About Flannery Plant Hire

Flannery Plant Hire is one of the UK's leading providers of operated and self‑drive plant equipment, supporting major infrastructure and construction projects nationwide. We invest in people, technology and innovation to build the workforce of the future.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Wheeled Excavator Operator to join our operations team. The successful person will operate wheeled excavators on customer sites and depots, carrying out safe, efficient earthworks, material handling and ancillary tasks. This role requires competent machine operation, good site awareness, adherence to health & safety procedures and a professional customer‑facing approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate wheeled excavators safely and efficiently for tasks such as trenching, digging, levelling, loading and material handling in accordance with site instructions.

• Carry out pre‑start and post‑shift machine inspections, complete operator checklists and report defects or damage to the depot or site supervisor promptly.

• Ensure attachments (buckets, grabs, breakers etc.) are fitted and used correctly, and change or secure attachments as required in line with manufacturer guidance and company procedures.

• Work to site safety rules, customer inductions and method statements; identify hazards and implement controls, including safe access, exclusion zones and protection of services.

• Load and unload machines onto transport vehicles where required, assist with securing plant and confirm readiness for transit with transport colleagues.

• Communicate professionally with site personnel, supervisors and Flannery contacts to confirm daily tasks, priorities and any site‑specific requirements.

• Complete accurate paperwork and electronic records including timesheets, equipment checklists, site reports and incident/near‑miss forms.

• Maintain machines in a clean and serviceable condition, carry out basic routine maintenance and refuelling where safe to do so, and liaise with workshop staff for repairs.

• Follow traffic management and site vehicle segregation rules when moving around site and when operating near pedestrians and other plant.

• Support depot activities and other plant operations during quieter periods, including assisting with site set‑up, cleaning and basic stores duties as directed.

Skills and Attributes

• Proven experience operating wheeled excavators on construction or civil engineering sites.

• Strong understanding of machine stability, safe lifting practices and correct use of attachments.

• Good site awareness and commitment to health & safety, including use of PPE and adherence to site procedures.

• Physically capable of manual handling tasks and working outdoors in variable weather conditions.

• Reliable, punctual and able to manage time effectively to meet job schedules and site requirements.

• Good communication skills with the ability to work well within a team and maintain professional customer interactions.

• Attention to detail when completing checks, paperwork and on‑site reports.

• Willingness to undertake additional training and to support other depot or site tasks as required.

Qualifications

Essential

• Proven experience operating wheeled excavators to a competent standard.

• Relevant construction plant operator certification (e.g. NPORS, CPCS or equivalent) for wheeled excavators.

• Valid CSCS card or equivalent site access certification where required by customers.

• Full UK driving licence with ability to travel between depots and sites as required.

Desirable

• Experience with a range of attachments including grabs, breakers and grading buckets.

• Familiarity with basic machine maintenance and daily servicing routines.

• Additional plant tickets (e.g. telehandler, wheeled loader) and site safety qualifications such as SMSTS or first aid.

• Previous experience working for plant hire or in civil engineering projects.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay and benefits package in line with experience and qualifications.

• Ongoing training and development, including refresher courses for plant tickets and safety training.

• Supportive and inclusive working environment with opportunities for career progression within the business.

• Opportunity to work on varied projects with industry‑leading equipment and a professional operations team.

Why Join Flannery?

If you are safety‑focused, experienced in wheeled excavator operation and keen to work in a collaborative, professional team, this role offers varied duties and the chance to contribute to high‑profile projects. Flannery Plant Hire is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a brief covering statement outlining your relevant plant operator certifications, experience with wheeled excavators and your availability. Early applications are encouraged.