The Yard Manager is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment, managing yard staff, and ensuring all activities comply with RAMS and safety regulations. They are the focal point for crane preparation (technical, painting and movement of components). Their main focus will be to ensure cranes are consistently prepared and tested ahead of time to afford the erection teams as much support as possible.
They oversee the coordination of tower crane load-outs, safe receipt of crane components, and material movement within the yard. The Yard Manager is also responsible for supporting technicians in their maintenance work, managing chemical storage, and overseeing the operation of the paint booth.
This role may require occasional overtime or weekend work, depending on operational needs. The Yard Manager is expected to be hands-on and ready to respond to urgent issues as they arise.
Qualifications and Skills
- Proven experience managing a yard or warehouse, preferably within the crane or heavy equipment industry.
- Strong understanding of safety regulations, including RAMS, PUWER, LOLER, and hazardous material storage.
- Excellent organizational and leadership skills to manage staff and maintain an efficient yard operation.
- Knowledge of chemical safety and experience operating a paint booth is desirable.
- Ability to coordinate with various teams, including technicians and external contractors.
Desirable: experience with tower cranes, lifting equipment or heavy plant.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
1. Safety and Compliance Management
- Ensure the yard operates in accordance with safety regulations, including PUWER and LOLER, with a focus on preventing accidents and ensuring a safe working environment for all staff.
- Conduct regular safety inspections of the yard and address any hazards promptly.
- Ensure all staff follow Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) and are fully trained on safety procedures.
- Maintain compliance with all relevant safety standards, including fire safety, hazardous materials storage, and equipment operation.
- Oversee the safe storage and usage of chemicals in compliance with health and safety regulations, including the safe operation of the paint booth.
- Ensure all staff and visitors are inducted and briefed on the RAMS for the tasks they are to complete.
2. Staff Management and Coordination
- Chair daily coordination meetings with all yard staff and ensure sufficient resources support is given to areas that are in need. Bringing together the technical, yard and subcontracting teams.
- Manage yard staff, ensuring they perform their duties in line with safety procedures and operational requirements.
- Provide guidance and support to staff, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities and follow the relevant RAMS documentation.
- Coordinate and support staff in preparing tower crane load-outs according to the spec sheet and ensure the correct receipt and inspection of crane components from dismantles.
- Ensure staff adhere to schedules and maintain efficiency in all yard operations.
3. Material Movement and Storage
- Oversee all material movement within the yard, ensuring safe and secure storage of equipment, materials, and crane components. Regularly checking all components remain fit for purpose and with the equipment they are intended to work with.
- Maintain an organized yard layout, ensuring efficient material flow, minimizing downtime, and avoiding congestion. (Using the crane preparation pipeline and the booking calendar)
- Ensure that incoming and outgoing crane components are properly documented, inspected, and stored to avoid damage or delays in operations. Create and manage stock lists.
4. Support for Maintenance and Technicians
- Provide support to technicians by ensuring they have access to the materials and equipment they need for maintenance work in the yard.
- Coordinate with the technicians to ensure they have a safe space to perform maintenance activities, minimizing disruption to yard operations.
- Assist technicians with the setup and teardown of maintenance areas, ensuring all safety standards are met during these operations.
5. Chemical Storage and Paint Booth Operations
- Ensure that all chemicals, paints, and hazardous materials are stored safely and in compliance with COSHH regulations.
- Oversee the operation and maintenance of the paint booth, ensuring that all staff are trained on its proper use and that it is maintained in good working order.
- Conduct regular inspections of chemical storage areas and the paint booth to ensure safety and compliance.
6. Yard Equipment Maintenance
- Ensure all yard equipment, including forklifts, cranes, and lifting gear, are regularly inspected, maintained, and safe to use.
- Ensure all personnel operating yard plant are suitably trained and familiarized with the relevant equipment.
- Report any issues or damage to equipment promptly and arrange for repairs or replacements as needed.
- Ensure equipment is stored securely when not in use, minimizing the risk of accidents or theft.
-Ensure all safety systems (fire alarm, security alarm and emergency lighting) are functional and undergo regular inspections.