General Manager

General Manager

£60,000 - £70,000 + Benefits
Reading, Berkshire | Full Time, Permanent | Fully On-site

The Opportunity

We are working with a well-established and growing provider of temporary accommodation, modular buildings, welfare facilities and associated hire services to recruit a General Manager for its busy Reading operation.

As General Manager, you will take responsibility for the commercial performance, customer relationships, operational delivery and development of the Reading business, working closely with the wider senior management team and leading the local operation.

The Role

This is a broad, hands-on General Manager position where you will be responsible for both the revenue and cost elements of the business, while ensuring excellent customer service, operational efficiency and a strong team culture.

You will act as the key local point of contact for customers and play an important role in identifying new commercial opportunities, maximising fleet utilisation and developing the business across its core event hire and growing TV & Film/location services activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take overall responsibility for the commercial performance and profitable growth of the Reading operation.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Act as the senior local contact for customers, overseeing projects from initial requirements through to delivery and collection.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities across event hire, long-term hire and associated services.
• Work closely with the wider commercial and project teams to maximise fleet utilisation and availability.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the Reading depot, ensuring efficient and cost-effective delivery.
• Work closely with Operations and Project Managers to coordinate delivery, collection and transport requirements.
• Ensure transport movements are correctly planned, booked and costed.
• Monitor operational performance, costs and profitability, taking action where required.
• Lead, develop and support the local team, creating a positive, accountable and high-performing working environment.
• Ensure appropriate cover and operational support is maintained, including out-of-hours requirements during busy periods.
• Oversee the maintenance and refurbishment of the hire fleet to ensure equipment is maintained to the required standard.
• Develop strong supplier relationships and identify opportunities to improve service, availability and cost.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, insurance, health & safety and company requirements.
• Work closely with the Managing Director and wider senior leadership team on the strategic development of the business.
• Contribute to the continued growth of the company's event hire and TV & Film/location services divisions.

About You:

We are looking for a commercially minded and operationally strong manager who enjoys working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment and is comfortable taking ownership of a regional business.

You are likely to have experience in One or More of the following:

• Logistics, Delivery, Facilities or Event services
• Equipment or temporary accommodation hire
• Logistics or transport experience utilising haulier companies
• Modular buildings/cabins

You should have a proven track record of managing a regional operation, branch or profit centre, with responsibility for revenue, costs, customers and people.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Proven commercial and operational management experience.
• Experience managing or developing a regional business, branch or profit centre.
• Strong customer relationship and business development skills.
• Experience within hire, logistics, events or a related industry.
• Strong people-management and team leadership capability.
• Commercial awareness with the ability to understand and manage costs and profitability.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently.
• Good attention to detail and a strong commitment to service quality.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Full UK driving licence.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a busy regional operation within an established and growing business, with genuine scope to influence its commercial performance and future direction.

You will have the opportunity to work across some of the UK's most high-profile events, productions and projects while playing a key role in developing both the local operation and the wider business.

If you are an experienced General Manager, Branch Manager, Operations Manager or Commercial Manager with a background in events, hire, logistics or a related sector, we'd be interested in hearing from you.

For more information or to apply, please get in touch

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