Fleet / Plant Manager in Construction

Fleet / Plant Manager – Construction

Position Title: Fleet / Plant Manager

Department: Operation

Reporting To: Head of Projects

Location: Mt Edgecombe (with frequent site visits across all project locations)

Job Level: Middle Management

Employment Type: Full-time

1. POSITION OVERVIEW

The Fleet / Plant Manager is responsible for the full management, coordination, optimisation, and compliance of construction plant, machinery, vehicles, and small tools across all company projects. The role ensures that all fleet and plant assets are maintained, serviced, legally compliant, cost-effective, and available for operational use.

This position is based at the Mt Edgecombe office but requires regular travel to project sites to monitor asset performance, verify utilisation, oversee maintenance, and support site teams.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIESA. Plant, Machinery & Fleet Management

• Manage the full fleet of construction vehicles, trucks, yellow plant (TLBs, excavators, rollers, graders, loaders, compactors, etc.), and small tools.
• Maintain an updated asset register for all plant, vehicles, and tools.
• Monitor utilisation and ensure optimal allocation of plant to projects based on productivity and cost requirements.
• Ensure all plant movements are recorded and authorised (dispatch, transfers, returns).
• Oversee availability, readiness, and reliability of all assets for project operations.

B. Preventative & Corrective Maintenance

• Develop and implement a preventative maintenance schedule for all machines and vehicles.
• Coordinate breakdown response, diagnostics, and repair turnaround times.
• Manage service intervals, workshop bookings, inspections, and mechanical reports.
• Ensure compliance with OEM standards, warranty terms, and service agreements.
• Conduct routine inspections at sites to verify plant condition and safe usage.

C. Compliance, Licensing & Safety Management

• Ensure all plant, vehicles, and operators comply with:
• Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHS Act)
• Construction Regulations
• Road Traffic Act requirements
• Environmental guidelines
• Maintain valid licences, COFs, operator certificates, load tests, lifting equipment certifications, and calibration records.
• Implement disciplinary action where plant misuse, negligence, or safety non-compliance occurs.
• Support SHEQ department with inspections, incident investigations, and risk assessments.

D. Asset Security & Loss Control

• Implement controls to safeguard plant and tools (tracking systems, asset tagging, tool registers).
• Investigate asset loss, theft, vandalism, and misuse, with reports and corrective measures.
• Work with site management to maintain secure storage of small tools, equipment, and consumables.

E. Financial & Cost Management

• Maintain plant cost records, including fuel, maintenance, repairs, and parts usage.
• Analyse plant hire vs ownership costs to recommend cost-saving strategies.
• Approve suppliers, quotations, and purchase orders for spares, repairs, and fuel.
• Monitor and manage fuel consumption variances, meter hours, and odometer tracking.
• Support monthly cost reporting to the Head of Project and Finance Department.

F. People Management & Coordination

• Supervise diesel mechanics, operators, drivers, and plant administrators.
• Conduct operator assessments, refresher trainings, and capability checks.
• Assign plant operators to appropriate machines based on competence and certification.
• Support recruitment and performance management of fleet and plant personnel.

G. Project Support

• Work closely with Site Agents, Project Managers, and Engineers to understand plant requirements for each construction phase.
• Advise on plant selection, capability, productivity rates, and availability.
• Attend site meetings to provide updates on equipment status and operational issues.

3. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Minimum Qualifications

• Diploma/Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Transport Management, Fleet Management, or related field.
• Trade Test (Diesel Mechanic / Earthmoving Equipment) – advantageous.
• Valid driver's licence (Code 08/10; Code 14 advantageous).
• Certification in plant and equipment management is beneficial.

Experience

• 5–10 years' experience in managing construction plant and vehicles.
• Strong knowledge of yellow plant, heavy-duty trucks, and small tools in civil or building construction.
• Experience working with multiple project sites.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, maintenance plans, and technical teams.

4. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong mechanical and technical understanding of construction equipment.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and organisational skills.
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Proficient in computer systems (MS Excel, Fleet Management Systems, Maintenance Software).
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).

5. WORKING CONDITIONS

• Based in Mt Edgecombe office with extensive travel to project sites.
• Work in both office and outdoor construction environments.
• Requires availability for emergency breakdowns and after-hours support.

6. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Plant availability percentage and downtime reduction.
• Utilisation efficiency across projects.
• Maintenance cost control and budget compliance.
• Compliance with safety and licensing standards.
• Reduction of asset loss, misuse, or negligence.
• Accurate asset tracking and reporting.

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: R35 000,00 per month

Education:

• Bachelors (Required)

Experience:

• Fleet / Plant Management in Construction: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person