We are commissioning an external headhunter to identify 20 qualified candidates for the role of Lifting Gear Manager. Candidates must be located within 20 miles of Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire (LU7). Please do not submit profiles from outside this radius.
Previous experience in lifting equipment or lifting gear sales is a non-negotiable requirement.
THE ROLE
A well-established lifting equipment business is seeking a Lifting Gear Manager to take ownership of its sales function and drive the next phase of growth. This is a hands-on role with real commercial accountability — building on a strong existing client base, generating new leads, and improving the processes and service standards that underpin the business.
The successful candidate will manage quoting, delegate operational work effectively, and take a direct role in buying strategy to improve margin and profitability. Brand reputation matters to this business; the Lifting Gear Manager will be expected to uphold and enhance it.
THE PERSON
We are looking for someone with energy, drive and a positive outlook — a natural self-starter who takes ownership without being prompted. They will be equally comfortable on the tools and in front of a client, and will bring the same professionalism to both.
This person takes direction well and is genuinely coachable. They communicate clearly, stay organised under pressure, and understand that hitting sales targets and maintaining service standards are not competing priorities — they are the same thing.
BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE
Sector knowledge is essential. The candidate must have direct, hands-on experience in lifting equipment or lifting gear — they need to understand the product, the customer and the compliance environment without a learning curve.
The following experience is required or strongly preferred:
* Proven background in lifting equipment or lifting gear sales — essential
* Experience in quoting, estimating and managing a sales pipeline
* Demonstrable track record of lead generation and new business development
* Involvement in procurement or buying to improve product margin
* Experience reviewing and improving servicing processes or customer workflows
* Proficient in MS Office, with strong Excel capability
KEY COMPETENCIES
* Commercial acumen — understands margin, not just revenue
* Hands-on and practical — willing to lead from the front
* Strong delegation skills — gets the right things done through others
* Proactive lead generation — builds pipeline, does not wait for it
* Brand-conscious — represents the business with consistency and pride
* Organised and communicative — keeps clients, colleagues and management informed
* Coachable and adaptable — responds well to direction and feedback
PERFORMANCE & TARGETS
This is a target-driven role. The Lifting Gear Manager will be expected to meet and exceed agreed sales targets, contribute to improved gross margin through smarter buying, and deliver measurable improvements in service and process quality. Ambition and accountability go hand in hand here.
THE OPPORTUNITY
An established business with a strong foundation and a genuine appetite for growth. The right candidate will inherit a platform — and be expected to build on it. For someone with the experience, energy and drive, this is a role with real commercial upside and opportunities to grow within the management structure.