We are looking for an organised, commercially minded and highly proactive Operations & Business Development Manager for our Plant and Haulage Hire Company to take a key role in the day-to-day running and continued growth of the business.
This is a hands‑on management position combining operational responsibility with business development. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day operation of our plant hire, haulage and HGV activities, ensuring that bookings, equipment, vehicles, drivers, maintenance and compliance requirements are properly organised and that customer work is delivered efficiently.
You will maintain oversight of the forward booking schedule, coordinate deliveries, collections and equipment movements, allocate the appropriate vehicles and equipment to jobs, and ensure clear communication between customers, drivers, operators, the maintenance engineer and management.
The role also carries responsibility for fleet, plant and machinery management. This includes maintaining accurate records, arranging servicing, inspections, MOTs and preventative maintenance, monitoring defects and repairs, coordinating breakdowns and ensuring that compliance and maintenance requirements are completed on time. You will also work with the Transport Manager and external compliance providers where required.
On the commercial side, you will manage customer enquiries, quotations, bookings and hire contracts, follow up outstanding opportunities and help increase utilisation of the fleet. You will coordinate invoicing, check supporting job documentation, ensure additional charges are captured correctly and provide management with clear information on bookings, sales, outstanding invoices and operational performance.
A significant part of the position will be business development. You will identify and approach potential customers, develop relationships with construction companies, civil engineering contractors, groundworkers, builders, plant hire businesses and other relevant organisations, follow up quotations and enquiries, maintain the customer and prospect pipeline and identify opportunities for repeat and contract work.
You will work closely with the Director to develop sales activity, identify new services and revenue opportunities and help strengthen the company's position within the market.
The role will also involve supporting the company's digital presence, including creating and coordinating appropriate social media content, promoting available plant, machinery and services and using online channels to generate enquiries and increase awareness of the business.
A further priority will be introducing and maintaining effective systems across bookings, vehicle compliance, plant maintenance, servicing, customer records, quotations, invoicing, outstanding payments, sales leads and business development, giving management a clear overview of activity across the business.
This is not a purely administrative or desk‑based position. The successful candidate will be expected to understand the company's equipment and operations, spend time around the yard and fleet, communicate directly with customers, drivers and suppliers and take ownership of resolving operational issues.
Candidate Requirements
We are looking for someone with proven experience in an operations, fleet, plant hire, haulage, transport, construction or similarly operational environment.
You should be highly organised, commercially aware and comfortable managing several priorities at the same time. Strong communication skills are essential, as the role involves regular contact with customers, prospective customers, drivers, suppliers, contractors and senior management.
You should be confident working independently, making decisions, following matters through and taking ownership of problems rather than simply passing them on.
Good IT skills are required, including confidence using Microsoft Office, spreadsheets and record‑management systems. Experience using CRM, fleet‑management or similar operational software would be beneficial.
Experience in any of the following would be particularly advantageous:
- plant hire or equipment hire;
- haulage or transport operations;
- HGV compliance and operator licensing;
- fleet and vehicle maintenance scheduling;
- construction or civil engineering;
- sales or business development;
- hire contracts and plant hire administration;
- CRM or fleet‑management systems;
- digital marketing and business‑focused social media.
A full UK driving licence is required.
Above all, we are looking for someone who is proactive, commercially minded, reliable and comfortable taking responsibility. This position would suit someone who wants to play an important part in building a growing business rather than simply completing a set of administrative tasks.
Success in the role will ultimately be reflected in well‑organised operations, strong fleet and plant availability, effective compliance and maintenance, accurate bookings and invoicing, increased utilisation, new customers and contracts, repeat business and growth in turnover and profitability.
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Contact Details:
ARJ INVESTMENTS (LONDON) LIMITED Recruitment Team
