Hire Manager

Bedford, Bedfordshire
Kiota Recruitment

Our client is an established pump rental solutions business supporting customers across the water, construction, infrastructure and environmental sectors.

An opportunity has become available for a Hire Manager to join its Bedford branch, taking responsibility for the day-to-day hire desk operation, coordinating equipment availability, customer requirements and transport scheduling.

This position would suit someone with experience in plant or equipment hire who understands the demands of a busy rental operation and has previous experience supervising and supporting a team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the daily hire desk operation, overseeing customer enquiries, quotations, contracts and hire extensions.
• Lead, supervise and support the hire desk team, ensuring workloads are managed and customer requirements are met.
• Coordinate transport schedules, arranging equipment deliveries and collections to meet customer requirements.
• Monitor equipment availability, stock records and asset utilisation to support efficient hire operations.
• Review equipment on re-hire and identify opportunities to replace externally hired equipment with available company assets.
• Negotiate hire rates with customers, maintaining commercial awareness and supporting branch revenue targets.
• Ensure hire contracts, customer records and associated documentation are completed accurately.
• Work closely with workshop, transport, sales and operational teams to resolve equipment and scheduling issues.
• Support team performance, training and development while maintaining high standards of customer service.
• Promote safe working practices and ensure compliance with company health and safety procedures.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience working within a plant or equipment hire.
• Experience supervising or managing a busy hire desk operation.
• Good understanding of hire processes, including quotations, contracts, equipment availability and off-hire arrangements.
• Experience coordinating transport, deliveries and collections within a rental or operational environment.
• Confident using hire management systems, rental software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond to changing customer requirements.
• Experience supporting, coaching and supervising colleagues within a busy operational team.
• Commercial awareness, including experience negotiating hire rates and maintaining customer relationships.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills when dealing with customers, suppliers and internal teams.
• Ability to work independently, make operational decisions and maintain accurate records.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of construction, water utilities, infrastructure or industrial customers.
• Experience monitoring equipment utilisation, branch performance and hire profitability.
• Previous experience within pump hire or specialist pumping equipment.

What The Role Offers

• Responsibility for managing an established branch hire operation and supporting its commercial performance.
• A varied role combining team supervision, customer service, logistics and equipment management.
• The opportunity to work with specialist pumping equipment supporting essential infrastructure and environmental projects.
• Access to training and development within a nationwide specialist equipment rental business.
• A comprehensive benefits package including private healthcare, pension contributions and additional holiday options.

Summary:

Location: Bedford

Salary: £40,000 – £50,000

Bonus: Company bonus scheme, with annual and quarterly payments

Duration: Permanent

Benefits Include:

Private Medical Insurance

Medical cash plan, including dental and optical reimbursements

Access to a 24-hour online GP service

Pension contributions based on total earnings

Life assurance at three times annual salary

Employee discounts and gym membership offers

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Training and development support

This opportunity would suit an experienced Hire Desk Supervisor, Senior Hire Controller or Hire Manager who enjoys coordinating a busy rental operation, supporting a team and ensuring customers receive the equipment and service they need.

Apply today or contact the Kiota Recruitment team for more information.