maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and ensure operational readiness.
• Oversee electrical and hydraulic system diagnostics, fault finding and repairs.
• Support mobilisation and demobilisation of ventilation, TBMs, slurry systems, jacking frames and separation plants.
• Manage workshop technicians, electricians and fitters; provide technical guidance and ensure adherence to safety procedures.
• Liaise closely with site teams to ensure plant availability meets project requirements.
• Assist in procurement of spare parts, consumables and fabrication materials.
• Maintain accurate service records, inspection reports and maintenance logs.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all relevant company and statutory requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience managing or maintaining heavy plant and tunnelling equipment.
• Strong understanding of electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Proven background in steel fabrication, repair and modification of mechanical assemblies.
• Previous experience working with tunnelling machinery – including slurry TBMs, jacking systems, separation plants and associated equipment – is essential.
• Demonstrable leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics.
• Excellent organisational and problem‑solving skills.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.

Personal Attributes

• Hands‑on approach with a strong sense of initiative and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing project requirements.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, fostering collaborative working relationships.

Location

Specialist Plant, Wellingborough, with travel to project sites as required.

Company Background
The Joseph Gallagher Group is a family owned Civil Engineeringbusiness that delivers expertise whilst putting client satisfaction at the core of the business. Built on a personal reputation for honesty and quality, we understand the actions we take affect the communities and environments we operate in.LIFE Culture
We're promoting a culture change within the industry and demonstrating initiatives to dramatically improve Health, Safety and Wellbeing. In 2014, we launched our award‑winning cultural safety programme (LIFE) which is deeply embedded into the company’s DNA and core values.

Disability Confident Committed
We area disability confident employer and we'recommitted to providing equal opportunities in employment. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.

Reasonable Adjustments
We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to enable you to be the best you can, please contact the HR team at [e-mail].