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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic hire team and oversee daily operations in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a respected and expanding materials handling and plant equipment business.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and 24 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Ongoing training and career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive team-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in hire operations and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire
Salary: Circa £36,000 DOE + Benefits
Hours: Full-Time (40 hours per week, Monday–Friday)
About the Role
We are recruiting for an experienced Hire Manager to join a growing and well-established materials handling and plant equipment business. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in hire operations who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and leading a team. The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing the day‑to‑day running of the hire function, ensuring a high level of customer service and operational efficiency across the business. Working closely with internal departments including Service and Sales, you will help manage equipment availability, coordinate hire activity, and support the continued growth of the operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily operation of the hire desk and short-term rental activities
- Support and lead the hire team to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations
- Coordinate equipment scheduling, transport, quotations, and invoicing
- Maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers
- Source additional equipment through cross-hire suppliers when required
- Resolve customer queries and operational issues efficiently
- Work closely with Service and Sales departments to support customer requirements
- Ensure all hire administration and CRM updates are completed accurately
- Monitor team performance and support KPI achievement
- Identify opportunities to improve processes and operational efficiency
About You
- Previous experience within the materials handling, plant hire, or equipment rental industry
- Strong understanding of hire desk operations and customer support
- Experience managing or supervising a team
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- Customer‑focused with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Comfortable using CRM/ERP systems and Microsoft Office packages
- Proactive and solution‑driven approach to problem solving
- Able to work effectively in a busy operational environment
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary package
- Flexible working hours (40hrs Mon – Fri between 7:00 – 18:00)
- 24 days holiday + bank holidays
- Company pension scheme
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Stable, long‑term opportunity within a growing business
- Supportive and team‑focused working environment
- Employee wellbeing initiatives and company social events
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a respected and expanding business with a strong reputation within the materials handling and plant hire sector. The company values its employees and offers genuine long‑term career progression within a supportive working environment.
Hire Manager in Kettering employer: Solutions Engineering Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Solutions Engineering Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hire Manager in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the materials handling and plant hire industry. Attend local events or join online forums to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their operations and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you've managed teams before, be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve improved operations or customer service. Employers love to see candidates who can lead and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to grow with us in the materials handling sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Hire Manager in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in hire operations and any leadership roles you've had, as this will show us you're a great fit for the Hire Manager position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the materials handling industry and how your experience aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but engaging, and don’t forget to mention your customer-focused approach.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and operational efficiency. Numbers and examples can really make your application stand out to us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solutions Engineering Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of materials handling and plant hire operations. Understand the key responsibilities of a Hire Manager and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or supervised others in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and support your team while achieving operational efficiency.
✨Customer Service is Key
Be ready to talk about your approach to customer service. Think of specific instances where you've resolved customer queries or improved relationships with clients. This will show that you're customer-focused, which is crucial for this role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the company's growth plans, team dynamics, or how they measure success in the hire department. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.