Jon Lear
Manchester
Summary
Being a highly motivated individual with over 30 years’ experience in operations logistics and sales. I am keen to maximise my management skills and development experience. Having delivered operational excellence within tight deadlines and within a high-pressured environment, customer service is always the priority. Always aiming to make a difference and pay extra attention to detail, while remaining focused on the wider aspects of my role.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Branch Director
HSS Hire Service Group
2025.12 - Current
- Directed multi-site operations with full P&L accountability, driving revenue growth and customer loyalty across the region.
- Cultivated a proactive sales culture by setting ambitious targets and coaching teams to exceed performance KPIs.
- Analyzed market trends and sales data to identify new opportunities and optimize pricing strategies for margin enhancement.
- Formulated regional business plans focusing on market expansion, client retention, and cross-selling initiatives.
- Facilitated collaboration among operations, sales, and customer service teams to ensure seamless customer experiences.
- Promoted operational excellence across distribution, administration, and compliance for efficient service delivery.
- Established a robust safety and wellbeing culture, engaging teams in 'Make it Safe' practices and continuous improvement.
- Provided inspiring leadership that promoted inclusion, accountability, and innovation throughout all sites.
Operations Manager
HSS Hire Service Group
Manchester-Carlisle
2014.04 - 2025.01
- Lead and embed a Health and Safety culture across the distribution centre, promoting safe behaviours, continuous improvement, and zero tolerance for breaches.
- Oversee all accident and incident reporting, investigation, and follow-up actions, identifying root causes and implementing preventative measures.
- Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, O’licence requirements, internal audits, stock control procedures, and company standards.
- Manage and maintain all accreditations including FORS and QUENSH, coordinating training, audits, and corrective actions to maintain compliance.
- Recruit, onboard, and develop the site team, creating structured training plans, performance management programmes, and regular review processes to maintain high competence and engagement.
- Drive operational performance by achieving transport, stock, and engineering KPIs, ensuring efficient delivery, route compliance, productivity, and quality standards.
- Control operational costs and optimise revenue by managing budgets, maximising core transport income, and coordinating internal and third-party resources effectively.
- Implement workforce planning strategies including absence management, overtime control, and annual leave planning to ensure a fully resourced and productive team.
- Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing the company professionally while upholding organisational values.
- Promote an inclusive and diverse workplace, ensuring all colleagues have access to development opportunities, coaching, and support for their wellbeing and career growth.
Regional Operations Manager
HSS Hire Service Group
2010.03 - 2014.01
- Led and embedded a strong Health and Safety culture across multiple sites, driving continuous improvement and zero tolerance for breaches.
- Ensured full compliance with transport legislation, O’licence requirements, internal audits, and company operational standards.
- Managed and maintained key accreditations including FORS and QUENSH, coordinating training, audits, and corrective actions.
- Recruited, developed, and led high-performing teams with structured training, coaching, and performance management.
- Drove operational excellence by achieving transport, stock, and engineering KPIs while improving route efficiency and productivity.
- Controlled regional budgets and optimised profitability through strategic cost management and resource planning.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, and customers, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Analysed operational data to identify trends, implement improvements, and report performance to senior leadership.
- Led change management initiatives to enhance efficiency, technology adoption, and customer experience.
- Delivered sustainable growth by fostering an inclusive culture, developing talent, and promoting high engagement.
Transport Manager
HSS Hire Service Group
1991.06 - 2010.01
- Led day to day transport operations, ensuring full compliance with O Licence, transport legislation, and company standards across all routes and sites.
- Championed a proactive health and safety culture through regular audits, driver coaching, and strict adherence to PPE, load security, and safe working practices.
- Managed vehicle servicing, maintenance, and defect reporting to minimise downtime and maintain a fully legal and efficient fleet.
- Oversaw tachograph and licence compliance using DCRS and Tachomaster, ensuring accurate records and zero infringements.
- Recruited, developed, and performance-managed Drivers and Transport Coordinators, building a motivated, safety-focused team culture.
- Planned and optimised routes using Satalia routing software, delivering on-time performance, route compliance, and cost efficiency.
- Drove achievement of all transport KPIs including delivery accuracy, route completion, and smartphone adherence.
- Managed training and accreditation for CPC, FORS, and induction programmes to maintain driver competence and professional standards.
- Maximised fleet utilisation and transport revenue through effective planning of internal stock movements and delivery sourcing.
- Promoted company values by leading from the front, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all operations.
