Plant Manager - Galway
Location: Galway (Head Office)
Industry: Construction
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Role Overview
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Plant Manager to join one of Ireland's leading main building contractors, based in Galway.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Plant Department, overseeing the delivery, utilisation, maintenance and commercial management of plant, equipment, fleet and site services across multiple construction projects.
This is a key management position requiring strong operational planning, commercial awareness and extensive knowledge of construction plant and equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Department & Operational Management
- Oversee the daily operations of the Plant Department, ensuring resources are managed efficiently.
- Lead department meetings and prepare regular operational and commercial reports.
- Support strategic planning and identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and supplier performance.
- Ensure plant and equipment requirements are met across multiple construction projects.
Site Logistics & Project Mobilisation
- Manage the mobilisation and demobilisation of tower cranes, site accommodation, surveying instruments, telehandlers and associated plant.
- Coordinate the delivery, installation, commissioning and removal of plant and temporary site facilities.
- Work closely with Site Management teams to assess and plan project-specific plant requirements.
- Ensure plant and equipment are available in line with project programmes and operational needs.
Plant & Equipment Management
- Manage both owned and hired plant, ensuring efficient utilisation, availability and cost control.
- Oversee equipment maintenance, repairs and servicing to minimise downtime.
- Monitor repair costs, equipment performance and asset lifecycles.
- Prepare cost-benefit analyses for purchasing versus hiring equipment and repairing versus replacing assets.
- Review the existing plant fleet, identifying future requirements, replacement needs and potential disposals.
- Maintain a strong understanding of plant specifications, capabilities and operating requirements.
Supplier & Subcontractor Management
- Manage relationships with plant suppliers, hire companies and subcontractors.
- Conduct supplier performance reviews to ensure quality, reliability, safety and value for money.
- Source new suppliers and negotiate competitive rates and commercial terms.
- Maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure responsive and reliable service.
- Assist with pricing plant, equipment and logistics requirements for tender submissions.
Fleet, Transport & Compliance
- Oversee the management of company vehicles, telehandlers, generators and ancillary equipment.
- Coordinate plant transportation, deliveries and collections across construction sites.
- Manage fuel cards, toll tags, insurance valuations and associated fleet administration.
- Ensure compliance with Road Safety Authority (RSA) requirements and relevant transport regulations.
- Support RSA audits and maintain accurate fleet and compliance records.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in plant management, equipment management or a similar operational management role within the construction industry.
- Strong knowledge of construction plant, machinery, equipment and fleet operations.
- Experience managing both owned and hired plant across multiple construction projects.
- Excellent organisational, operational planning and coordination skills.
- Strong commercial awareness, including budgeting, cost management and supplier negotiations.
- Ability to prepare cost-benefit analyses and contribute to tender pricing.
- Good understanding of equipment maintenance, repair costs, asset management and fleet optimisation.
- Knowledge of RSA requirements and fleet compliance.
- Strong communication, problem-solving and supplier relationship management skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced construction environment.
Benefits Package
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to join a well-established construction company offering excellent career development and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Company pension / retirement plan
- Life insurance
- Permanent Health Insurance (Income Protection)
- Annual performance reviews
- Career progression and professional development opportunities
- Employee development and training programmes
- Professional subscription support
- On-the-job learning and mentoring
- Company mileage and expenses
- Free parking
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Travel Saver Scheme
- Employee referral bonus
- Employee wellbeing scheme
- Health screening and flu clinics
- Social events and employee engagement activities
- Office perks and merchandise store
- Scholarship and graduate development programmes
- Enhanced maternity leave pay
- Paid paternity leave
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Plant Manager to join a highly respected main contractor with a strong presence across Ireland and the UK.
With a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality projects across a range of sectors, the company offers a supportive, collaborative working environment and a strong focus on employee development.
The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting construction operations across multiple projects, with the opportunity to contribute to operational improvements and long-term business growth.
Interested in finding out more?
Apply today or contact Pivotal Recruitment for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.