Southern Area Manager - Operations

Base: Reading or Stevenage 💼 Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience 🕒 Full-time, permanent Are you a dynamic and motivated leader with multi-site operational experience? We’re looking for a Southern Area Manager to take ownership of four strategically important depot locations across the South of England: Reading, Stevenage, Newport, and Plymouth. This role is all about ensuring high levels of operational performance, service delivery, and team engagement while driving improvements across internal processes and resource management. Key Responsibilities: * Oversee daily hire operations across four depots, ensuring smooth and efficient running. * Work closely with Depot Managers to deliver consistent performance and compliance. * Monitor equipment availability, maintenance schedules, and customer issue resolution. * Lead and support recruitment, training, and development across the Southern team. * Collaborate with internal departments including SHEQ, logistics, service desk, and fuel management. * Ensure legal compliance around working hours and health & safety policies. * Identify and implement operational improvements that add measurable value. * Represent the business professionally across all four locations. What You’ll Need: * Proven experience managing multi-site operations (essential). * Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills. * A practical understanding of equipment hire, plant operations, or mechanical services (preferred). * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word. * The ability to influence and engage at all levels, both internally and externally. * A self-motivated, customer-first attitude with a drive for results. Why Apply? This is a hands-on leadership role offering the opportunity to shape regional operations, impact profitability, and lead a team committed to excellence in customer service and operational delivery. If you’re ready to step into a senior role where no two days are the same—and where your contribution truly makes a difference—we’d love to hear from you