Hire Manager in Bedford

Selwood is the leading pump rental solutions company in the UK. We have an outstanding reputation for exceptional customer service backed by one of the largest fleets of quality pump products. Each customer and each project is unique and our deep technical knowledge means we are proud to deliver a bespoke and genuine 24/7, 365 days-a-year service. This is an exciting time to join Selwood as we drive our business forward and build on a foundation of over 70 years’ success within our industry. We are committed to ensuring our staff have the right skills, knowledge & experience to deliver to our customers, as well as creating career paths to help develop, retain, and motivate them.

About the Role:

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.

What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary
• Eligible for company bonus scheme (annual and quarterly payments)
• 25 days holiday (plus length of service increases) + 8 Bank Holidays
• Holiday buying (up to an additional week)
• Private Medical Insurance (PMI) for yourself
• Medical cash plan for yourself – reimburse health costs e.g. dentist or optician, access to 24-hour online GP services, discounted gym memberships
• Pension scheme with contribution based on total earnings not just salary
• Life assurance protection at 3 x salary
• Employee discount scheme (discounts/vouchers for supermarkets, high street shops, holidays and more)
• Employee assistance programme (EAP) & access to Mental Health first aiders
• Employee referral scheme (up to £1,000 per referral)
• Support for development and training

EDI Statement: Workdry International Ltd is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. As part of your recruitment journey, we are happy to support requests for reasonable adjustments.