Description
Six Degrees are delighted to be assisting a respected, high‑growth business as they recruit an Assistant Plant Manager to help shape the next stage of their operational evolution. The successful candidate will play a key role in introducing new practices, strengthening processes and guiding teams through a phased workshop transformation.
Overview
The Assistant Plant Manager supports the strategic and operational management of all heavy plant, workshops and engineering activity across a multi‑site environment. This role will contribute to the continuous development of plant maintenance, processes and aid in managing a growing fleet of heavy plant machinery.
Working closely with the Plant Manager, you will help lead the transformation of workshop operations, embedding new standards, improving asset reliability in a quickly growing business.
Core Purpose
- Strengthen the day‑to‑day running of plant and workshop operations.
- Lead the phased evolution of workshops into a modern, efficient, well‑controlled engineering function.
- Bring clarity, structure and process into a fast‑paced environment.
- Support and coach people through change, ensuring buy‑in, consistency and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Operational & Workshop Management
- Oversee daily workshop activity, ensuring plant is serviced, repaired and prepared to meet operational demand.
- Support the continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, maintenance workflows and engineering controls.
- Ensure workshops operate with discipline, cleanliness and compliance at all times.
Phased Workshop Evolution & Change Delivery
- Work with the Plant Manager to design and deliver a phased improvement plan covering:
- Workshop layout and workflow redesign
- Improved stock, parts and tooling control
- Clear role definitions and performance expectations
- Monitor progress, identify gaps and ensure each phase is embedded before moving to the next.
- Champion continuous improvement and challenge legacy practices constructively.
People Leadership & Change Management
- Assist leading and supporting engineers and service staff
- Build trust, set expectations and coach individuals to adopt new ways of working.
- Address resistance to change with clarity, consistency and a solutions‑focused approach.
- Promote a culture of accountability, safety and pride in workmanship.
Maintenance & Compliance
- Support planned and reactive maintenance programmes to maximise uptime and asset life.
- Ensure compliance with LOLER, PUWER, RIDDOR and internal safety standards.
- Assist with contractor management.
- Maintain high standards of documentation, audit readiness and regulatory compliance.
Commercial & Cost Control
- Support budget management, cost tracking and identification of savings opportunities.
- Improve parts management, stock control and supplier performance.
- Aid in reducing downtime and avoidable expenditure within the service department
Key Skills & Experience
- Experience in plant, engineering, workshop or fleet management within construction, civils, quarrying, waste or utilities.
- Strong understanding of plant maintenance, diagnostics and workshop operations.
- Demonstrated ability to introduce structure, process and discipline into operational teams.
- Experience supporting or delivering change programmes.
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence and coach people at all levels.
- Highly organised, methodical and proactive, with strong follow‑through.
- IT‑literate with experience using asset management or maintenance systems.
Personal Attributes
- Calm, steady and credible during periods of change.
- Practical, hands‑on and solutions‑driven.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust quickly.
- High integrity, safety‑focused and committed to raising standards.
- A “finisher” who ensures improvements are embedded, not just introduced