Plant Operations Lead

Job Title: Plant Operations Lead
Location: Small Dole, West Sussex
Salary: £45,000
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Company Profile

Talented People are recruiting on behalf of a well-established civil engineering and infrastructure business seeking a Plant Operations Lead to coordinate and oversee the day-to-day running of their internal and external plant hire operations. This is a pivotal role within the organisation, ensuring seamless coordination between teams, maximising equipment utilisation, and supporting continuous improvement in safety, cost efficiency, and service delivery.

Job Overview

The successful candidate will take ownership of operational planning, staff management, and plant hire coordination while supporting compliance, data accuracy, and workshop scheduling. This position requires strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver practical solutions across departments.

Key Responsibilities

* Oversee daily internal and external plant hire operations.

* Coordinate workflows and ensure efficient scheduling across teams.

* Monitor equipment utilisation and address underperformance.

* Support investigation and reporting of damages or losses.

* Collaborate with the Plant Manager to develop sustainable hire solutions.

* Assist with stock control, supplier pricing, and supply agreements.

* Ensure daily compliance routines are followed across all areas.

* Line manage the Stores, Internal Hire, and External Hire teams.

* Provide cover for Workshop and Fleet operations when required.

* Maintain visibility of plant movement and operational planning.

* Support improvement of EVision system usage and data accuracy.

* Drive standardisation across the plant department’s operations.

* Oversee asset tracking, reporting, and workshop scheduling.

* Promote health, safety, and compliance through toolbox talks.

* Develop data-sharing structures and monthly hire reports.

* Produce simple, accessible reports for stakeholders and management.

* Assist with departmental communication and documentation updates.

Skills and Experience Required

* Excellent organisational and coordination skills.

* Confident communicator with a hands-on, problem-solving approach.

* Strong attention to detail and follow-through on tasks.

* Proven experience managing operational teams or processes.

* Background in plant hire, logistics, or construction (advantageous).

* Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with ERP/asset systems.

* Full UK driving licence (essential).

* CSCS card and/or supervisory qualification (desirable).

Training and Development

* Willingness to undertake relevant operational and H&S training.

* Comfortable delivering toolbox talks and safety briefings.

* Encouraged to contribute to internal process improvements