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