Location: Northampton (NN6)
Company: Sandhill Plant Ltd
Salary: £32,000–£34,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am – 4:30pm (30-minute unpaid break)
Full Training Provided
About the Role
Sandhill Plant Ltd is looking for a reliable, hardworking and detail-focused Plant Machinery Preparation Operative to join our Northampton depot.
This is a varied, hands-on role responsible for preparing construction machinery to the highest possible standard before sale.
The role combines the responsibilities of both machine washing and final valeting. You will carry out the complete preparation process, from removing heavy dirt and debris using high-pressure washing equipment through to detailed cleaning of operator cabs, final presentation, and quality inspection.
As the final person responsible for preparing each machine, your work directly influences our customers' first impression of Sandhill Plant Ltd. Pride, consistency and attention to detail are therefore essential.
Key Responsibilities
External Machine Cleaning
- Thoroughly clean construction machinery using high-pressure washing equipment.
- Remove mud, grease, oil, concrete, vegetation and other contaminants.
- Apply approved cleaning chemicals safely and effectively.
- Ensure machinery is cleaned to company presentation standards.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised wash bay.
Internal Valeting & Detailing
- Clean operator cabs to an exceptional standard.
- Clean windows, mirrors, dashboards, controls, seats and flooring.
- Vacuum and remove dust and debris from interior compartments.
- Clean all accessible internal surfaces.
- Carry out final finishing touches to ensure machinery is presented professionally.
Quality Inspection
- Conduct detailed visual inspections during and after cleaning.
- Report any visible damage, defects or missing components.
- Ensure machines meet Sandhill Plant Ltd quality and presentation standards before release.
- Identify areas requiring further attention before customer collection or delivery.
General Duties
- Follow all company Health & Safety procedures.
- Work safely around heavy plant and machinery.
- Maintain equipment and keep work areas clean and organised.
- Assist workshop and depot teams when required.
- Undertake other reasonable duties as requested.
Important Information About the Role
This position is physically demanding and requires a positive attitude towards outdoor manual work.
Applicants should understand that:
- Much of the work is carried out outdoors in all weather conditions.
- During winter the role can be cold, wet and muddy.
- During summer the wash bay can become hot and physically demanding.
- Machinery often arrives heavily contaminated with mud, grease, oil and construction materials.
- The work can be repetitive and requires patience.
- High standards must be maintained regardless of workload.
- Success comes from consistency and attention to detail rather than speed.
- You will be the final quality checkpoint before equipment reaches the customer.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who takes genuine pride in producing high-quality work.
Essential qualities include:
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong work ethic.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Methodical and organised.
- Physically fit and comfortable carrying out manual work.
- Ability to work independently.
- Positive attitude.
- Good communication skills.
- Willingness to work outdoors throughout the year.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards.
Previous experience in plant machinery, vehicle valeting, commercial vehicle cleaning, detailing or industrial cleaning would be advantageous but is not essential, as full training will be provided.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £32,000–£34,000 per annum depending on experience.
- 22 Days Annual Leave
- NEST Pension
- Full training and ongoing development.
- Stable Monday to Friday working hours.
- Modern equipment and facilities.
- Company workwear and PPE.
- Opportunity to join a growing and well-established plant machinery business.
- A varied role where your work has a direct impact on customer satisfaction and company reputation.
Why Join Sandhill Plant Ltd?
Every machine that leaves our depot represents our business. We believe presentation reflects our standards; our customers expect equipment to arrive clean, well prepared and ready for work.
If you're someone that takes pride in achieving exceptional standards and doesn't mind getting your hands dirty, we'd love to hear from you.
**Must be able to drive to the yard for work**
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Temp to perm
Pay: From £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
