Plant and Vehicle Maintenance Manager in Ashford, Kent

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)

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