Senior National Hire Desks Manager
About Us:
Plantforce Rentals are a national, leading provider of plant hire services across the UK. We offer a wide range of equipment and machinery to support construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects. As a company committed to customer satisfaction and operational excellence, we are looking to expand our team by hiring a highly organised and customer-focused Senior National Hire Desks Manager.
Job Purpose:
As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will have the chance to drive change, shape the future of our company, and work alongside talented and passionate professionals, playing a crucial role in shaping strategic decisions and driving the company’s growth and reputation.
As the Senior National Hire Desks Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the hire desk, ensuring the efficient and effective management of plant and equipment hire requests, customer service, and administration. You will lead a team of hire desk controllers across our depots, ensuring that all hire orders are processed accurately, safely, and on time, while delivering exceptional customer service.
Main Responsibilities:
Leadership & Supervision
- Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to promote the company’s vision, strategy, and long-term goals.
- Participate in executive decision-making processes, bringing a fresh perspective, critical insights, and strategic thinking to company-wide initiatives.
- Oversee andLead a team of hire desk controllers to ensure operational efficiency and excellence, driving continuous improvements across business processes
- Mentor and guide senior managers and department heads to support staff, enhance capabilities, and build a high-performing team culture across the organisation.
- Assist in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure resource allocation aligns with organisational goals and objectives.
- Lead change management efforts within the organisation, driving cultural transformation, innovation, and adaptation in a dynamic business environment.
- Identify potential risks to the business and develop strategies for mitigating those risks while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
- Drive innovation and identify new business opportunities to support the company’s growth, market expansion, and long-term success.
Hire Desk Operations
- Monitor team performance and KPIs, providing coaching and support as needed to meet or exceed targets.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the hire desk, ensuring that all plant and equipment hire orders are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Manage the allocation and dispatch of equipment, ensuring that customer needs are met and that equipment is available when required.
- Ensure that all hire agreements, contracts, and documentation are completed correctly and in line with company standards.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment availability, customer orders, delivery schedules, and returns.
Customer Service & Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, addressing any queries or concerns and resolving issues promptly.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring accurate, reliable, and professional service delivery.
- Handle customer complaints or disputes in a calm and effective manner, escalating when necessary.
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure that all equipment is checked for safety and is in good working condition before being dispatched.
- Ensure that all safety documentation, including risk assessments and compliance certifications, are up-to-date.
- Work closely with the health and safety team to ensure compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
Stock Management & Maintenance Coordination
- Work closely with the fleet management team to monitor equipment maintenance schedules and ensure that machinery is serviced on time.
- Oversee stock control, ensuring that equipment is regularly inspected, maintained, and fit for hire.
- Liaise with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure the availability and timely delivery of equipment when required.
Reporting & Administrative Duties
- Prepare and submit reports on hire desk performance, including sales, fleet utilisation, and customer satisfaction metrics.
- Assist in managing the hire fleet’s utilisation rates, invoicing, and financial reconciliation.
- Ensure that all administrative tasks related to hire contracts, invoicing, and returns are handled efficiently.
Essential Skills & Qualifications:
Experience
- Previous experience in a senior managerial role is essential, management within a hire desk environment is highly desirable.
- Track record of successfully managing cross functional teams and leading organizational change
- Proven experience working within the plant hire industry, construction, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of construction plant, machinery, and equipment.
Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence key stakeholders and collaborate effectively.
- Strong organisational skills with a high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Ability to make data-driven decisions and leverage analytics to guide business strategies and outcomes.
- Visionary with a forward-thinking approach to business leadership.
- A results-oriented team plater with a commitment to achieving both short-term and long-term organisational goals.
- Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Health & Safety Knowledge
- A good understanding of health and safety regulations within the construction industry.
- Experience in managing and implementing safety checks for machinery and equipment.
Desirable Qualifications:
Certifications
- A relevant qualification in construction, plant hire, or management is desirable.
- A health and safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH) would be an advantage.
Industry Knowledge
- Familiarity with plant hire software (e.g., Syrinx, Point of Rental, or similar systems).
Why Join Us?
At Plantforce we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment with opportunities for career development and growth. We pride ourselves on delivering a high level of service to our customers while maintaining a strong safety culture and a commitment to the well-being of our team members.
If you have experience in plant hire and are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, we would love to hear from you!
