Fleet Manager

Location: South Kirkby, West Yorkshire

Salary: up to £45,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications

Working hours: 07:00–16:00, 08:00–17:00 or 09:00–18:00

Reporting to: Logistics Director

Overview

Freight Force Recruitment are proud to be working in partnership with a leading temperature-controlled storage and logistics business, operating across five UK sites in South Kirkby, Preston, Newcastle, March and Thetford. Our client works with some of the UK's most recognised frozen food brands and manufacturers, delivering reliable, high-quality logistics solutions within a fast-paced and demanding industry.

As the business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced, proactive and commercially minded Fleet Manager to join our team at South Kirkby. Managing a fleet of approximately 40 trucks and 65 trailers across the group, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining fleet compliance, coordinating vehicle maintenance and improving driver performance. Reporting directly to the Logistics Director, you will help ensure our fleet operates safely, efficiently and in line with all relevant legislation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives under pressure, takes ownership of their responsibilities and wants to make a tangible impact within a growing transport operation.

The Role

As Fleet Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day management, compliance and maintenance coordination of the group's fleet. You will work closely with drivers, transport colleagues, management, maintenance providers and external suppliers to ensure vehicles remain roadworthy, compliant and operationally efficient.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day management of a fleet of approximately 40 trucks and 65 trailers across the group.
• Coordinate planned preventative maintenance, servicing, inspections, MOTs and vehicle repairs.
• Monitor vehicle defects and ensure issues are addressed promptly to minimise downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Liaise with workshops, maintenance providers and third-party suppliers to coordinate repairs and maintenance activities.
• Maintain accurate fleet records, maintenance schedules and vehicle documentation.

Compliance, Health & Safety

• Ensure all fleet vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with relevant transport legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor vehicle and driver compliance, ensuring documentation, inspections and required checks are completed within the appropriate timescales.
• Support compliance with drivers' hours, tachograph requirements and associated regulations.
• Identify potential compliance risks and take prompt, appropriate action to resolve issues.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture across the fleet, ensuring standards are consistently maintained.

Driver Management & Performance

• Communicate confidently with drivers, addressing concerns, challenging non-compliance and ensuring company procedures are followed.
• Help develop and maintain a positive, accountable and professional driver culture.
• Monitor driver performance and work towards improving driver scorecards, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the development of performance measures and reporting to improve driving standards, safety and operational efficiency.
• Build effective working relationships with drivers while maintaining clear expectations and standards.

Reporting, Costs & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor fleet-related costs, including fuel consumption, maintenance expenditure and vehicle operating costs.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying opportunities to improve fleet efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditure.
• Maintain accurate records and produce relevant reports to support operational and commercial decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve fleet management systems, processes and working practices.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the fleet function as the business continues to grow.

Future Development

• Take an active role in improving fleet performance, compliance processes and driver scorecard reporting.
• Develop your knowledge and responsibilities in fleet procurement and purchasing, with a view to progressing into fleet purchasing as your experience grows.
• Work closely with the Logistics Director to identify and implement improvements across the fleet operation.

Occasional travel to other operating centres and attendance at relevant industry events or seminars will occasionally be required.

About You

We are looking for someone who is organised, accountable and solutions-focused, with experience working in a demanding transport or logistics environment. You will be comfortable making decisions, managing competing priorities and having challenging conversations when standards are not being met. You will take ownership of issues, act with urgency and follow problems through to resolution.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in fleet management, fleet maintenance or a fleet compliance role within the transport or logistics industry.
• A strong understanding of vehicle roadworthiness, preventative maintenance and fleet compliance.
• Experience managing or monitoring driver compliance, health and safety requirements and relevant transport legislation.
• The confidence to challenge drivers constructively and ensure procedures and standards are followed.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure, prioritise competing demands and meet tight deadlines.
• A proactive, dynamic approach, with a strong sense of urgency and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with drivers, management and external suppliers.
• A commercial mindset, with an understanding of the importance of controlling costs and improving operational efficiency.
• Good IT skills and experience maintaining accurate records and working with fleet management or compliance systems.

Desirable, but not essential:

• A Driver CPC qualification or relevant transport qualification.
• Experience using Mandata, Tachomaster or similar transport, fleet tracking or tachograph management systems.
• Experience developing driver scorecards, monitoring KPIs or implementing fleet performance improvements.
• An interest in developing into fleet purchasing and procurement.

What We Offer

Our client believes in investing in their people and providing opportunities to develop alongside the business.

• Competitive salary up to £45,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Permanently, full-time employment.
• A choice of working patterns: 07:00–16:00, 08:00–17:00 or 09:00–18:00.
• Contributory company pension scheme.
• Healthcare scheme and health and wellbeing support.
• Life insurance.
• 28 days' annual leave, including statutory holidays, pro rata where applicable.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement after two years of service.
• Additional training and opportunities for career development.
• A clear opportunity to develop towards fleet purchasing and wider fleet management responsibilities.
• Free on-site parking.
• On-site canteen.
• A friendly, supportive and people-focused working environment.

Why Join?

This is more than a fleet administration position. It is an opportunity to take ownership of a substantial fleet, influence driver standards, improve compliance and help shape the future of fleet operations within an established and growing logistics business.

If you are an experienced fleet professional who enjoys solving problems, making things happen and driving improvements, we would love to hear from you.

Ready to take the next step in your fleet career? Apply now by submitting an up-to-date copy of your CV and why you think you'd be a good fit for this role.