Plant and Vehicle Maintenance Manager in Ashford)

New Appointments Group; Ashford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a well-established public services provider as a Plant and Vehicle Maintenance Manager, where you'll oversee the maintenance operations of a diverse fleet critical to frontline services. This hands-on role involves developing proactive maintenance schedules, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing a small team. With a strong emphasis on leadership and mechanical expertise, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in maintaining essential services across Kent. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

33 days holiday (increasing to 40)

Pension

Uniform provided

Free parking

Free tea & coffee

Free breakfast

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a fleet in a local authority or grounds maintenance.
• Strong mechanical knowledge of vehicles and plant machinery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage maintenance schedules for vehicles and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety and vehicle regulations.
• Line manage fitters and apprentices, allocating daily workloads.

Skills

Fleet Management

Plant Maintenance

Health & Safety Compliance

Mechanical Knowledge

Leadership Skills

Education

Relevant Technical Qualification

Job description

Plant and Vehicle Maintenance Manager

Benefits:

* Competitive salary

* Monday to Friday - no weekends

* 33 days holiday, increasing to 35 and capped at 40 (inclusive of 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're 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-from tractors and trailers to ride-on mowers and hand tools- we are resourcing for 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.

* Develop and manage a proactive maintenance and replacement schedule for all vehicles and equipment

* Oversee inspections, routine servicing, and MOT preparation

* Ensure compliance with health & safety and vehicle/plant regulations (including LOLER)

* Diagnose faults, carry out repairs, and supervise workshop activity

* Line manage fitters and apprentices, allocating daily workloads

* Monitor and manage parts inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships

* Maintain accurate service records and documentation for audits and invoicing

* Support waste container repairs and disposal logistics

* Advise on new asset procurement and coordinate asset lifecycle plans

* 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 organisational skills - capable of managing a small team

* Full UK driving licence (essential)

New Appointments Group, Expertly Matching Employers and Jobseekers since 1975. Committed to diversity, equality and opportunity for all. Twitter: @nagforjobs