Role Overview & Project Scope

Laing O’Rourke is currently seeking applications for the position of Workshop Leading Hand. As a $6 billion privately owned global engineering and manufacturing-led construction leader, Laing O’Rourke delivers some of Australia’s most complex and iconic infrastructure projects across defence, transport, rail, health, water, and utilities.

Select Plant Australia, a vertically integrated business owned by Laing O’Rourke, plays a critical role in keeping Australia’s major construction projects moving. As a specialist plant hire partner, Select supports Laing O’Rourke and the wider market on complex projects, delivering smart, safe, and sustainable solutions on time. We bring together an experienced, diverse team who care deeply about how work gets done. Our focus is simple: to provide high-quality plant and services that help our customers perform at their best, on site and beyond. Our capability spans seven core service areas: Cranes and Lifting Solutions, General Plant, Heavy Plant, Site Solutions, Specialist Rail, Sustainability and Innovation, and Vehicles. This breadth allows us to respond with confidence, adapt to change and solve problems before they slow a project down.

Core Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

In this role at Laing O’Rourke, your key responsibilities and deliverables will include:

• Lead, mentor and support workshop personnel, promoting a positive, collaborative, and safety-focused culture.
• Oversee day-to-day workshop operations to ensure maintenance, servicing, and repairs of plant and equipment are executed efficiently and to the highest standards.
• Coordinate job allocations, workflow, and productivity across workshop bays.
• Work closely with the Workshop Supervisor and Plant Operations to ensure equipment is prepared and compliant for hire dispatch.
• Perform mechanical fitting, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and overhaul of heavy plant, cranes, and site equipment.
• Ensure full compliance with workshop safety procedures, 5S standards, and environmental requirements.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, inspection checklists, and machine documentation in the maintenance ERP system.

Selection Criteria & Candidate Profile

Laing O’Rourke evaluates applicants against demonstrated technical capabilities and experience aligned with this role:

• Recognised trade qualification as a Mechanical Fitter or Heavy Plant Mechanic (Certificate III in Mechanical Engineering / Heavy Commercial Vehicle).
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience as a Leading Hand or Senior Fitter in a plant hire, construction, or heavy equipment workshop.
• Strong diagnostic, hydraulic, and mechanical troubleshooting capabilities on mobile plant and machinery.
• Forklift Licence (LF), Dogging, and Rigging qualifications are highly regarded.
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence and Construction White Card.
• Uncompromising commitment to workplace safety and team development.

Key Competencies & Technical Proficiencies

Benefits, Rewards & Flexibility

At Laing O’Rourke, you are supported to build a meaningful, rewarding career. Some of the benefits offered include:

• In-house training and continuous professional development opportunities.
• Six months’ paid parental leave at full pay for all eligible employees.
• Purchased leave options and paid volunteering leave.
• Exclusive discounts and savings across hundreds of Australian retailers.
• Recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality.

Application Instructions

To inspect the complete official vacancy announcement and submit your confidential application directly through the PageUp career portal, click the Apply on Employer Site button above.