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 Northampton
Situated in the East Midlands on the banks of the River Nene, Northampton is a market town with a history dating back to the 6th century. By the end of the 11th century, the community had grown significantly and the Domesday Book records it as having a population of around 1,500 inhabitants.
During the 19th century, the city experienced further expansion thanks to the construction of the Grand Union Canal, which connected London and Birmingham with each other, as well as cities like Leicester, Slough and Northampton. Railways also arrived at the city around this time, further simplifying trade with the rest of the country.
Northampton was best known for producing shoes and other leather goods during the 1800s and a few companies that were established during this period still provide specialist, high-end items today - including Edward Green Shoes, Trickers, Church's and Crockett & Jones.
Over the years, most of the other footwear factories have been converted to offices or residential buildings and, although the shoe industry has declined, a number of other sectors have taken its place, including distribution, finance and manufacturing. So those seeking Fleet Manager roles in the area will have an array of employers to consider.
Just some of the well-known companies that have offices, factories or headquarters in Northampton include Coca Cola, Schweppes, Carlsberg, Texas Instruments, Avon Products, Blacks Leisure Group and Panasonic.
Meanwhile, Nationwide Building Society, Barclay Card, the University of Northampton and St Andrew's Healthcare are all major employers.
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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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