At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily operations of the Plant Hire Division and lead a team of plant operatives.
- Company: Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd, a family-run business with strong values since 1982.
- Benefits: Life assurance, gym discounts, employee discounts, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.
The Plant Hire Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operational performance of the Plant Hire Division, ensuring the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of operated and self-drive plant hire services. The role has direct responsibility for managing a team of operated hire plant operatives, ensuring that plant, operators, transport and support resources are effectively planned, coordinated and deployed to maximise productivity, utilisation, customer service and profitability.
The Plant Hire Operations Manager will work closely with customers, site teams, transport operations, workshop personnel and senior management to ensure plant and operator resources are available, compliant and delivered to the highest standards.
Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operations of the Plant Hire Division.
- Plan, coordinate and allocate plant, operators, transport and labour resources.
- Ensure all operated hire requirements are fulfilled efficiently and cost effectively.
- Maximise utilisation of the plant fleet and associated operated hire personnel.
- Monitor plant availability and coordinate with the workshop team to minimise downtime.
- Ensure plant deliveries, collections and movements are effectively managed.
- Manage operational schedules to ensure customer requirements are met.
- Liaise with internal departments to support project delivery across the business.
- Conduct regular operational reviews and resource planning meetings.
Plant Operator Management
- Lead, manage and motivate a team of operated hire plant operatives.
- Ensure operators are deployed efficiently based on customer requirements and competencies.
- Monitor operator productivity, attendance and performance.
- Conduct regular toolbox talks and team briefings.
- Ensure all operators maintain required qualifications, licences and certifications.
- Identify training and development requirements and support career progression.
- Ensure operators follow company procedures, health and safety standards and customer site requirements.
- Manage holiday requests, absences and workforce planning.
- Support recruitment, induction and retention of plant operatives.
Customer Service & Client Management
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
- Act as a key point of contact for operational plant hire enquiries.
- Ensure excellent service delivery to both internal and external customers.
- Resolve operational issues and customer concerns promptly.
- Conduct regular customer reviews to identify opportunities for service improvements.
- Identify opportunities to increase plant utilisation and revenue.
Commercial & Financial Responsibilities
- Support the Divisional Manager in achieving divisional budgets and performance targets.
- Monitor plant utilisation and recovery rates.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
- Monitor labour, transport, fuel and operational costs.
- Assist with pricing reviews and operational cost analysis.
- Ensure operated hire resources are utilised effectively and profitably.
- Produce operational reports and KPI information as required.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the division.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, company procedures and industry best practice.
- Ensure plant operators work safely and comply with site-specific requirements.
- Monitor operator licences, CPCS, NPORS, CSCS and other competency certifications.
- Ensure all plant inspections, defect reporting and maintenance requirements are completed.
- Support investigations into accidents, incidents and near misses.
- Carry out site inspections, audits and compliance checks.
- Ensure adherence to Working Time Regulations and operator welfare requirements.
Transport & Logistics Coordination
- Coordinate plant deliveries and collections with transport plant transport team.
- Work closely with logistics planners to maximise fleet efficiency.
- Ensure correct plant and operators arrive on site within agreed timescales.
- Assist with route planning and resource scheduling.
- Minimise transport downtime and unnecessary costs.
Continuous Improvement
- Develop and implement operational improvements.
- Introduce new processes and controls to improve efficiency.
- Monitor and report on operational KPIs.
- Utilise management information systems to analyse performance trends.
- Support digital initiatives and process improvements within the division.
What can we offer you?
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Free on-site Parking
- Corporate gym membership discount
- Annual Salary Review
- Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
- Progression opportunities
- 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support
What are our core values? If these values align with yours you are in the right place!
- Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.
- Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.
- Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.
- Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.
- Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.
Plant Hire - Operations Manager in Stonehouse employer: Smith's Gloucester Limited
At Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values honesty, hard work, and environmental sustainability. Our Avonmouth Depot offers HGV Class 2 Drivers not only competitive pay and flexible hours but also a supportive work culture with opportunities for progression, comprehensive mental health support, and a range of employee benefits including discounts and life assurance. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that is committed to making a positive impact in the community and the environment.
Contact Details:
Smith's Gloucester Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Hire - Operations Manager in Stonehouse
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Smith's Gloucester Limited, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Plant Hire - Operations Manager at Smith's Gloucester Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Hire - Operations Manager in Stonehouse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith's Gloucester Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
