We’re excited to introduce Ben, our new Plant Manager, who’s already driving results both on and off the site! When he’s not ensuring our team has all the equipment, they need to get the job done, you’ll find him on the green perfecting his golf swing. We sat down with Ben to chat about his role and how he keeps our operations up to par.

What are your main responsibilities as the plant manager for Shanco? 

My main responsibilities as the plant manager is to make sure that the lads out on site have everything they need to complete their works. I also handle:

• – Liaising with the Yard Manager to make sure our fleet of machines and small tools are kept to the highest standards and are always in working order.
• – Planning out the day-to-day work of our Tipper truck to keep the sites running whether that be for muck away or aggregates in.
• – Supplier management; making sure we have the best possible supply chain nationwide with the best possible rates in place.
• – Making sure we get the best possible prices when it comes to refreshing the fleet, whether that be new vans or new plant and equipment.
• – Dealing with any invoices or queries and signing them off.
• – Sending out all of the certification for all of our plant to the clients and our site managers to keep us compliant with HSE.

What attracted you to a career in construction?

I really fell into the world of construction. I left school as soon as I could do, but my Mum and Dad wouldn’t just let me sit at home doing nothing, so I had to go out and find a job. The apprenticeship I got was for the role of Labour Manager at a recruitment company. From there, I made connections within the plant and construction industry and was asked to go work on the client side of construction for one of our customers. Ever since that day, I have never looked back and have always been in the industry.

Can you describe a typical day?

In plant there isn’t such a thing as a typical day! Every day is different, which is the best thing about this job! But day-to-day roles are liaising with the site management teams to make sure they have all they need on site in order to carry out their works. Liaising with the accounts team to make sure all the invoices are signed off and any queries are chased up. Also working closely with the procurement manager, the plant & yard manager, Glenn, and the plant and yard operative, Simon, to make sure the yard is fully equipped, and the wagon is always out working!

What do you like most about your job / working for with Shanco?

I’ve always loved construction but more so plant equipment even as a little kid, so working every day with machinery and wagons is what I’ve always wanted to do. Also, the fact there isn’t one day that is like the previous one makes this job even more interesting. Working at Shanco isn’t like a lot of other places; you feel like you’re part of a new little family. Everyone is so welcoming and you feel valued as a member of staff and that your opinion and input on things is truly listened to and taken into account. 

Can you describe the Shanco team in three words?

Supportive, Family, Driven

What advice would you give to others thinking of a similar role in construction?

Do it! I did, and I have worked my way up to where I am today with zero regrets. Construction is one of the most interesting and fast-paced industries about. Take the plunge and start from the bottom and work your way up. 

What do you like doing when you’re not at work?

I play as much golf as I possibly can do now. But most of my time is spent with my fiancée and our black lab Luna.