Depot Manager Training Programme – Construction Equipment Hire – Rochester, Kent, UK

Thehireman; Rochester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing independent tool hire company in Rochester seeks candidates for a Depot Management Training Programme. This role involves monitoring performance, developing leadership skills, and gaining hands-on operational experience. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in depot or branch operations, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to customer service. The company offers a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, and multiple benefits including health cash plans and free tool hire.

Benefits

Management training programme

Mentoring and on-the-job experience

Enhanced contributory Workplace Pension

Health Cash Plan

Fresh fruit, snacks, and drinks

Regular social events and company parties

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a depot or branch, preferably in tool, plant, or logistics.
• Strong attention to detail and a collaborative team player.
• Positive attitude with a desire to learn and grow within the company.

Responsibilities

• Monitor depot performance and maintain high levels of service.
• Manage a depot team and develop leadership skills.
• Support business development through strong customer relationships.

Skills

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Customer-focused

Strong IT skills

Problem-solving mindset

Job description

Are you a branch manager with a small team looking to take on a bigger role? Or a senior hire desk controller, supervisor, or manager ready to take the next step in your career?

Do you want to gain the knowledge, experience, and training to run your own depot, get the best out your team and keep customers coming back?

If that sounds like you – and you’d like to be part of a dynamic, ambitious, and supportive SME with big growth plans – we’d love to hear from you.

About us

The Hireman is a growing, independent tool hire company, supplying professional contractors across London, the Home Counties, and beyond. Founded in 1985, we’ve built an excellent reputation for service, reliability, and going out of our way to help our customers.

We believe we’re successful because we make life easy for our clients – and we give our people the tools, trust, and support to make that happen.

The role

We have two exciting opportunities available: one at our South depot in Croydon and the other at our Kent depot in Rochester.

Based at the depot, this is a unique chance to join our Depot Management Training Programme. You’ll receive support, coaching, and hands-on training to equip you with the skills and experience needed to take on the full responsibility for running a depot, preparing you for a Depot Manager role

During the programme you will learn to:

• Monitor depot performance through the P&L, while maintaining our high levels of service and quality.
• Develop your leadership skills to motivate and manage a depot team.
• Gain hands-on experience in operational efficiency across hire desk, drivers, and yard/warehouse.
• Understand stock, fleet, and workshop management to maximise availability.
• Uphold a safe, clean, and lean working environment, ensuring compliance with HAE SafeHire and FORS Silver certifications.
• Support business development by working closely with the sales team to identify new business opportunities and nurture strong customer relationships.
• Build strong working relationships with the depot manager network and the wider team.

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record in a depot or branch (tool, plant or access industry, construction supply, or logistics preferred).
• A solid work history showing commitment, integrity, and progression.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, confident liaising with customers, colleagues, and suppliers.
• Customer-focused, with the ability to build long-term relationships.
• Strong IT skills and attention to detail
• A forward-thinking mindset – interested in technology, automation, and finding efficiencies through innovation and AI.
• A positive attitude, problem-solving mindset, and a good sense of humour.
• A team player who enjoys working collaboratively with others.
• A desire to learn, grow, and progress within a company that values development and ambition

What’s on offer

• A management training programme tailored to fast-track you into a depot manager role.
• Mentoring and on-the-job experience across all areas of depot operations.
• Career progression within a supportive, growing business.
• The chance to join a passionate team dedicated to service, safety, and operational excellence.
• Excellent salary (negotiable depending on experience).
• Enhanced contributory Workplace Pension.
• Health Cash Plan with virtual GP service.
• 7.30am – 5pm Monday to Friday working hours.
• Free tool hire for personal use and staff discount on purchases.
• Fresh fruit, snacks, and drinks in our depots.
• Regular social events and company parties.
• A Christmas turkey (or alternative seasonal gift).

If you’re ambitious, committed, and ready to take the next step in your career, we want to help you get there.