About the RoleAs the Hire Desk Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and optimising the daily operations of our Hire Desk Teams at two key locations: Leeds and Coatbridge (being comfortable with regular travel between the two). Your primary responsibility will be to lead and inspire a large team of Hire Controllers across both locations, ensuring the delivery of exceptional service to our customers. This dynamic role requires high-level people-focused leadership, strategic management of processes, and the ability to drive operational excellence across multiple sites and a broad product range.You will be responsible for managing and developing a growing team that includes Senior Hire Controllers, who in turn lead and support their respective Hire Controller teams – positioning this role as a leader of people managers.With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, you will help propel the business forward by strengthening customer relationships, resolving complex issues, and ensuring streamlined hire processes across all locations.This role will contribute to wider group initiatives and transformation projects, working closely with the Head of Customer Service and other operational leads to embed scalable improvements across the network. The post holder will be expected to drive change, contribute to cross-functional improvement initiatives, and shape a high-performing, scalable service model that supports our long-term commercial goals.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, motivate, and mentor Hire Controllers across Coatbridge and Leeds, including direct management of Senior Hire Controllers and oversight of their teamsFoster a positive, collaborative culture with effective communication, aligned goals, and clear KPIs across both locationsOversee day-to-day operations, ensuring service consistency, efficiency, adherence to procedures, and continuous process improvementConduct regular performance reviews, coaching, and professional development; identify and develop talent for succession planningManage recruitment, onboarding, and integration of new hires, providing training and development opportunities in partnership with central L&D teamsBuild and maintain strong customer relationships, handle escalations professionally, and ensure high satisfaction levelsMaintain accurate records, operational systems, and administrative processes, including stock checks and quality control measuresGenerate and present performance reports to inform proactive decision-making and continuous improvementEnsure compliance with health, safety, and company regulations, embedding a culture of accountability and complianceCollaborate with the wider management team to maintain high standards across all UK Hire Desks and represent your area in cross-functional projectsContribute to national initiatives, system improvements, and change projects, ensuring local adoption and readiness for transformationThe Ideal CandidateExperience of working in the construction equipment rental industry, ideally including the management of large Hire Desks with a headcount of 20Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and manage teams across multiple locations. Experience of managing a team through managers (i.e., leading leaders) is highly desirableComfortable with regular travel between Leeds and Glasgow (Coatbridge) sitesStrong commitment to exceptional customer service and ability to drive customer-focused initiativesExceptional organisational abilities, with proven experience in managing multiple priorities.Proven ability to problem-solve, making key decisions to support business goalsExcellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively across departments and locationsFlexibility to adapt to changing priorities, comfortable with collaborating on digital transformation projects. Experience working in a change-oriented environment or on systems/process improvement projects is an advantageProven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and manage competing prioritiesStrong IT skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word and ExcelFamiliarity and experience using hire desk software and operational systems, e.g., Zendesk (email), CXone (phone) Salesforce (CRM) or similarAbility to travel between sites and support other branches when necessaryGeographical knowledge of the UK and their RegionValid driving licenceAlthough desirable not a must have:Understanding of commercial metrics, pricing structures, and how to influence margin through operational efficiencyExposure to business transformation or systems rollout projects in a customer-facing environmentPrevious experience in recruitment, onboarding and team developmentPrevious experience of Zendesk or other Omnichannel systems for customer supportWhat We Can Offer YouCompetitive salaryCompany CarSalary sacrifice pension25 days holiday, plus bank holidaysAdditional holiday purchase schemeCompany CarFree Tool HireLife Assurance cover 3x salaryShare save schemeEye care vouchersRecommend a friend schemeLearning & Development – commitment to upskilling and developing our people, structured in house training available alongside external training where requiredCycle to work schemeLong service recognitionMy Vp discounts – a variety of discounts and rewards on thousands of well-known brandsDiscounts on HP productsEE mobile contract discount offersGym discountsHealth Shield (discounted premiums on health care cash plan)Regit Assist 24/7 accident helpline – free joiningA Little About UsGroundforce is the market-leading rental provider of excavation support systems and specialist products for the water, civil engineering, and construction industries. With a remarkable 60-year heritage, we offer comprehensive shoring and related services.Operating under the Groundforce banner, we provide a wide range of solutions, including shoring, piling, construction training, temporary bridging, and more. Our goal is to be the convenient one-stop shop for "total solutions" in the construction and civil engineering industry.At Groundforce, we pride ourselves on our divisions, including Groundforce Shorco, Piletec, Mr Cropper, Stopper Specialists, Groundforce Bridge, and Groundforce Training Services. We continually invest in acquiring associated businesses to enhance our product portfolio and offer reliable and high-quality equipment for our customers.Excellence is our priority. We hold ISO 9001, 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications, demonstrating our commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and safety.Join Groundforce, where we deliver exceptional support, innovative solutions, and outstanding customer service. Apply today and be part of our team that takes pride in our industry-leading position.Vp plc is an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills.