About us:
Ernest Doe & Sons is a long-established, family-run business with over 100 years of experience supplying agricultural, construction, and groundcare machinery across the South and East of England. With a proud heritage dating back to 1898, we have built a strong reputation for providing quality products, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Our philosophy is simple: To supply the best products and then to support them with the service facilities and expertise to keep them running perfectly.
We are seeking an experienced and driven Hire Fleet Manager to lead and develop our Groundcare hire operation at our Head Office in Ulting, Essex. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong commercial awareness, operational expertise, and a passion for machinery to take ownership of a growing fleet and drive performance across the business.
Reporting directly to the General Groundcare Sales Manager, you will be responsible for the sale of hire groundcare equipment across the whole Doe area. There is an opportunity to grow market share within an existing well maintained and active customer base.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* Strong knowledge of the Groundcare industry and its equipment
* Managing the hire fleet to ensure accurate tracking and whereabouts of all plant
* Keeping detailed maintenance records and working closely with the Groundcare Sales PDI department to ensure the fleet is fully maintained
* Installing and demonstrating machines to customers when required
* Liaising with the Used Machinery Sales Manager regarding disposal of fixed assets
* Preparing budgets and controlling costs associated with the hire fleet
* Proven sales experience with the ability to meet and exceed targets
* Target-driven with the ability to upsell and negotiate effectively
* Influential and persuasive with strong closing skills
* Identifying opportunities and building new relationships to grow hire revenue
* Excellent customer service skills, both face-to-face and over the telephone
* Managing existing customer accounts, taking bookings, and negotiating hire rates
* Liaising with customers and suppliers as required
* Positively promoting the Company image and its products
* Working with the Marketing Department to ensure the hire brochure remains up to date
* Administratively organised with strong attention to detail
* Computer literate and confident running performance reports
* Self-motivated and capable of working on your own initiative
* A dependable team player who can work independently and alongside colleagues
* Smart and professional in appearance
* Good general level of health and fitness
* Full driving licence essential, with the ability to tow a trailer
* Maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe vehicle
Additional Information:
Start Date: Immediate
Location: Ulting, Maldon, Essex CM9 6QH
Hours: 42.5 hours per week – 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday (1-hour unpaid lunch). Some additional hours including Saturdays will be required.
Contract: Permanent, Full Time, Salaried
Salary: £Competitive, dependent upon experience, plus bonus, company vehicle and company phone
Rewards: 32 days annual leave including bank holidays, Company Sick Pay Scheme, Workplace Pension, Employee Referral Bonus Scheme, Winter Flu Jab Service, Wellbeing Focus Group, Staff Discount in Country Stores and Life Assurance Cover (2 x salary)