Plant & Equipment Manager

About the Role

Geoharbour Middle East is looking for a seasoned Plant & Equipment Manager who can take ownership of the company’s heavy machinery fleet and construction plant. This role is focused on keeping equipment dependable, available, and cost-effective while supporting operations across several projects.

The position calls for someone who can build strong maintenance systems, manage budgets and inventory wisely, improve operating practices, and ensure that all plant and equipment are used efficiently and safely.

Key Responsibilities

Plant and equipment operations

• Direct all plant and equipment activities, including workshops, yards, and equipment deployed at project sites.
• Put in place preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance plans that improve reliability and extend asset life.
• Make sure machinery is available when needed and assigned effectively to match project timelines and demands.
• Handle inspections, movement to and from sites, and commissioning of equipment.
• Track fleet performance, usage levels, and productivity across all projects.

Budgeting and cost control

• Create and oversee yearly budgets covering maintenance, repairs, spare parts, fuel, and capital spend.
• Introduce cost controls that help lower operating expenses and reduce equipment downtime.
• Review maintenance and operating costs and drive initiatives that improve financial efficiency.
• Manage spare parts and consumables inventory to prevent excess stock or shortages.
• Assess whole-life equipment costs and recommend whether assets should be replaced, refurbished, or retired.
• Find savings through better maintenance practices, supplier negotiation, and operational improvements.

Policies, procedures, and compliance

• Design, implement, and refine policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures for plant and equipment activities.
• Set up systems, maintenance standards, and operating guidelines that can be applied across projects.
• Ensure compliance with company rules, manufacturer guidance, and all applicable local statutory requirements.
• Strengthen asset governance and equipment control frameworks to improve accountability and oversight.
• Maintain accurate equipment records, maintenance histories, and reporting processes.
• Promote and enforce compliance with HSE requirements and a strong safety-focused culture.

Leadership and team development

• Lead and support maintenance engineers, supervisors, mechanics, technicians, and equipment operators.
• Define KPIs and performance expectations for the Plant & Equipment Department.
• Plan and deliver training and skills development for technical and operational staff.
• Encourage continuous improvement, ownership, and high operational standards.

Technical and operational support

• Provide expert troubleshooting for complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Procurement, and Operations teams to ensure equipment is deployed efficiently and supported properly.
• Manage coordination with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and external service partners.
• Prepare monthly reports covering equipment utilization, maintenance results, costs, and other key performance indicators.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field is required.
• At least 10 years of experience in plant and equipment management within construction, heavy equipment, piling, ground improvement, or infrastructure sectors.
• Minimum 5 years in a managerial position leading sizable construction equipment fleets.
• Strong understanding of heavy construction machinery such as cranes, piling rigs, excavators, loaders, generators, and ground improvement equipment.
• Hands-on background in maintenance management, asset management, and cost optimization.
• Experience creating policies, procedures, and SOPs for plant and equipment operations.
• Solid knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems in heavy machinery.
• Practical proficiency with ERP platforms and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
• Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience handling equipment for piling, ground improvement, geotechnical, or marine construction projects.
• Familiarity with major heavy equipment brands such as Liebherr, Bauer, Caterpillar, Doosan, Hitachi, XCMG, Junttan, BSP, and similar manufacturers.
• Exposure to multi-project operations across the Middle East is an advantage.