At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate plant and fleet operations for a top UK utility provider.
- Company: IES Utilities Group Ltd, a leader in infrastructure solutions across various sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a commitment to sustainability.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and efficiency in essential services.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing plant and fleet operations, with strong compliance knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end infrastructure solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, supporting survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide. Headquartered in Manchester, we are committed to innovation, safety, quality, and sustainable delivery across all operations. Our plant and fleet capability is critical to the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of our infrastructure services.
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Plant & Fleet Manager is responsible for the leadership, governance, performance, and continual improvement of the Plant & Fleet function across the IES Utilities Group. This role ensures that all vehicles, machinery, specialist tools, lifting equipment, and mobile plant are safe, compliant, well-maintained, and efficiently deployed to support multi-disciplinary construction and maintenance projects. The role provides strategic direction for plant and fleet operations, drives compliance with statutory requirements, embeds robust asset management processes, and ensures effective commercial control of the company’s plant, vehicle and equipment portfolio. The Senior Manager works closely with Operations, SHEQ, Procurement, Commercial and Project Delivery to ensure plant and fleet services enable safe, reliable, and value-driven project execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and develop the Plant & Fleet function, including workshops, maintenance teams, regional coordinators, and asset management roles.
- Define plant and fleet strategy aligned with business growth, operational requirements and sustainability goals.
- Develop capability plans covering fleet modernisation, telemetry, emissions reduction, and digital asset management.
- Embed a culture of safety, compliance, efficiency and customer service across all plant & fleet operations.
- Lead on innovation, including alternative fuels, EV fleets, and sustainable plant technologies.
- Governance, Compliance & Assurance
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including PUWER, LOLER, Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations, lifting regulations, road transport law, O-licence conditions, DVSA requirements, VCA standards and environmental regulations.
- Act as the company’s technical authority for plant, lifting equipment, fleet operations and equipment safety.
- Maintain the Plant & Fleet Management System, policies, procedures and assurance controls.
- Oversee LOLER inspection programmes, statutory testing, maintenance regimes and asset certifications.
- Ensure robust defect reporting, investigation, and close-out processes across all operations.
- Chair or participate in audits, compliance reviews and safety-critical meetings related to plant and fleet operations.
- Plant & Equipment Management
- Oversee procurement, allocation, maintenance and lifecycle management of all plant, tools, machinery and specialist equipment.
- Ensure all equipment is issued, tracked, returned, inspected and maintained to the required standards.
- Lead the strategy for owned vs hired plant, ensuring value-for-money and operational efficiency.
- Manage relationships with plant suppliers, hire companies and maintenance providers, ensuring SLAs and performance targets are met.
- Oversee lifting plans, lifting equipment registers and lifting gear certification processes.
- Ensure safe and compliant operation of all mobile plant (excavators, MEWPs, compaction equipment, cable winches, etc.).
- Fleet Management & Transport Compliance
- Oversee all fleet activity, including light commercial vehicles, HGVs, trailers, specialist vehicles and driver operations.
- Ensure O-Licence compliance, including maintenance scheduling, driver checks, tachograph compliance, inspections, and record-keeping.
- Implement fleet safety standards, vehicle specifications, and modification controls.
- Lead fleet renewal planning to optimise whole-life cost, sustainability and operational efficiency.
- Manage telematics, fuel performance, vehicle utilisation and incident reduction programmes.
- Ensure appropriate controls for towing, driver competence, licence checks and grey-fleet management.
- Performance, Commercial & Financial Management
- Manage plant & fleet budgets, including purchase, hire, repair, fuel, maintenance and compliance costs.
- Conduct cost analysis, utilisation reviews, and value-for-money assessments.
- Lead negotiations and framework agreements with suppliers, manufacturers and hire partners.
- Ensure effective cost recovery through accurate allocation, charging, and commercial reporting.
- Drive continuous improvement in cost efficiency, asset utilisation and downtime reduction.
- Systems, Data & Information Management
- Lead digital asset management, including fleet management systems, plant registers and inspection platforms.
- Ensure robust data integrity, version control, traceability and record maintenance.
- Oversee digital defect reporting, maintenance scheduling and telematics reporting.
- Use data insights to drive evidenced-based decisions, performance improvement, and compliance assurance.
- Operational Support & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Operations, SHEQ, Engineering and Project Delivery to ensure plant and fleet meet operational needs.
- Provide technical advice and operational support during tenders, mobilisation and project planning.
- Engage with clients, auditors, and regulatory bodies on plant, fleet and equipment matters.
- Support incident investigations, root-cause analysis and technical improvement actions related to vehicle or plant events.
Professional Qualifications & Experience
- Significant experience managing plant, fleet and transport operations in utilities, infrastructure, construction or civil engineering.
- Strong working knowledge of PUWER, LOLER, transport law, DVSA requirements, O-licence compliance and relevant codes of practice.
- Proven experience managing large and diverse asset portfolios, workshops, maintenance teams, and external suppliers.
- Experience of fleet safety, compliance, telematics and digital asset systems.
- IOSH/NEBOSH or equivalent health & safety qualification (desirable).
- Transport Manager CPC (desirable but not essential).
- Background in mechanical, plant or automotive engineering advantageous.
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies
- Strategic Leadership: Able to set vision, establish controls and lead a multi-disciplinary asset function.
- Operational Excellence: Strong focus on safety, compliance, performance and reliability.
- Commercial Acumen: Able to manage budgets, analyse cost drivers, and negotiate supplier arrangements.
- People Leadership: Capable of developing high-performing teams and coaching technical and operational staff.
- Decision Making: Evidence-based, accountable and proactive in risk management.
- Communication: Clear, influential communicator able to engage with operations, clients and senior leadership.
Technical Competencies
- Compliance Management (PUWER, LOLER, O-Licence, DVSA, lifting operations).
- Asset & Fleet Management Systems.
- Planned Maintenance & Statutory Inspection Management.
- Lifting Operations, Equipment & Accessories Control.
- Plant & Equipment Technical Knowledge.
- Transport Safety, Vehicle Tracking & Telematics.
- Risk Management & Incident Investigation.
- Supplier & Contract Management.
Head of Plant and Fleet in Heaton Chapel employer: IES Utilities Group Ltd.
IES Utilities Group Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our operations. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of safety and compliance while encouraging collaboration across teams. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values your contributions and supports your career progression in the utilities sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Plant and Fleet in Heaton Chapel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it’s your turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Plant and Fleet in Heaton Chapel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Plant and Fleet role. Highlight your experience in managing plant and fleet operations, compliance with regulations, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to our mission at IES Utilities Group. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in areas like compliance, cost management, and operational efficiency. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at IES Utilities Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on all the relevant legislation like PUWER and LOLER. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in fleet management, such as telematics and alternative fuels. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve driven compliance or improved operational efficiency. Being able to articulate your leadership style and successes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research IES Utilities Group and understand their commitment to innovation and sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs, especially regarding plant and fleet strategy. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you want to be part of their mission.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the company’s current challenges in plant and fleet management. This could include inquiries about their approach to fleet renewal or how they ensure compliance with regulations. It demonstrates your critical thinking and genuine interest in the role.
