Position: General Manager - Heavy Plant
Location: South East England (Depot-based)
Salary: 65k - 75k
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Role Overview:
NEOS are working with a established Heavy Plant company that is seeking a hands-on General Manager to take charge of all day-to-day activity across a busy service and logistics hub. This is a key leadership role responsible for staff oversight, operational efficiency, asset control, and service quality.
We’re looking for someone with a strong background in plant equipment operations, excellent people-management ability, and a consistent track record of ensuring compliance, safety, and performance across complex environments.
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General Manager Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Operational Oversight
* Manage daily depot functions, ensuring team output aligns with business requirements and service standards.
* Oversee stock availability and equipment readiness for deployment.
* Coordinate logistics related to transport, maintenance, and equipment turnaround.
* Ensure internal systems and operational processes are followed in line with company quality standards.
Team Leadership & Workforce Management
* Lead a multidisciplinary depot team including office staff, engineers, drivers, and yard operatives.
* Define objectives, facilitate development, and complete performance assessments.
* Handle scheduling and resourcing to ensure effective shift coverage and operational continuity.
* Manage recruitment and onboarding of new team members.
Client and Supplier Engagement
* Build strong working relationships with customers, third-party suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
* Promote a professional, solution-led approach to client service.
Compliance & Health and Safety
* Maintain a safe working environment in line with legal and internal requirements.
* Conduct site safety audits and implement preventative/corrective actions as necessary.
* Ensure all equipment is operated and maintained according to regulatory and technical standards.
Financial and Performance Management
* Oversee depot financials including cost control, resource planning, and budget tracking.
* Monitor KPIs and contribute to commercial decision-making through regular reporting.
* Identify and drive operational improvements to maximise productivity and profitability.
Asset and Equipment Management
* Optimise asset usage across the depot, ensuring plant and equipment is fully utilised.
* Highlight investment needs to senior leadership and support lifecycle planning for key assets.
Reporting & Strategic Support
* Submit fortnightly depot performance updates to senior management.
* Contribute to broader initiatives focused on improving service quality and efficiency.
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General Manager Essential Skills & Experience:
* Proven leadership experience within a depot, site or operations setting, ideally in the plant hire, construction, or industrial equipment sector.
* Solid understanding of plant and heavy plant equipment, including servicing, usage, and logistics.
* Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and people management skills.
* Financial awareness with experience managing budgets and operational targets.
* Competent with business systems and scheduling/reporting tools.
* Working knowledge of workplace health and safety legislation within heavy plant environments.
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General Manager Desirable Qualifications:
* IOSH or NEBOSH certification (or equivalent safety accreditation).
* Exposure to fleet and asset management within a hire or maintenance business.
* Formal training or qualification in management/leadership.
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General Manager Package:
* Permanent, full-time depot-based role.
* Hours: 7:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday (flexibility for occasional overtime/weekends).
* Competitive base salary (DOE) + performance-based bonus
* Company pension scheme and benefits package
* Ongoing training and professional development opportunities