Tell us about your job in a nutshell

I look after all the maintenance for the production side of the business.  This covers all fixed plant (like primary crusher, wash plant, aggregate screening, fine powders processing and our Longfloor screed plant); mobile plant (like our 70t dumpers, 90t excavators down to our mini diggers and pick up trucks); groundworks; buildings; facilities and projects.

On a typical day I will start by speaking to the maintenance team, supervisors and planner on any issues regarding the work ahead that day.  This will include ensuring that all paperwork is in place, reviewing any contract work and also job timescales.  From there I will attend a short morning meeting with production colleagues to pass on any information of note that came out of my first meeting.  This will include safety matters; sales and production demands; planned work; estimates on time to complete work; and any other issues they may need the maintenance team to address.                                                                                             

I will then speak with contracting companies and suppliers on specifications and build costings of parts and work needed. During the day there will be a variety of activity that will need parts ordering, assessments completing, servicing/checking of plant or meetings about upcoming work or projects, jobs and inspections. As a department, we support projects such as the current TCM project on the Pyro and the upcoming TCM on Atritor 1 as well – these run alongside our everyday maintenance checks and repairs – all whilst making sure all work is done safely, on time and within budget

How has your career developed since you started working for Longcliffe?

I started work for Longcliffe in 2004 and moved into my current role early in 2024.

my Longcliffe career began as an apprentice electrician in the quarry maintenance team. After a few years as a qualified electrician I then became supervisor, and as the business grew, I then took the role of planner.  I would coordinate activities and manage contractors assisting in the sites’ maintenance, repairs and installation of plant. This then led to my previous role which was to start and grow a maintenance department supporting the Longfloor* screed and milk of lime production business.

In April 2024 I was appointed as Works Engineer, based on our main quarry site.  This role covers all maintenance activities across the business including Longfloor.

What training/qualifications do you have and what are the key skills you need to do your job

With my role you need good electrical and mechanical knowledge of the plants, layouts and buildings.  I have a City &Guilds qualification in electrical wiring and installations, and an Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) certificate in managing safely.  I have also had a variety of competency training in risk assessing, operating machinery, lifting operations, groundworks, regulations, and supervisory/management.

You need to have good communications and teamwork skills, plus a good working relationship with staff, suppliers and contractors.  You should be able to problem solve and a develop a keen understanding of your area of work. The job needs you to make decisions and act with pride, and  always be willing to learn and share knowledge to develop others and allow others to help with your own development.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

I like working  with staff and contractors to improve their area of work to make their job easier, safer and quicker.  I  find this not only  improves their working day but improves  performance and rewards  the business. Investing in the people receives the best rewards, drives the team spirit and encourages performance

What are your career aspirations?

I would like to continue to grow and learn in line with the company’s direction and meet new challenges.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying for a job with Longcliffe?

If you want to work for a friendly, family company with a sense of pride, come and join us.  Everyone is approachable and always willing to help and share knowledge.

*Longfloor is Longcliffe’s floor screed company https://www.longfloor.co.uk/