Transport Controller
HSS Hire Service Group
1989.06 - 1991.01
- Supported the Transport Manager in delivering a first-class service, maintaining quality standards and exceeding customer expectations.
- Coordinated daily transport operations, ensuring efficient routing, driver allocation, and on-time delivery performance.
- Ensured compliance with O Licence regulations, CPC driver qualifications, and all relevant transport legislation.
- Maintained vehicle maintenance schedules, service records, and defect reporting to ensure fleet safety and legal compliance.
- Monitored stock control accuracy and managed equipment movements across depots to meet customer demand.
- Conducted HSEQ audits and regular workplace inspections, driving a strong safety culture across all transport activities.
- Managed rotas, overtime, and workforce planning through Workplace Online to optimise productivity and control costs.
- Supported driver performance management through return-to-work meetings, investigations, and annual reviews.
- Led daily huddles and team briefings to communicate operational updates, KPIs, and weekly performance priorities.
- Promoted teamwork, accountability, and open communication to build a motivated and customer-focused transport team.
Stock Controller
HSS Hire Service Group
1988.11 - 1989.01
- Maintained a safe working environment by promoting PPE compliance, raising safety observations, and adhering to company health and safety standards.
- Conducted regular housekeeping and ensured all equipment and stock were stored safely and in line with company standards.
- Accurately picked, marshalled, and loaded/unloaded stock for driver routes, internal movements, and external deliveries, ensuring product quality and e-code accuracy.
- Performed thorough checks on incoming and outgoing stock, reporting damaged, missing, or incorrect items via appropriate channels.
- Collaborated with the Stock Integrity Manager to investigate and resolve stock and e-code discrepancies, maintaining accurate records.
- Updated Spanner and other systems to maintain stock integrity, logging all movements and monitoring stock status regularly.
- Assisted with biannual stock takes and ensured all stock control processes, procedures, and systems were followed correctly.
- Supported Click & Collect operations, delivering excellent customer service and enhancing the hire experience.
- Fostered teamwork and collaboration with colleagues to ensure operational efficiency and high levels of service.
- Completed all required training, adhered to company procedures for handling stock, and followed safe loading and unloading practices including powered access equipment.
3.5t Driver
HSS Hire Service Group
1987.10 - 1988.01
- Ensured compliance with traffic laws, the Highway Code, and all company driving policies while operating company vehicles.
- Secured and verified loads for accuracy and safety before and during transit.
- Wore the correct PPE, followed company health and safety training, and reported near misses or incidents promptly.
- Maintained vehicle cleanliness and reported any accidents or vehicle issues immediately, following all accident management procedures.
- Delivered and collected goods along assigned routes, maintaining clear communication with customers regarding arrival times.
- Used company smart phone systems to track deliveries and demonstrate operational equipment to customers.
- Identified and reported damaged or dirty items, keeping the Transport team informed for timely resolution.
- Assisted with loading and unloading, ensuring safe handling and adherence to company standards.
- Maintained accurate daily records of hours worked and submitted weekly logs to the Transport Manager.
- Always represented the company professionally, promoting company values and delivering excellent customer service.
Education
GCSEs - 5 Grade A-C's
Greatstone
Manchester10.1986
IOSH, Managing Safely - CIEH Risk Assessment, Health & Safety
HSS HIRE
MANCHESTER07.2017
Level 2 achieved - Risk Assessment, Health & Safety
HSS HIRE
BirminghamSkills
- Excellent organisational skills
- Honest & trustworthy
- Proven leader
- Serious about safety
- Strong communication skills
- Aware of internal and external customer needs
- Excellent motivational skills
- Excellent IT skills
- Financial awareness
- People management
- Production schedule and plan
- Customer service
- Adaptable
Additional Information
Full clean UK driving licence.
Timeline
Regional Branch Director
HSS Hire Service Group
2025.12 - Current
Operations Manager
HSS Hire Service Group
2014.04 - 2025.01
Regional Operations Manager
HSS Hire Service Group
2010.03 - 2014.01
Transport Manager
HSS Hire Service Group
1991.06 - 2010.01
Transport Controller
HSS Hire Service Group
1989.06 - 1991.01
Stock Controller
HSS Hire Service Group
1988.11 - 1989.01
3.5t Driver
HSS Hire Service Group
1987.10 - 1988.01
GCSEs - 5 Grade A-C's
Greatstone
IOSH, Managing Safely - CIEH Risk Assessment, Health & Safety
HSS HIRE
Level 2 achieved - Risk Assessment, Health & Safety
HSS HIRE