Job Title: Hire Desk Controller
Location: Hutton, Brentwood
Salary: £30,000 – £38,000 (depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Hire Desk Manager / Branch Manager
About Us
We are a leading independent tool and plant hire company, supplying high-quality equipment and machinery to the construction, civil engineering, and events industries. With a reputation built on reliability, customer service, and technical expertise, we pride ourselves on being the first choice for contractors, SMEs, and blue-chip clients across the region.
We operate in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment where teamwork, flexibility, and problem-solving are essential to delivering first-class service.
Job Purpose
The Hire Desk Controller is a central role within our business, acting as the key link between customers, the transport team, and the workshop. You will manage hire enquiries from start to finish, ensuring that equipment is available, delivered on time, and collected promptly, while maintaining excellent communication with clients and internal teams.
This is a customer-facing role where building strong relationships, managing multiple priorities, and maintaining attention to detail are critical to success.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Service & Sales
- Act as the first point of contact for all hire enquiries by phone, email, and in-person.
- Provide accurate information on equipment availability, specifications, and pricing.
- Generate and follow up on quotations, ensuring competitive rates while maintaining profitability.
- Develop strong working relationships with regular clients, understanding their business needs to support repeat and long-term business.
- Proactively upsell or cross-sell complementary equipment and consumables to maximise revenue.
Order & Hire Management
- Process on-hire, off-hire, and extension requests in the hire management system accurately and efficiently.
- Schedule and prioritise deliveries, collections, and equipment swaps in coordination with transport staff.
- Liaise with the workshop/yard to ensure equipment is serviced, safety checked, and ready for hire.
- Track and monitor equipment utilisation to optimise fleet availability.
Logistics & Coordination
- Communicate clearly with drivers to ensure correct loading/unloading instructions are followed.
- Respond quickly to any logistical issues (delays, breakdowns, or last-minute requests) and provide solutions to minimise disruption to customers.
Administration & Compliance
- Maintain accurate records of hire contracts, purchase orders, and delivery/collection notes.
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, environmental, and industry regulations relating to equipment use and documentation.
- Carry out stock checks and support audits to ensure system accuracy.
- Assist the Hire Desk Manager with reporting on hire volumes, fleet utilisation, and customer account activity.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Previous experience in a Hire Desk or Customer Service role within the tool, plant, powered access, or construction equipment hire industry.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, confident dealing with clients at all levels.
- IT literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
- Experience using hire management systems such as Syrinx or Insphire (training provided if needed).
- Customer-focused with strong problem-solving skills and a “can-do” attitude.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure and make decisions quickly in a fast-paced environment.
- A collaborative team player with the ability to also work independently.
Desirable:
- Technical knowledge of tools, plant, or powered access equipment.
- Understanding of workshop operations, fleet maintenance, and transport logistics.
- Experience dealing with construction, civil engineering, or event industry clients.
- Full UK driving licence.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (£30,000 – £38,000 depending on experience) plus overtime opportunities.
- Career progression opportunities within a fast-growing company.
- Comprehensive training and development, including system and product knowledge.
- A supportive, team-oriented environment.
- Company pension scheme and other benefits.
- Opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and equipment, gaining valuable industry knowledge.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person