Plant Operations Lead

ACS Business Performance Ltd; Steyning; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plant hire and operations company in England is seeking a Plant Operations Lead to oversee the day-to-day running of plant hire operations. The role emphasizes coordination, team leadership, and operational efficiency. Candidates should possess excellent organizational skills, a full UK driving license, and a strong background in plant hire or logistics. The company offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Ongoing training and professional development

Collaborative environment for ideas and improvements

Qualifications

• Must manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Lead operational teams in a hands-on environment.
• Willingness to undertake relevant health & safety training.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily plant hire operations.
• Oversee collaboration between hire functions.
• Monitor equipment utilisation and recommend improvements.
• Manage stock control and supplier pricing.
• Ensure compliance with legal and safety obligations.

Skills

Excellent organisational and coordination skills

Strong communication style

Attention to detail

Proven experience coordinating operational activity

Background in managing teams

Familiarity with plant hire, supply chain, or logistics

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Capable of producing clear reports

Education

Full UK driving licence

CSCS card

Recognised management or supervisory training

Business Administration qualification

GCSE English and Maths

Job description

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Plant Operations Lead to coordinate and oversee the day‑to‑day running of our clients internal and external plant hire operations. This is a pivotal role, ensuring smooth processes, strong team alignment, and effective utilisation of equipment across the business. This role has a strong focus on team leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support daily plant hire operations, aligning activity with forecasted plans.
• Oversee collaboration between internal and external hire functions, ensuring clear responsibilities and minimal delays.
• Monitor equipment utilisation, reduce idle assets, and recommend improvements.
• Investigate damages, losses, and unusual requirements, tracking and reporting trends to support minimisation efforts.
• Work with the Plant Manager to develop sustainable external hire solutions that balance flexibility and cost efficiency.
• Support stock control, supplier pricing, and supply agreements for fast turnaround and competitive rates.
• Provide oversight of compliance routines to meet legal and safety obligations.
• Line manage Stores, Internal Hire, and External Hire teams, providing cover where needed.
• Oversee Workshop and Fleet functions in the Plant Manager's absence.
• Attend planning sessions and liaise with stakeholders to ensure deadlines and hire fulfilment are met.
• Drive consistency across departmental functions and support improved use of EVision systems.
• Develop and share toolbox talks, updates, and equipment information with project teams.
• Produce monthly reports on hire spend, revenue, and operational trends.

Skills & Experience

• Excellent organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication style, linking activity across teams and departments.
• Attention to detail in documentation, compliance, and follow‑through.
• Proven experience coordinating operational activity across multiple stakeholders in a fast‑paced environment.
• Background in managing or supporting teams with a practical, hands‑on approach.
• Familiarity with plant hire, supply chain, or logistics operations is advantageous.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable with ERP/asset tracking systems.
• Capable of producing clear reports, trackers, and shared documents.

Qualifications & Training

• Full UK driving licence (essential).
• CSCS card (desirable).
• Recognised management or supervisory training (e.g., ILM) is desirable.
• Business Administration or relevant vocational qualification (desirable).
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g., SSSTS, LOLER/PUWER awareness, health & safety).

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead a key operational function with real impact.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• A collaborative environment where your ideas and improvements are valued.

If you're a natural organiser with a drive for results and a passion for operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Plant Operations Lead.