To support our Bedford branch operations, which is going from strength to strength due to the hard work and commitment of our branch staff, we are looking to welcome a Hire Manager to join the team.
As Hire Manager, you'll coordinate the branch Hire operation, working with Branch teams to ensure the smooth completion of all customer hire requests and product requirements. You'll contribute to the profitable hire operation, utilising your expert knowledge to achieve Company profit and branch targets, by hiring and making available the Company’s assets at best rates, at all times.
Main Responsibilities:
- Logistics – scheduling branch transport, ensuring collections of equipment off-hire are collected, and deliveries are made to the customer when they are scheduled to.
- Ensuring that contract documentation and other systems paperwork is accurate and available.
- All Re-hires to be continually reviewed to ensure opportunities to replace equipment are identified.
- Responsible for Hire Team providing accurate completion of records and documentation.
- Negotiate hire rates in accordance with company procedures, price lists and discount policy.
- Ensure accurate stock recording, to ensure that the team is fully prepared.
- Liaise with operational teams across the area/hub to ensure smooth running of customer requirements, avoiding duplication and lost time.
- Ensure that correct charges for damages and losses are raised and liaise with customers to obtain their agreement.
- Ensure all sales leads at the branch are promptly communicated to the Sales Team.
- To ensure that telephone sales calls are made to customers with dormant accounts. Such calls to be followed-up by liaison with sales staff.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Previous experience of working in a supervisory role, within a pump rental business (or similar environment).
- Demonstrable experience of running a busy hire desk within a fast-paced environment.
- Experience of working in logistics, construction or water utilities would be beneficial.
- Experience of working with different types of software packages and rental systems.
- Intermediate Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams video calls).
- Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and without direct supervision.
- Strong planning and organising skills, with the ability to re-prioritise customer hires and jobs at short notice.
- Able to multi-task, to respond to multiple queries from internal and external stakeholders, with the ability to resolve all issues and ensure a prompt resolution for internal teams and customers.
- Able to always communicate in a professional and positive manner.
- Strong negotiation / influencing skills, and confident in using own knowledge of company products to encourage unplanned sales from customers.