Plant Manager - Collins Earthworks
(2019-04)
Oversee the sourcing and coordination of machinery and tools for construction sites. Maintain responsibility for procurement, supplier negotiation, budgeting, safety compliance, team leadership and reporting, while ensuring efficient daily operations across plant hire services.
- Plant & Equipment Hire - Hire machinery and tools to support site operations while ensuring all equipment complies with safety regulations. Request and maintain all relevant certificates and safety datasheets, while coordinating prompt reporting and resolution of breakdowns or issues. Monitor live hire systems and telematics to track performance and utilisation.
- Supplier & Cost Management - Negotiate hire rates, challenge charges for damage or loss and raise purchase orders. Review and approve invoices using Sage50, ensuring accuracy and resolving any invoice related queries. Track budgets closely and implement cost control measures, such as using fewer machines to reduce fuel and hire expenditure.
- Team & Operations Leadership - Line manage a team of five, deliver site inductions and act as key point of contact for internal staff, clients and external stakeholders. Ensure consistent communication across all levels and resolve any complaints or service issues quickly and professionally.
- Health & Safety Compliance - Monitor equipment and material handling processes to ensure compliance with HSE standards. Oversee testing of new machinery and promote safe practices. Review production schedules and drive productivity improvements while upholding safety and quality targets.
- Client & Stakeholder Liaison - Build strong working relationships with colleagues, contractors and clients. Liaise closely with leadership teams and site crews to ensure project timelines are met and operational targets achieved. Provide regular reporting and insights on asset use, efficiency and challenges.
- System & Process Management - Utilise machine telematic systems to analyse usage trends across various models. Maintain organised documentation and reporting through live hire platforms. Support invoice and credit processing, while ensuring internal systems and records remain up to date.
Tool and Plant Hire Depot Manager - Total Hire & Sales
(2002 - 2019)
Managed the daily operations of a busy plant and tool hire depot, overseeing logistics, client services, revenue generation and compliance. Held full responsibility for hire processes, procurement, transport and depot performance across a broad customer base.
- Depot Operations Management - Oversaw the day to day functioning of the depot, ensuring smooth coordination of equipment hire, returns and servicing. Managed depot inventory, ensuring all equipment followed correct safety and maintenance procedures. Acted as responsible key holder and maintained secure, efficient depot operations.
- Client & Revenue Management - Maintained strong client relationships and focused on key account retention. Worked to maximise monthly revenue through effective negotiation, upselling and client servicing. Resolved client issues and queries professionally and in a timely manner.
- Transport & Logistics Coordination - Organised transport for deliveries and collections, ensuring efficient scheduling and timely turnaround. Liaised with drivers and site teams to coordinate drop offs and returns. Responded quickly to last minute changes or urgent requests.
- Financial Control & Purchasing - Took sole responsibility for purchase orders and associated documentation. Handled queries around fuel and damage charges, ensuring fair resolution and appropriate client communication. Supported invoice processes and followed up on disputes.
- Compliance & Equipment Standards - Ensured all tools and machinery met safety standards before being hired out. Maintained accurate records and supported audits or compliance checks as needed. Focused on consistent equipment quality and readiness.
