Smiths Gloucester Limited
Plant Hire - Operations Manager
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Who are we?
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.
What we're looking for?
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.
Responsibilities for the job role
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
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- 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.
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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.
Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.
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