Job Description

At Sisk, we create places and infrastructure that shape how people live, work and connect – now and for future generations. As a family‑owned, international construction and engineering group, we offer meaningful careers across building, infrastructure, rail, energy and off‑site manufacturing throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe, where people are supported to grow, make an impact and be part of positive change.

The Specialist Plant Manager acts as the Group Subject Matter Expert for the provision, deployment, and governance of Specialist Plant & Equipment across Sisk projects. The role ensures that all specialist plant solutions are safe and compliant with statutory and Sisk standards, technically robust and fit for purpose, commercially optimised through effective use of owned and hired assets, and efficiently deployed to support project delivery. A key focus of the role is the oversight of high-risk operations, ensuring market-leading solutions are delivered that enhance safety, productivity, and value for Sisk, its clients, and partners.

Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Regulatory Alignment: Maintain compliance with UK lifting regulations (LOLER 1998, BS 7121) and Irish legislation (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations).
• Audit Management: Lead regular, rigorous safety and operational compliance audits across all active regional sites.
• Incident Investigation: Support technical investigations into plant near-misses or failures, delivering root-cause analysis reports.

Risk & Technical Management

• Documentation Control: Author, review, and approve complex Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
• High-Risk Operations: Offer subject matter expert support to critical, high-risk technical operations including tandem lifts, blind lifts, and complex technical rigging.
• Engineering Review: support our Projects with best use of product placement, including liaisons with our Engineering Services Teams

Asset Lifecycle & Logistics

• Crane Oversight: Manage the deployment, erection, and dismantling of tower cranes, crawler cranes, and mobile units.
• Access & Hoists: Supervise the installation and safety verification and all hoisting operations.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Vendor Selection: Establish and manage a multi-jurisdictional framework agreement for tier-1 plant, crane, and hoist suppliers across the UK and Ireland.
• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate high-value hire contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and mobilisation/demobilisation costs to secure maximum commercial value.
• Supply Chain Audit: Conduct safety, financial, and operational compliance audits on third-party plant providers and transport subcontractors.

Financial & Budgetary Control

• Capex/Opex Management: Support multi-million-pound/euro capital expenditure (CAPEX) for asset purchasing and operational expenditure (OPEX).
• Cost Optimisation: Track, analyse, and report on plant utilisation rates and running costs to optimise the asset life’s cycle.
• Financial Accountability: P&L accountability.

Experience

• Specialist Plant Expertise - Deep technical understanding of cranes, lifting operations, hoisting systems, mast climbers, and related high-risk plant. Strong knowledge of operational risks, constraints, and mitigation measures across complex construction environments.
• Industry Experience - Minimum 10 years’ experience in crane operations, specialist plant deployment, and major project mobilisations within Ireland and/or the UK, including at least 5 years operating at management or supervisory level with Tier 1 contractors or specialist providers.
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation and industry standards, including LOLER, BS 7121, and Irish construction safety regulations. Proven ability to interpret, implement, and audit compliance frameworks.
• Technical & Engineering Capability - Ability to review and interpret technical drawings, lift plans, structural calculations, and crane schematics. Experience in CAD/BIM-supported crane planning and temporary works coordination.
• Project & Operational Management - Strong project planning and coordination skills, including sequencing of complex lifts, logistics planning, and multi-stakeholder interface management across project teams and supply chain partners.
• Commercial Acumen - Demonstrated ability to manage hire costs, negotiate supplier agreements, and optimise plant utilisation. Strong understanding of CAPEX/OPEX considerations and cost drivers within specialist plant.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence project teams, clients, and supply chain partners. Capable of presenting technical solutions clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Digital & Systems Capability - Proficient in MS Office suite, with working knowledge of CAD/BIM tools and digital systems used for planning, reporting, and analysis.

Qualifications

Required

• Appointed Person (Lifting Operations) or
• CPCS Crane Supervisor license
• Working at Heights (WAH)
• UK or IRL equivalents

Desirable

• BIM/AUTOCAD
• Engineering qualifications – structural or mechanical
• Concrete Pumping experience would be an advantage.

Additional Information

What We Offer

At Sisk, your rewards package goes far beyond your salary. Our most valued benefits include:

• Competitive salary
• 26 days annual leave
• Pension scheme
• Comprehensive health, wellbeing and lifestyle supports
• Career development opportunities
• And much more as part of our Total Rewards programme

Our People & Recruitment CommitmentAt Sisk, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer the opportunity to work with purpose, grow a career without limits and be part of a supportive, collaborative team.

All vacancies are managed directly by our Internal Recruitment Team. Unsolicited CVs or speculative contact from unapproved agencies are not accepted, and no fees will be payable.

Equity, Inclusion & AccessibilityWe are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, family status or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all candidates.

Encouraging All Talent to ApplyWe understand that the confidence gap or imposter syndrome can discourage great people from applying. Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to express your interest — your skills, experience and potential are what matter.

Compliance & TransparencyAll recruitment materials are designed to meet or exceed legal and regulatory requirements, including the Irish and UK Equality Acts and the EU Pay Transparency Directive, ensuring fairness, transparency and equal access for every applicant.

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