Plant and Vehicle Maintenance Manager

ZipRecruiter; Ashford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public services provider in Kent is seeking a Plant and Vehicle Maintenance Manager to oversee maintenance operations for a diverse fleet. The role involves ensuring compliance with safety regulations, managing a team, and maintaining service records. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical knowledge and proven leadership skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days holiday increasing to 35

Pension

Uniform provided

Free parking

Free tea & coffee

Free breakfast

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a fleet and/or plant in a relevant environment.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of plant, vehicles, trailers, and small engines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a proactive maintenance and replacement schedule.
• Oversee inspections, routine servicing, and MOT preparation.
• Line manage fitters and apprentices, allocating daily workloads.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Mechanical Knowledge

Job description

Job Description

Plant and Vehicle Maintenance Manager

Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday (no weekends), 33 days holiday increasing to 35 (capped at 40, including Bank Holidays), plus Birthday holiday, pension, uniform provided, free parking, free tea & coffee, free breakfast.

Are you an experienced Fleet or Plant Manager with a passion for keeping essential services moving? We are working on behalf of a well-established public services provider delivering high-quality grounds maintenance and waste management across Kent. With a mixed fleet of over 1,500 assets—including tractors, trailers, ride-on mowers, and hand tools—we are seeking a Vehicle and Equipment Manager to join their team and take ownership of all maintenance operations.

The Role

This is a key operational position ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient upkeep of a diverse fleet and plant machinery critical to delivering frontline services. You'll be hands-on across multiple sites, supported by a Workshop Fitter and liaising daily with Contract Managers and an Operations team.

1. Develop and manage a proactive maintenance and replacement schedule for all vehicles and equipment.
2. Oversee inspections, routine servicing, and MOT preparation.
3. Ensure compliance with health & safety and vehicle/plant regulations (including LOLER).
4. Diagnose faults, carry out repairs, and supervise workshop activity.
5. Line manage fitters and apprentices, allocating daily workloads.
6. Monitor and manage parts inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships.
7. Maintain accurate service records and documentation for audits and invoicing.
8. Support waste container repairs and disposal logistics.
9. Advise on new asset procurement and coordinate asset lifecycle plans.
10. Attend auctions to manage asset disposals.

About You

• Proven experience managing a fleet and/or plant in a local authority, highways, or grounds maintenance environment.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of plant, vehicles, trailers, and small engines.
• Demonstrable understanding of safety compliance (H&S, LOLER, PUWER).
• Good leadership and organizational skills, capable of managing a small team.
• Full UK driving license (essential).

We are committed to equality and opportunity for all.