Position: General Manager - Heavy Plant

Location: South East England (Depot-based)
Salary: 65k - 75k

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.

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.

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.

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.

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