Fleet Manager - #2160016

GROUP FLEET MANAGER

The Airedale Group are the leading market design, installation, and maintenance provider for commercial kitchens in the UK hospitality and food service industry. We work alongside clients from the initial designs through to bespoke fabrication and installation. Coupled with the largest body of professional maintenance engineers in the country, we offer the complete end-to-end solution to our extensive client base. We have long-standing relationships with many of the biggest multi-site brands in the UK.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused Group Fleet Manager to lead and develop the Group's fleet operation of approximately 500 vehicles, comprising both company cars and commercial vans.

This role will have responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the Group fleet, overseeing a team of two fleet administrators.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the fleet strategy, ensuring the Group has a safe, compliant, cost-effective and fit-for-purpose fleet that supports the operational needs of the business.

A key focus of the role will be to transform and modernise the Group's fleet operation. This will include reviewing the existing leasing arrangements, introducing a dedicated fleet management system, developing the Group's approach to electric vehicles, and the rebranding of the commercial van fleet.

The role will work closely with Finance, Procurement, Operations and other key stakeholders to improve fleet efficiency, strengthen governance and deliver a consistently high level of service to our drivers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake a comprehensive review of the Group's existing fleet operation model.
• Evaluate the current supplier's commercial terms, service levels, vehicle provision and overall suitability for the Group's requirements.
• Benchmark the market and identify potential alternative partners.
• Negotiate improved commercial terms, service levels and contractual arrangements.
• Develop and implement a Group-wide fleet strategy aligned to growth, acquisition integration, and exit value creation.
• Establish effective supplier governance and regular performance reviews.
• Lead the implementation of a fit-for-purpose fleet management system across the Group.
• Establish a single, accurate source of fleet information covering vehicles, drivers, mileage, servicing, MOTs, compliance, costs and lifecycle information.
• Develop a roadmap to transition the Group's commercial van fleet to electric vehicles.
• Assess the operational and financial suitability of EVs across different areas of the business.
• Work with Finance and operational stakeholders to understand total cost of ownership and whole-life costs.
• Support The Airedale Group's wider ESG programme and reduce fleet-related emissions.
• Play a key role in rebranding Airedale's commercial van fleet.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of two Fleet Administrators.
• Establish clear responsibilities, processes and service standards within the fleet function.
• Provide leadership, coaching and support to ensure a high-performing and customer-focused team.
• Ensure fleet policies and procedures remain current, practical and fit for purpose.
• Act as the senior point of contact for fleet-related matters across the Group.
• Take ownership of fleet expenditure and work closely with Finance to manage budgets and forecasts.
• Identify opportunities to reduce the total cost of ownership across the fleet.
• Ensure the Group fleet complies with all relevant UK legislation, regulations and company policies.
• Maintain effective controls around vehicle licensing, MOTs, servicing, maintenance and registration.
• Ensure servicing, inspections and statutory requirements are completed within required timescales.
• Support the Group's duty of care responsibilities in relation to company vehicles and drivers.
• Monitor driver behaviour and take appropriate action where risks or policy breaches are identified.

Experience Required

• Proven experience managing, reviewing, and scaling an in-house fleet operation ideally within a commercial environment.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle leasing, negotiating with suppliers and fleet lifecycle management.
• Good understanding of UK fleet legislation, duty of care and HSE requirements.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance, servicing and operational requirements.
• Experience using fleet data to identify trends, manage costs and support business decisions.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness, including understanding of total cost of ownership.
• Experience implementing a fleet management system would be highly advantageous.
• Understanding of EVs and transitioning a commercial fleet to electric vehicles.
• Confidence in managing and leading a small team, with the ability to influence best practice.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Confident working with senior stakeholders and presenting recommendations.
• Experience working in a multi-site or acquisitive environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary
• Bonus
• Permanent Contract
• 23 days + bank holidays, increasing to 26 with LOS
• Westfield Health insurance, Cash plan and Retail rewards
• Life Assurance x2