Fitter / Workshop Manager (Hands-On)

Fitter / Workshop Manager (Hands-On)

Location: Biggleswade
Working hours: 7am-5pm - Mon - Fri
Pay: Competitive rates! on PAYE.
Reporting to: Maintenance Manager
MUST have RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Fitter / Workshop Manager to take full responsibility for the maintenance, performance and operational readiness of our plant fleet.

This is a leadership role that remains firmly tools-on. The successful candidate will be actively involved in servicing, diagnostics, fault finding and major repairs while overseeing daily workshop operations, standards and team performance.

You will drive plant reliability, maximise availability and ensure compliance, cost control and workshop discipline are maintained at all times.

The fleet includes (but is not limited to):

Excavators

Dumpers

Rollers

Telehandlers

Brokk demolition machines

Associated heavy plant and specialist equipment

Key Responsibilities

1. Hands-On Plant Maintenance & Technical Leadership

Carry out servicing, inspections, diagnostics and repairs across the fleet.

Lead complex breakdown investigations and major component replacements.

Ensure all plant is maintained in line with manufacturer service schedules.

Implement preventative maintenance strategies to reduce reactive breakdowns.

Maintain high standards of safety, compliance and housekeeping within the workshop.

2. Workshop Operations Management

Plan and allocate daily workloads aligned with operational priorities.

Monitor plant downtime and implement corrective actions to improve availability.

Maintain structure, organisation and discipline within the workshop.

Ensure servicing schedules are adhered to with no missed intervals.

3. Team Supervision & Development

Supervise and support workshop fitters and technicians.

Lead by example in work ethic, technical standards and accountability.

Identify training requirements and coordinate product-specific upskilling.

Promote continuous improvement across the workshop team.

4. Job Card & Maintenance Documentation

Ensure all job cards are accurately completed and closed out.

Maintain detailed service and repair records for every asset.

Track recurring faults and escalate trends to senior management.

Ensure all maintenance documentation is audit-ready at all times.

5. Parts & Inventory Control

Manage workshop parts inventory effectively.

Control ordering and stock levels to maintain cost efficiency.

Reduce downtime through proactive parts planning.

Work alongside the Maintenance Manager to control maintenance spend.

Performance Measures

The role will be measured against:

Plant availability and utilisation

Adherence to service schedules

Reduction in breakdown frequency

Workshop productivity and efficiency

Accuracy and completion of job cards

Parts and maintenance cost control

Health & Safety compliance

Team development and technical progression

Experience & Skills Required

Proven experience as a Heavy Plant Fitter

Strong hydraulic, electrical and mechanical diagnostic skills

Experience supervising or mentoring workshop staff

Solid knowledge of construction plant equipment

Strong organisational and planning capability

Commercial awareness and cost control mindset

Competent with maintenance management systems

Personal Attributes

Ownership mentality treats the workshop like their own operation

Proactive planner no surprises on servicing or breakdowns

Process-driven and disciplined

Strong communicator

High standards and attention to detail

Resilient, accountable and solution-focused

What We Expect

Full ownership of fleet reliability.

Leadership from the front actively involved in repairs and servicing.

A professional, organised and disciplined workshop.

Plant availability that supports operational delivery.

Continuous improvement in team capability and performance