Assistant Rental Manager

We are looking for an Assistant Rental Manager who will initially be based out of our site in Leicester but would need to be willing to move around our depots in Nottingham and Loughborough. This is a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. The right candidate needs to be proactive, a real self-starter and not be frightened to get out in the yard with the vehicles in all weathers.

The Company

Our client is a Transportation/Trucking business established in 1990. They don’t believe that their business revolves around the vehicles they put on the road, it begins and ends with one thing – their customers. Their people are central to their success and that is why they promote a people focused culture that nurtures and develops talent from within. They operate in a competitive industry, and it is their team of people that sets them apart from the rest. Central to being able to deliver the highest levels of customer service and care is the ability of their people to deliver on their values – Passion, Proactive, Progressive and Committed.

The Role

As our Assistant Rental Manager, you will be responsible for managing all logistical aspects of the rental operation for a large diverse fleet of commercial vehicles operated by a large cross section of business clients, working always to demonstrate a yes can-do culture. Working closely with the Vehicle Movements Coordinator you will ensure that our vehicles are delivered to our clients in a “ready to rent” condition ensuring that our customers expectations are met each time. We also thrive on creating a culture where people can flourish so being able to motivate and develop the careers of your subordinates. Managing and supporting the team through effective 1:2:1’s and appraisals or providing corrective coaching on a day-to-day basis is a vital part to being successful in this role. It’s a fast-paced environment so your ability to think on your feet and manage and influence others is key to the success in this role.

Your Responsibilities

• Embed a robust ready to rent and yard check process for the rental department and ensure that this is continually monitored (R2R).
• For every rental agreement raised ensure that evidence of vehicle compliancy, a signed rental agreement and a signed vehicle check sheets exists for every hire / de-hire.
• Be proactive in negotiating a bespoke solution to each rental request – seek first to understand the customer requirements and provide a solution that meets those requirements without sacrificing the companies priorities of profit margin or company resources.
• Negotiate with suppliers for third party resources where required e.g. cross hire vehicles and ensure the costs are closely controlled and purchase invoices are processed in a timely manner.
• Be competent and capable to challenge customer demands where necessary and resolve any queries or instances of customer complaint in a positive and effective manner.
• Work closely with the purchasing team to ensure that the onsite fuel tanks always hold an adequate stock and manage the reordering of fuel when necessary.
• Support the Rental Desk Operative in the planning of both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance ensuring our fleet remains compliant.
• Monitor and report on all vehicles off the road and take proactive responsibility to minimise downtime; vehicle availability is key to maintaining high levels of utilisation.
• Collaborate with other departments in the business to ensure disposals are made available and swapped out of the rental fleet in a suitable time, ensure that all sundry trading costs are accounted and reconciled, and ensure replacement vehicles are made available to customers when they need them.
• Have a big picture vision and understanding of our business and how decisions impact the wider team.

Please note: This is a generic role description and does not specify all the duties as may be required of the position.

You will need

• Prior experience working within the commercial vehicle environment.
• Experience in vehicle Rental Management would be advantageous.
• Experience in managing a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Office packages.
• Leadership and organisational abilities.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience in driving/transport.
• Knowledge of legislation and requirements on the driving team.

To succeed, you will need

• To be a great communicator, both verbal and written.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop others.
• To embrace our ‘can do’ culture, taking responsibility and ownership.
• Keen attention to detail.
• To take initiative and be proactive, always thinking ahead.
• The ability to multi-task whilst under pressure.
• Confidence to collaborate and build excellent relationships with wider departments.
• Considerate in your approach.
• Passionate about driving your career.

What’s in it for you?

Working for an accredited Investors in People Platinum business has many advantages from continual training and development, 121 culture, coaching support and many more listed below:

• 25 days holiday rising to 28 during tenure with the ability to buy or sell holidays.
• Life assurance.
• Pension scheme.

This is a full-time, permanent role paying £30K - £35K per annum. The working hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm inclusive of a 30 minute unpaid lunch break (42.5 hours per week). Participation would be required in the rota systems for Saturdays.