Head of Fleet Operations & Maintenance

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors: Rail & Transportation, Civils & Construction, Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Technology & Cyber Security, Logistics & Intermodal Freight, Defence.

We have been exclusively appointed by a transportation business on a retained search for a “Head of Fleet Maintenance”. Below you will find a ‘Candidate Opportunity Brief’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting held between the Principal Consultant & Senior Research Associate of Ford & Stanley Executive Search and the Deputy Engineering Director of our client company. This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents, and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

• A proven track record of success in a senior-level management position, leading technical engineering functions, preferably within freight, transportation, rail, utilities, aviation or adjacent regulated industries.
• Experience managing a large (50+), diverse workforce.
• Commercially astute, articulate, technically strong, dynamic, insightful and influential leader with the ability to operate at both a strategic and an operational level.
• Degree level qualified in an appropriate engineering or business discipline.
• Demonstrated capability of leading an engineering function split across multiple diverse locations.
• Chartered Engineer is desirable but not essential.

• An inclusive and inspiring leader who has the ability to develop others to deliver business goals and achieve their potential.
• Capable of instilling confidence and building relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Proactive and driven individual. Ability to use own initiative to implement improvements.
• A strong communicator who is capable of managing perception both upward and downward.
• A good political antenna, recognising the impact of the organisation’s fleet performance on the public.

The Head of Fleet Maintenance will be predominantly based out of our client’s site in London.

• Safety and performance: Ensure the safety of colleagues, customers, and assets through robust maintenance practices and a safety-first culture. Drive improvements in vehicle performance, punctuality, and reliability by reducing technical defects and service cancellations.
• Innovation and Technology: Lead the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies and data-driven maintenance strategies. Embed a culture of innovation across the fleet function.
• External and Internal Stakeholder Engagement: Represent the function at senior level, building strong relationships with internal departments, industry partners and regulatory bodies.
• Our People: Build and sustain an inclusive, high-performing team culture that attracts, develops and retains top talent. Champion employee engagement, well being, and leadership development to support long-term organisational growth.
• Financial Sustainability: Deliver cost efficiencies through smarter maintenance practices, supply chain optimisation and collaborative industry partnerships. Contribute to long-term financial planning (Opex and Capex) to support the region's business objectives.
• Customer: Deliver a consistently high-quality, reliable and well-presented fleet that enhances the customer journey. Set new standards for fleet maintenance that ensures the business is an industry-leading operator.
• Sustainability and Social Value: Lead initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of fleet operations, including energy and carbon reduction plans. Strengthen social value by contributing to community engagement and sustainable transport goals.
• Business and Partnerships: Engage across all functions within the business to support business planning, forecasting, business reporting and delivering against KPIs, both internally and externally.

Competitive salary available.

• Free duty and leisure travel on services for the employee.
• Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent).
• 75% discount on many other transport providers.
• Final salary pension scheme.
• 25 days holiday + statutory bank holidays.

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an ongoing basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination.