Hire Controller

Hire Controller

Location:

Kettering Salary: £25,000 – £30,000 (depending on experience)

Hours:

Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week (flexible between 7am–6pm) Employment:
Full-time, Permanent The Opportunity We are working with a rapidly growing, family-owned equipment and solutions business looking to recruit a proactive and organised Hire Controller to join their team in Kettering. The business specialises in providing a wide range of equipment and solutions across materials handling, powered access and cleaning equipment, offering customers a complete range of hire, sales, service and parts solutions.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in hire coordination, equipment rental, transport planning or customer service who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and delivering an excellent customer experience. You will play an important role in the day-to-day running of the hire operation, coordinating equipment availability, managing customer enquiries, arranging deliveries and collections, and ensuring hire requirements are fulfilled efficiently.

We are looking for someone with strong organisational skills, good communication abilities and a customer-focused approach. Previous experience within materials handling or forklift hire would be advantageous, but experience within other hire industries or a similar coordination role will also be considered.

The Role Coordinate the day-to-day hire operation, ensuring equipment is allocated and available to meet customer requirements. Handle incoming hire enquiries, providing customers with information on equipment availability, pricing and hire terms. Process hire orders, quotations, contracts and associated administration. Coordinate equipment deliveries and collections, working closely with transport teams, drivers and customers. Monitor equipment availability, utilisation and off-hire dates to maximise fleet efficiency.

Maintain regular communication with customers throughout the hire process, providing updates and resolving any issues. Liaise with service and workshop teams to ensure equipment is inspected, maintained and ready for hire. Manage extensions, off-hires and changes to existing hire agreements. Identify opportunities to develop customer relationships and generate additional hire business. Ensure all hire documentation, customer records and system information are kept accurate and up to date.

Work closely with the wider sales, service and parts teams to ensure a smooth and efficient customer experience. About You Previous experience in hire control, hire coordination, rental administration or a similar customer-facing role.

Experience with in plant hire, forklift hire, powered access or equipment rental would be advantageous. Strong organisational and administration skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Confident handling customer enquiries and resolving issues professionally. Able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage changing requirements. Good attention to detail when processing orders, contracts and hire documentation.

Confident using Microsoft Office and computer-based systems. A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Direct materials handling or forklift experience is not essential. Candidates from other hire sectors, including plant, tool, vehicle, access equipment or general equipment rental, will also be considered. What's on Offer? Competitive salary depending on experience. 24 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.

Company pension. Flexible working hours between 7am and 6pm. Genuine opportunities for career development and progression. Ongoing investment in training and development. Employee recognition scheme and annual awards ceremony. Bi-annual company socials. Opportunity to join an established, growing family business with over 90 years of heritage. Interested? If you have experience in hire coordination, rental administration or customer service and are looking for your next opportunity with a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.