Asset Manager

The Asset Manager is accountable for the full lifecycle management of Lowe Europe's asset fleet across retail, events and exhibitions and long-term rental. They ensure that assets are accurately recorded, available to meet demand, refurbished to the right standard, and efficiently utilised across all warehouses.

Working directly with the Head of Fleet, the Asset Manager provides operational leadership to deliver strategic objectives such as fleet optimisation, capex planning and future range reviews. They also manage and develop the Asset Management team, including procurement capability via the Tactical Buyer, to ensure daily operational accuracy and long-term planning.

This role requires effective cross-functional working with Sales, Transport, Warehouse, Procurement, and Projects.

Responsibilities to the role

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the Asset Management team (Stock Controller, Asset Administrator, Asset Planner, Tactical Buyer), ensuring clarity of objectives and accountability.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and support to build team capability and succession planning.
• Act as the main point of escalation for asset-related and procurement-related queries, ensuring quick resolution and clear communication.
• Support the Head of Fleet in delivering annual reviews, capex recommendations, and wider Fleet strategy.

Asset Fleet & Procurement Management

• Manage day-to-day availability and accuracy of assets across UK and Europe.
• Balance stock holding between sites to minimise transfers while meeting customer demand.
• Lead quarterly and annual asset review processes, producing recommendations for disposal and replacement.
• Oversee refurbishment and recommissioning priorities, ensuring assets meet commercial and operational standards.
• Manage disposal of non-repairable or obsolete assets, sourcing replacements in line with capex budgets.
• Ensure asset accuracy within ERP systems, aligning physical stock with digital records.
• Work closely with the Tactical Buyer to ensure procurement of assets and parts aligns with operational priorities, budget requirements and supplier standards.

Performance, Reporting & Compliance

• Monitor and report on asset utilisation, identifying risks of over- or under-utilisation and implementing corrective actions.
• Oversee reporting of all missing, damaged and dirty assets, ensuring trends are analysed and improvement actions taken.
• Provide reporting and recommendations on asset earnings, lifecycle costs, and return on investment.
• Work with QHSE to address asset quality issues, reduce damage, and ensure compliance with health & safety requirements.
• Lead annual and quarterly stock audits, driving continuous improvements in accuracy.

Operational Support

• Ensure asset availability for major events and exhibitions, including planning, dispatch, and post-event reconciliation.
• Work with Warehouse and Transport teams to guarantee accurate loading/unloading and full compliance with processes.
• Collaborate with Contracts team to ensure contract substitutions are captured and invoiced correctly.
• Support sales and project teams with accurate asset data for quotations and proposals.

Relationship with Head of Fleet

The Asset Manager plays a critical role in supporting the Head of Fleet by:

• Providing accurate utilisation, procurement and forecasting data to inform strategic planning.
• Translating capex and range review outcomes into operational actions.
• Delivering performance against agreed KPIs across asset availability, procurement, utilisation, and cost control.
• Ensuring asset management and procurement processes across Europe are standardised and effective.

KPI

KPI themes to be agreed with the Head of Fleet, typically covering:

• Availability: Right stock, right place, right time.
• Utilisation: Increase hire cycles, reduce dead stock.
• Accuracy: ERP vs physical stock, stock take results, return accuracy.
• Recovery: Missing asset recovery and financial reconciliation.
• Damage Control: Reduced asset damage and cost recovery rates.
• Lifecycle & ROI: Asset earnings vs maintenance costs; effective replacement planning.
• Procurement: On-time/in-full delivery; supplier performance vs budget.
• Team Development: Training, performance and succession progress.
• Project Performance: Accuracy of planning and reconciliation for events.

Essential

• Proven experience in supply chain planning, stock control or operational leadership.
• Strong organisational, planning and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a multi-site team.
• Strong commercial awareness and cost management capability.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office.
• Customer-focused mindset with strong relationship management skills.

Desirable

• Experience in an asset-based hire/rental or events industry.
• Knowledge of logistics, warehouse operations and supply chain management.
• Experience managing procurement or supplier relationships.
• Track record of leading change and process improvement.