Fleet Optimisation Manager in Nottingham

Location: Lithia House

Reporting To: Operations Director

Competitive salary with pension, life assurance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), exclusive company discounts on used car purchases, leasing deals and aftersales services.

Role Overview

The Fleet Optimisation Manager is responsible for maximising vehicle uptime across our customer fleet portfolio. This role will lead the management and performance of key supplier relationships, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are consistently achieved and exceeded. By analysing fleet performance data, identifying operational inefficiencies, and driving continuous improvement initiatives, the Fleet Optimisation Manager will play a critical role in enhancing customer experience and operational effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Vehicle Uptime & Fleet Performance
  • Develop and implement strategies to maximise vehicle availability and minimise downtime.
  • Monitor fleet performance metrics and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Investigate root causes of vehicle off-road incidents and implement corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to accelerate vehicle repair, maintenance, and return-to-service times.
  • Establish and maintain fleet performance dashboards and reporting mechanisms.
• Supplier Management & SLA Performance
  • Manage relationships with maintenance providers, repair networks, recovery operators, rental partners, and other key suppliers.
  • Monitor supplier performance against agreed SLAs and KPIs.
  • Lead supplier escalation processes where service standards fall below expectations.
• Customer Experience
  • Ensure fleet optimisation activities directly support customer uptime objectives.
  • Work closely with customer-facing teams to understand customer challenges and priorities.
  • Develop proactive solutions to minimise disruption and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Provide regular performance insights and recommendations to customers where appropriate.
• Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement
  • Analyse operational and supplier performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Lead projects focused on process efficiency, cost reduction, and service enhancement.
  • Develop business cases and recommendations for operational improvements.
  • Support the implementation of new systems, technologies, and processes that improve fleet performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Fleet vehicle uptime percentage.
• Average vehicle downtime.
• Supplier SLA compliance rates.
• Cost savings and operational efficiency improvements.
• Reduction in repeat repair and maintenance incidents.

Skills & Experience

• Essential
  • Proven experience in fleet management, fleet operations, supplier management, or vehicle maintenance environments.
  • Strong understanding of fleet maintenance and vehicle lifecycle management.
  • Experience managing supplier performance against contractual SLAs and KPIs.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and performance reporting tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Desirable
  • Experience within automotive, leasing, rental, mobility, or fleet services sectors.
  • Knowledge of fleet management systems and telematics platforms.
  • Project management experience.
  • Relevant professional qualification in fleet, operations, engineering, or business management.

Personal Attributes

• Customer-focused with a passion for service excellence.
• Data-driven and commercially aware.
• Proactive and results-oriented.
• Strong communicator with influencing skills.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Collaborative and capable of working across multiple teams and stakeholders.

What we can offer you

• Enjoy 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), giving you more time to relax, recharge, and do what you love.
• Celebrate your special day with an extra day off on your birthday.
• Our industry-leading Family Leave Policies ensure you’re supported when it matters most.
• Access a new car through our Salary Sacrifice scheme and enjoy a smarter way to drive.
• Take a paid day to volunteer and give back to a cause close to your heart.
• We believe in recognising dedication and loyalty, that’s why we celebrate long service milestone anniversaries.
• Unlock your potential with tailored training and endless career growth opportunities.
• Commute for less with our cycle to work scheme.
• Access high street discounts to make the everyday a little more rewarding.
• Know someone perfect for Lithia UK? Earn rewards through our internal referral scheme.

Lithia UK are an equal opportunities employer, and we are proud members of Automotive 30% Club, Diversity in Retail and Inclusive Companies. We welcome all applications regardless of age, race, religion, disability, gender or sexual identity, marital status, socio-economic background or Veteran status. We will also consider qualified applicants with prior criminal convictions, in accordance with the law.