Senior Hire Controller
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established, privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialist with over 40 years of industry experience. The business operates across multiple sectors, including water, transport, built environment, and energy, delivering high-quality design, engineering, and maintenance services.
Working as a trusted partner to major blue-chip and regulated clients, the company delivers projects through frameworks, joint ventures, alliances, and standalone contracts. With a strong focus on direct delivery, they invest heavily in their people, employing over 1,000 staff nationwide and maintaining a reputation for quality, safety, and long-term client relationships.
Their in-house capabilities include tunnelling, MEICA, temporary and permanent design, steel fabrication, and specialist equipment solutions, supporting a wide range of complex infrastructure projects across the UK.
Why Join?
Long-term job security through major frameworks and infrastructure projects
Opportunities to work on high-profile civil engineering schemes
Strong focus on career progression and internal development
Supportive, people-focused culture with a commitment to training and development
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
Senior Hire Controller
The Role
The Senior Hire Controller is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of external plant and equipment hire, ensuring solutions are safe, compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with project requirements.
This role plays a key part in supporting project delivery by combining operational knowledge of plant with strong commercial awareness. You will work closely with procurement, supply chain, project teams, and suppliers to ensure timely and efficient plant provision across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Manage end-to-end plant and equipment hire requirements across multiple projects
Source suppliers from approved frameworks, obtain quotations, negotiate pricing, and raise purchase orders
Provide commercial and operational feedback to internal stakeholders to support decision-making
Ensure all plant hire complies with company policies, safety standards, and governance requirements
Coordinate with suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and resolve any issues proactively
Work closely with project teams to align plant requirements with programme schedules
Manage shared inboxes and allocate requisitions effectively within the team
Maintain accurate records and documentation in line with company procedures
Support sustainability initiatives by considering low-emission and fuel-efficient plant options
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and provide market insights on suppliers and products
Assist in training and supporting junior team members where required
Administrative Responsibilities
Maintain accurate purchase order and supplier records
Produce reports and data to support procurement and business requirements
Prepare tender analysis reports in line with governance processes
Demonstrate value through cost savings, quality improvements, and efficiencies
Support supplier performance reviews and compliance audits
About You
Essential:
Experience supervising or supporting a team within a procurement or plant environment
Strong knowledge of plant hire within construction or civil engineering
Commercial awareness and ability to negotiate effectively
Excellent organisational and communication skills
Desirable:
Experience working with CPA plant contracts
Procurement experience within client frameworks or preferred supplier networks
Background in the water utilities or infrastructure sector
Benefits
Competitive salary
Company pension
Life assurance
Private medical cover
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional loyalty days
Employee Assistance Programme (mental, physical, and financial wellbeing support)
Flexible benefits options
Company vehicle or allowance (role dependent)
Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities
Regular performance reviews and career support