At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape fleet operations for Kent and Essex Police, focusing on electrification and efficiency.
- Company: Join the dynamic teams at Kent Police and Essex Police Transport Services.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with a focus on professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while driving innovation in fleet management.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in fleet management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to lead in a rapidly evolving vehicle landscape.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Location of Role: Kent/Essex
Advert Closing Date: 14/01/2026
Job Grade/Rank: Grade J / SPS 6
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Mon-Fri
Weekend/Evening Working: No
Kent Police and Essex Police Transport Services are seeking a full-time Head of Fleet to lead and shape the future of our fleet operations. You will be responsible for a large vehicle fleet in each county. This is a pivotal role for a dynamic and strategic leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and brings extensive experience in fleet management. You’ll join a talented, motivated team and play a key part in delivering high-quality, efficient and safe services that support operational policing. It is a tremendously exciting time to be joining and leading the department as both organisations transition the fleet and our operations for the rapidly evolving vehicle landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction for Transport Services including repair, maintenance, new vehicle builds and fleet support with a strong focus on fleet electrification and the Government’s Net Zero Strategy.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and maintain safe workshop operations.
- Act as the Head of Profession for fleet management, advising on specialist vehicles including high-performance and response vehicles.
- Manage significant budgets for vehicles, marine and ancillary equipment ensuring robust financial control.
- Drive efficiency and service quality using data and systems to reduce costs and meet duty of care obligations.
- Lead and motivate a multi-disciplinary team fostering development and high performance.
- Oversee leasing contracts, insurance, vehicle disposals and other key administrative functions.
- Build partnerships with external organisations, identifying income generation and sponsorship opportunities.
- Stay informed on developments affecting police transport services and contribute to policy and strategic planning.
About You
You’re an accomplished senior leader with a proven track record in managing complex transport and fleet operations ideally within the public sector or emergency services. You excel at driving cultural change, embedding vision into strategy and achieving results through collaboration and strong stakeholder engagement. Commercially astute, you’re confident managing large budgets, contracts and supplier relationships while maintaining a focus on innovation and operational excellence. Your leadership style inspires and motivates teams and you bring exceptional communication, negotiation and decision-making skills. With expertise in transport logistics, project management and business continuity you combine strategic thinking with hands-on operational know-how. Political awareness, adaptability and a commitment to continuous professional development complete your profile.
Application Process
If you believe this opportunity is the right fit for you, please submit an application that clearly demonstrates how your skills, experience and achievements align with the requirements outlined above. Your application for this role will be shortlisted on the content you provide within the reason for application question in the application form. CVs, cover letters or attachments are not included in the shortlist. Within your reason for application answer please refer to any experience, skills and abilities you feel you have that will make you suitable for this role based on the role criteria stated in the job advert. Please provide as much detail as possible, as insufficient content may mean you do not meet the shortlisting criteria. This question is limited to 9,000 characters; spaces and blank lines are counted.
EEO Statement
Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex or employment status. If you require extra support at any stage of the application process or for further information regarding this position, please email us at stating “Application Support and Adjustments” in the title of your email. Alternatively you can call us on —. Where appropriate we will make adjustments to the selection process, working arrangements and/or the working environment provided it is reasonable in all the circumstances to do so. If you are not from the UK you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you are from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This does not apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.
Essex Police is a Disability Confident Leader. Our self-assessment has been externally challenged and validated, and we actively encourage and assist other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. We value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic selves openly and safely to work. Essex Police and Kent Police are equal opportunities employers. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.
Head of Fleet (KentEssex) employer: Kent Police
Contact Detail:
Kent Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Fleet (KentEssex)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Kent Police and Essex Police's values, recent projects, and their approach to fleet management. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your past experiences align with the key responsibilities of the Head of Fleet role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can set you apart from other candidates and keep you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Fleet (KentEssex)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us What You've Got: When filling out the reason for application question, make sure to highlight your skills and experiences that match the role. We want to see how you can lead our fleet operations, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific and Detailed: You've got 9,000 characters to play with, so use them wisely! The more detail you provide about your past achievements and how they relate to the job, the better your chances of making it through the shortlist.
Keep It Relevant: Focus on your experience in fleet management and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can drive change and improve operations, so tailor your application to reflect that expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your information correctly and gives you a chance to shine in front of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Police
✨Know Your Fleet Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of fleet management, especially in relation to electrification and compliance with health and safety legislation. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in police transport services and how they align with the Government’s Net Zero Strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully motivated teams in the past. Think of examples where you’ve driven cultural change or improved service quality through collaboration and stakeholder engagement. This will demonstrate your fit for a pivotal role in a dynamic environment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing significant budgets is key, come ready to talk about your experience with financial control in fleet operations. Highlight any specific instances where you’ve driven efficiency or reduced costs while maintaining high service standards. This will show you can handle the financial responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic planning and policy contributions. Think about how you’ve previously set strategic directions for transport services and how you can apply that experience to Kent and Essex Police. Being able to articulate your vision for the future of fleet operations will set you apart.