At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise fleet operations, ensuring safety and compliance across all vehicles.
- Company: FareShare South West, a charity focused on reducing food waste and supporting communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference in the community.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and lead impactful fleet operations while supporting volunteers.
- Qualifications: Experience in fleet management and a full clean UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Fleet Manager is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of FareShare South West’s fleet, including vans, HGVs, forklifts, and manual handling equipment. This role ensures all vehicles, equipment, and drivers operate to the highest standards of safety, legal compliance, and operational effectiveness. The Fleet Manager supports the wider operations and volunteer driving teams (including 2X HGV Drivers) through training, onboarding, and best practice guidance. Working closely with Hub Managers, the Head of Operations, Food Manager and external contractors, the role drives continuous improvement across fleet operations and contributes to the smooth running of all FSSW transport activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Fleet Operations and Maintenance
- Oversee servicing, MOTs, repairs, and maintenance for all fleet vehicles, forklifts, and manual handling equipment.
- Diagnose and triage vehicle issues, coordinating timely resolution with trusted contractors.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with garages, leasing companies, insurers, fuel card providers, and breakdown services.
- Coordinate vehicle movements between sites and garages, ensuring minimal disruption to operations, arranging replacements as necessary.
- Manage fleet related budgets, including accessories, consumables, and recurring charges.
- Manage procurement processes (purchase or leased) related to fleet including onboarding and off‑boarding of fleet.
- Administer insurance policy changes and support the Head of Operations to manage claims involving FSSW vehicles or third parties.
- Maintain accurate fleet records, including maintenance logs, defect reports, mileage, and compliance documentation.
- Monitor and report on fleet performance metrics and deliver continuous improvement initiatives.
- Driver Leadership and Support
- Provide guidance and support to two HGV Drivers on HGV management and compliance, and support Head of Operations with onboarding HGV Drivers.
- Develop and maintain a train‑the‑trainer model to ensure high quality driver assessments across hubs, ensuring all staff are trained to the same level.
- Support and develop volunteer driving teams, ensuring driver onboarding and checks are consistent across hubs.
- Promote and model best practice in all driving and vehicle related duties.
- Compliance and Health & Safety (H&S)
- Ensure full compliance with transport legislation, including DVSA standards, driver hours, tachograph rules, and Working Time Directive requirements.
- Oversee daily vehicle checks, defect reporting, and follow‑up actions.
- Maintain accurate records relating to fleet compliance, driver licences, incident forms, and repairs.
- Monitor fleet tracker data and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Support incident investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement in safety.
- Undertake relevant training in food hygiene, H&S, and compliance frameworks.
- Work closely with the Head of Operations, supported by the Health & Safety Consultant to embed a culture of continuous improvement and safe working.
- General Duties
- Respond to enquiries via phone, email, and internal systems.
- Engage positively with hub visitors and external stakeholders.
- Support wider operational activities to ensure smooth running of FSSW services.
- Uphold high standards of professionalism and customer care.
Person Specification
Essential
- Experience in fleet operations, transport coordination, or a similar operational role.
- Strong understanding of vehicle maintenance, safety, and compliance requirements.
- Proactive, solution focused approach with the ability to make sound decisions in fast paced environments.
- IT competent and confident in using various platforms and systems.
- Full clean UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience of working in the voluntary sector or with volunteers.
- Experience of managing a fleet including HGVs.
- Experience of a transport management system.
- Experience of working within a food operation, warehouse, or charitable setting.
- Experience of delivering training or coaching, ideally in a driving, operational or compliance‑related context.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records and systems.
- Confident communicator who works effectively with cross functional teams.
Fleet Manager employer: FareShare South West
FareShare South West is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, compliance, and operational excellence within its fleet management team. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company fosters a collaborative work culture where staff are encouraged to grow through training and best practice sharing. Located in a vibrant community, FareShare South West offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated professionals and volunteers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fleet Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its fleet operations. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in fleet management and compliance clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Fleet Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Fleet Manager role. Highlight your experience in fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, and compliance. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience:In your cover letter, share specific examples of your past work in transport coordination or fleet management. We love seeing real-life scenarios where you've made a difference, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to operational roles like this one.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at FareShare South West
✨Know Your Fleet Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, and compliance requirements. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your understanding of these areas.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Fleet Manager, you'll be guiding drivers and supporting teams. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led a team or trained others, especially in a transport or operational context. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of safety and compliance.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Expect questions about transport legislation and health & safety standards. Brush up on DVSA regulations, driver hours, and tachograph rules. Being able to articulate how you've ensured compliance in previous roles will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Fleet management often involves quick decision-making in fast-paced environments. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in fleet operations and how you resolved them. This will show your proactive and solution-focused approach.
