Hire Desk Manager

Goole | Full-Time | £45,000+ (DOE)
Reports to: General Manager

The Role

Shillito Group are excited to work alongside a well-known Machine Hire company based in North Lincolnshire. Together we're looking for an experienced and proactive Hire Desk Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of their busy hire desk. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving operational efficiency, maximising fleet utilisation, and delivering outstanding customer service.

You'll lead a small team, coordinate hire activity end-to-end, and play a central role in ensuring operations run smoothly, safely, and profitably.

Hire Desk Manager - Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the full hire lifecycle - from enquiry to off-hire
• Coordinate equipment availability, scheduling, and logistics
• Maximise fleet utilisation and optimise asset allocation
• Ensure efficient route planning and operational compliance
• Maintain accurate processing of contracts, extensions, and returns

Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop hire desk staff
• Provide direction to the crane field team (drivers, supervisors, slingers)
• Set clear objectives and monitor team performance against KPIs
• Conduct regular reviews and drive continuous improvement
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and collaboration

Customer & Commercial Focus

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships
• Handle enquiries, issues, and escalations with professionalism
• Identify opportunities to upsell and grow revenue
• Prepare quotations and negotiate hire terms confidently

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure all hire documentation and records are accurate and up to date
• Maintain compliance with Health & Safety and legal regulations
• Uphold company quality standards and processes
• Liaise with local authorities and traffic management where required

What Success Looks Like (KPIs)

• High fleet utilisation and efficient asset deployment
• Strong team productivity and engagement
• Full compliance with systems and processes
• Delivery against cost and operational targets
• High levels of customer satisfaction

What the right Hire Desk Manager will bring:

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in hire desk, plant hire, or equipment rental operations
• Strong understanding of hire processes, logistics, and contract management
• Experience using rental or asset management systems

Skills & Attributes

• Confident leader with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Commercially aware with a customer-first mindset
• Highly organised, able to prioritise and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Solutions-focused with strong problem-solving ability

Shillito Group is a specialist recruitment and executive search partner, working with ambitious businesses to secure high-impact talent across commercial and engineering markets. Our reputation is built on deep expertise, trusted relationships and delivering results that go beyond the brief.