Full job descriptionSix 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