Plant Maintenance Manager

Fitter / Workshop Manager (Hands-On)

• Location: Biggleswade
• Working hours: 7am-5pm - Mon - Fri
• Pay: Competitive rates! on PAYE.
• Reporting to: Maintenance Manager
• MUST have RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Fitter / Workshop Manager to take full responsibility for the maintenance, performance and operational readiness of our plant fleet.

This is a leadership role that remains firmly tools-on. The successful candidate will be actively involved in servicing, diagnostics, fault finding and major repairs while overseeing daily workshop operations, standards and team performance.

You will drive plant reliability, maximise availability and ensure compliance, cost control and workshop discipline are maintained at all times.

The fleet includes (but is not limited to):

• Excavators
• Dumpers
• Rollers
• Telehandlers
• Brokk demolition machines
• Associated heavy plant and specialist equipment

Key Responsibilities

1. Hands-On Plant Maintenance & Technical Leadership

• Carry out servicing, inspections, diagnostics and repairs across the fleet.
• Lead complex breakdown investigations and major component replacements.
• Ensure all plant is maintained in line with manufacturer service schedules.
• Implement preventative maintenance strategies to reduce reactive breakdowns.
• Maintain high standards of safety, compliance and housekeeping within the workshop.

2. Workshop Operations Management

• Plan and allocate daily workloads aligned with operational priorities.
• Monitor plant downtime and implement corrective actions to improve availability.
• Maintain structure, organisation and discipline within the workshop.
• Ensure servicing schedules are adhered to with no missed intervals.

3. Team Supervision & Development

• Supervise and support workshop fitters and technicians.
• Lead by example in work ethic, technical standards and accountability.
• Identify training requirements and coordinate product-specific upskilling.
• Promote continuous improvement across the workshop team.

4. Job Card & Maintenance Documentation

• Ensure all job cards are accurately completed and closed out.
• Maintain detailed service and repair records for every asset.
• Track recurring faults and escalate trends to senior management.
• Ensure all maintenance documentation is audit-ready at all times.

5. Parts & Inventory Control

• Manage workshop parts inventory effectively.
• Control ordering and stock levels to maintain cost efficiency.
• Reduce downtime through proactive parts planning.
• Work alongside the Maintenance Manager to control maintenance spend.

Performance Measures

The role will be measured against:

• Plant availability and utilisation
• Adherence to service schedules
• Reduction in breakdown frequency
• Workshop productivity and efficiency
• Accuracy and completion of job cards
• Parts and maintenance cost control
• Health & Safety compliance
• Team development and technical progression

Experience & Skills Required

• Proven experience as a Heavy Plant Fitter
• Strong hydraulic, electrical and mechanical diagnostic skills
• Experience supervising or mentoring workshop staff
• Solid knowledge of construction plant equipment
• Strong organisational and planning capability
• Commercial awareness and cost control mindset
• Competent with maintenance management systems

Personal Attributes

• Ownership mentality treats the workshop like their own operation
• Proactive planner no surprises on servicing or breakdowns
• Process-driven and disciplined
• Strong communicator
• High standards and attention to detail
• Resilient, accountable and solution-focused

What We Expect

• Full ownership of fleet reliability.
• Leadership from the front actively involved in repairs and servicing.
• A professional, organised and disciplined workshop.
• Plant availability that supports operational delivery.
• Continuous improvement in team capability and performance.