Fleet Manager jobs
The fleet of trucks, vans and cars is the key element of the logistics operation, so keeping it all in working order is more than vital; it’s the basis of the company’s existence. Fleet management’s aim is therefore to deal with buying new vehicles, maintaining and repairing existing ones, having the obsolete ones removed from the fleet and overseeing all the legal and business paperwork for every vehicle and act.
Fleet management is inextricably linked with the general running and success of the company. If a major new client is won, for example, new vehicles and drivers might need to be bought, and these might need to be ordered in advance; constant contact with senior management will be required to ensure that their orders do not fail to be met through lack of fleet capability.
The legal aspects of running a fleet will also be of prime importance. Tachograph data, driver hours and roadworthiness of the vehicles will be the responsibility of the fleet manager.
With fuel costs being an ever-increasing drain on revenue, the fleet manager might also be charged with striking deals with the suppliers to get the best deals; owners of large fleets can have considerable purchasing power on this front. Simultaneously seeking out efficiencies in the running of the fleet through routing, vehicle efficiency and driver aptitude will be a key element in this cost-saving drive.
The skills required
The fleet manager will require excellent analytical and planning skills to keep on top of a fleet that in large logistics operations can run into the thousands of vehicles. Each vehicle is a unique unit with its own legal and efficiency characteristics, and managing them all will need great aptitude at personnel management as well as IT skills.
As with any managerial role, being able to deal with people in a professional and courteous way and to communicate ideas simply will be key skills, regardless of their place in the corporate hierarchy. Therefore good written and spoken English will be required.
A good mind for solving problems as they arise is always useful, but in this case it will need to be backed up by solid understanding of the legislation of fleet management.
Fleet Manager Jobs in Basingstoke
Situated in north-east Hampshire, less than 50 miles from London and just 16 miles from Reading, Basingstoke is a lovely town that has expanded significantly since the end of the 20th century. Today, it offers a variety of possibilities for those seeking Fleet Manager vacancies.
With its beginnings as a Saxon village, Basingstoke was a fairly large settlement at the time of the Domesday Book, with a population of around 200, three water-powered flour mills and a weekly market.
By the 13th century, this population had nearly tripled and the town was granted a charter in 1257 - at the time, its economy mainly relied on the production of wool and cloth.
The railway arrived in Basingstoke in 1839, simplifying transport and trade between the town and London, as well as offering connections the following year to Winchester and Southampton.
Later in the 19th century, Thomas Burberry set up his first shop in Basingstoke, and his brand grew to become a household name - one which continues to be known for its luxury fashion and tartan pattern, although the company is now headquartered in London.
These days, Basingstoke is an economic hub and home to the UK headquarters of a number of large financial, insurance and technology companies - including Motorola, Sony Professional Solutions, Sun Life, The Automobile Association and ST Ericsson. Meanwhile, pharmaceuticals facilities are operated by the likes of Mercona, Valeant, Steris, Shire and Biomerieux.
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Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
Our founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we have a great understanding of what employers and candidates are looking for. Employers trust us to create candidate shortlists because these are the sectors we deal with exclusively; they have confidence that we’ll help them find the most appropriate people for their positions.
We’re a nationwide consultancy with jobs in every county and city, so if you’re moving home, take a look at the positions available in the new region. If you’re simply looking for a career change, have a look around the site or contact us direct to start your job search. Once we have your details, you’ll be in the best possible position to find the ideal job in the future.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Fleet Manager for your business or find you a job as a Fleet Manager then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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