National Hire Manager - UK Wide

Northampton Business Directory; Kettering; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading equipment hire company is seeking a National Hire Manager to lead operations across the UK. This strategic role involves developing teams, driving operational excellence, and managing financial performance. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience in hire or rental operations, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. This position offers competitive compensation and a strong commitment to personal development and career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

24 days holiday + 8 statutory days

Statutory pension

Personal development and career progression

Bi-annual company socials

Weekly group fitness sessions

Qualifications

• Leadership experience within a hire, rental, or equipment-led operation.
• Strong commercial skills with P&L, budgeting, and pricing experience.
• Ability to lead multi-site or remote teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a nationwide team of Hire Controllers.
• Oversee hire processes including order handling and contract accuracy.
• Drive revenue, manage costs, and improve margins.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong commercial skills

Excellent communication

Analytical mindset

Job description

National Hire Manager – UK-Wide - Leadership Role

Are you a dynamic hire operations leader looking to shape and grow a nationwide equipment hire division? This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within a rapidly expanding materials handling and equipment solutions business. You’ll be at the forefront of driving operational excellence, commercial performance, and strategic growth across multiple UK sites.

The Opportunity

As National Hire Manager, you will lead the short-term hire operations across several business units, managing a team of Hire Controllers and ensuring seamless delivery of equipment hire services across the UK. This is a newly created, high-impact role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building teams, processes, and strategy from the ground up.

What You’ll Be Doing

Operational Leadership

• Lead, develop, and support a nationwide team of Hire Controllers.

• Oversee all hire processes including order handling, allocation, coordination with service teams, and contract accuracy.

• Drive consistent processes, KPIs, and standards across all locations.

• Ensure compliance with safety, operational, and procedural requirements.

Customer Service & Relationship Management

• Build a strong customer‑first culture across the hire function.

• Resolve escalations professionally and promptly.

• Develop relationships with key accounts and internal teams to deliver seamless service.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Own and manage the Hire Division P&L.

• Drive revenue, manage costs, and improve margins.

• Assess fleet utilisation, pricing, and financial performance to maximise commercial outcomes.

• Forecast hire revenue, operational costs, and fleet investment.

Fleet Strategy & Growth

• Create a long‑term fleet strategy aligned to market demand and innovation.

• Identify opportunities to expand and optimise the fleet.

• Ensure the fleet operates to high compliance, safety, and quality standards.

Sales & Business Development

• Grow the national hire customer base through close collaboration with sales and marketing.

• Identify new markets, customer segments, and strategic partnerships.

• Support targeted campaigns to boost hire activity and market presence.

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Shape and deliver a long‑term hire strategy focused on operational excellence and profit growth.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance systems, processes, and technology.

• Monitor industry trends to keep the hire business competitive and innovative.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• Leadership experience within a hire, rental, or equipment‑led operation (e.g., forklifts, plant, access, MHE).

• Strong commercial skills with P&L, budgeting, pricing, and margin optimisation experience.

• Ability to lead multi‑site or remote teams.

• Excellent communication, organisation, and customer service capability.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to drive strategic improvements.

Desirable

• Experience in materials handling or forklift operations.

• Knowledge of hire management systems (e.g., Protean).

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a growth mindset.

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and inspire.

• Customer‑focused and results‑driven.

• Confident making data‑led decisions.

• Collaborative across departments and regions.

Key Success Metrics

• Hire revenue and margin growth

• Fleet utilisation and ROI

• Customer satisfaction and retention

• Operational accuracy and efficiency

• Expansion of the hire customer base

• Development and performance of hire teams

What’s in It for You?

• Competitive salary

• 24 days holiday + 8 statutory days

• Statutory pension

• A strong commitment to personal development and career progression

• Bi‑annual company socials

• Weekly group fitness sessions