Branch Manager

Job Title : Branch Manager

Location : Ilford, London

Reports to: Head of Sales

About Us:

Otto Car is one of the UK’s fastest-growing private companies in the mobility sector. Helping to get private hire drivers on the road to ownership, our mission is to bring our loved ones home safely. With roots in London, we are expanding our reach to bring affordable, sustainable vehicle ownership solutions to drivers across the UK.

Since our humble beginnings with a single Toyota Prius nine years ago, we’ve grown into Europe’s largest fleet of electric cars on platforms like Uber and Bolt, with thousands of vehicles on the road. We’ve supported over 20,000 drivers in achieving financial independence and are proud to lead the way in helping private hire drivers transition to a greener future.

Joining Otto Car means becoming part of a fast-paced, values-driven organisation, playing a key role in shaping our future growth and success as we expand regionally.

Job summary :

The Branch Manager will oversee all operations at our PCO Ilford hub, ensuring smooth day-to-day management, high-quality customer service, and effective coordination of rental services. This role requires a hands-on approach to meet operational and financial targets while ensuring optimal fleet management, staff performance, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities :

• Oversee daily branch operations, including vehicle rentals, returns, and inspections. Ensure the branch runs efficiently and in alignment with company standards and policies.
• Lead a customer-focused approach, providing support and resolving issues to ensure a positive experience for drivers. Handle escalated customer complaints professionally and promptly, ensuring customer retention and satisfaction.
• Recruit, train, and manage branch staff. Foster a positive and productive work environment, providing ongoing coaching and development to enhance team performance and service quality.
• Manage the availability, maintenance, and readiness of the branch’s fleet to meet demand. Coordinate with the service & claims teams to ensure vehicles are safe, compliant, and road-ready for PCO drivers.
• Drive branch performance to meet sales and revenue targets. Identify new opportunities to expand the customer base, build local partnerships, and promote the company’s rental services to increase market share.
• Ensure all vehicles and rental activities comply with legal requirements, safety standards, and PCO licensing regulations. Implement safety practices and procedures within the branch and ensure driver adherence to safety guidelines.
• Manage branch financials, including budgeting, forecasting, and expense control. Ensure rental pricing and sales strategies align with financial objectives. Monitor revenue streams, identify areas for growth, and report performance to senior management.
• Track inventory levels of essential supplies, parts, and accessories. Coordinate with other hubs, logistics, service & claims to maintain optimal stock levels and manage inventory accurately to support operations without disruption.
• Maintain accurate records of branch activities, sales, and fleet utilisation. Regularly report branch performance, customer feedback, and operational insights to regional or senior management.

Skills and qualifications:

• Proven experience in branch management, operations, or similar roles within the car rental, automotive, or PCO industry, ideally 3+ years experience.
  • Strong leadership and people management skills.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
  • Knowledge of fleet management and automotive maintenance is desirable.
  • Business acumen with experience in budgeting and financial management.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, customer-centric environment.
  • Proficiency with fleet management, CRM, reporting & communication software or systems is a plus.
• A valid & clean full UK Driver’s License held for at least 2 years

Why Join Us?

At Otto Car, we combine purpose with ambition. By joining our team, you’ll work alongside dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared mission. As a bootstrapped business, we have the freedom to innovate and make meaningful impacts - both within our team and for our customers. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility in the UK while being part of a values-driven, fast-growing company that truly invests in its people.