At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and optimise our company car fleet across the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join Portwest, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear and workwear.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a commitment to sustainability.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-growing company making a real impact in the PPE industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in fleet management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE, is currently seeking applications for the position of Fleet Manager.
We are happy to consider candidates based within a reasonable commuting distance of either our HQ in Ireland, Thurnscoe or Manchester.
Portwest is one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world, employing over 5,300 staff worldwide, with customer service staff in 130+ countries and global warehouses across the UK, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain, UAE, USA and Australia.
We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.
Job Summary
This is a Fleet Management role with responsibility for the day-to-day management, governance and continuous improvement of Portwest’s company car fleet, initially across the UK and Europe.
The Fleet Manager will oversee the full vehicle lifecycle and ensure effective processes and controls are in place across mileage, leasing, servicing and maintenance, breakdowns, insurance, accidents and claims, vehicle handovers and returns, fines and driver administration.
Working closely with the Indirect Procurement Lead, the Fleet Manager will also support the commercial management of Fleet, including spend visibility, supplier performance, cost control, vendor consolidation and the identification of opportunities to improve value and service.
As the Fleet continues to grow, the role will be responsible for developing consistent Fleet processes, reporting and governance across the countries in scope, working closely with internal stakeholders and Fleet suppliers to ensure the Fleet operates efficiently, compliantly and cost-effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Take day-to-day ownership of Portwest’s company car fleet across the UK and Europe, ensuring effective Fleet management, governance, cost control and service delivery.
- Maintain accurate Fleet data covering vehicles, drivers, suppliers, lease terms and associated costs, providing clear reporting and management information.
- Manage Fleet suppliers and service providers, monitoring performance and identifying opportunities to improve service, consolidate suppliers and reduce costs, working with the Indirect Procurement Lead where commercial support is required.
- Develop, implement and maintain the Fleet Policy and consistent Fleet processes across the countries in scope.
- Manage fuel card arrangements and work with internal teams to improve business mileage tracking, visibility and controls.
- Own monthly mileage governance for all company vehicle users, including odometer collection, monitoring against contracted lease mileage, early escalation of excess-mileage risk and reporting to support cost control.
- Establish and manage effective arrangements for vehicle servicing, maintenance, breakdown and roadside assistance.
- Manage Fleet insurance and claims activity, including renewals, vehicle and driver updates, insurer/broker relationships and maintaining accurate records.
- Introduce and maintain a formal accident and damage reporting process, including clear reporting routes, timescales, central logging, escalation to Health & Safety/Compliance where required and follow-through with insurers, leasing providers and local managers.
- Coordinate vehicle quotations, orders, lease renewals, replacements, amendments and end-of-lease activity.
- Manage vehicle handover and lease-return processes, ensuring mileage, accessories, condition, fair wear and tear, photographic evidence and recharge documentation are recorded to protect the business and support fair allocation of costs.
- Manage the distribution of parking, speeding and other vehicle-related fines, ensuring appropriate records and stakeholder communication are maintained.
- Build strong relationships with Fleet suppliers, ASMs and internal stakeholders, monitoring supplier performance and establishing clear ownership and accountability for Fleet activities across the business.
- Support the development of electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle processes, including charging reimbursement, public charging arrangements, eligibility criteria and supplier solutions aligned to future sustainability priorities.
- Drive continuous improvement, innovation and sustainability within Fleet, working with suppliers and stakeholders to identify solutions that improve efficiency, cost, service and environmental performance.
- Key Responsbilities
- Previous experience managing a company car Fleet is essential, with a strong understanding of Fleet suppliers, leasing and associated commercial arrangements.
- A recognised Fleet Management qualification is desirable, or a willingness to undertake one as part of the role.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate supplier proposals and make clear recommendations.
- Ability to build robust fleet controls, reporting routines and audit trails across mileage, fuel cards, accident/damage records, vehicle handovers and lease-return documentation.
- Strong organisation and ownership, with the ability to manage multiple priorities through to completion.
- Confident communicator with strong supplier and stakeholder management skills.
- Willingness to travel as required, including Thurnscoe, Manchester, Portwest Global HQ in Ireland, Fleet Management training and occasional UK/European travel.
- Company Awards
- Great Place To Work 2024
- Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
- Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025
Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.
Portwest is an equal opportunity employer.
All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.
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Fleet Manager employer: Portwest
Portwest is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on growth in the Birmingham area, employees benefit from hands-on training, opportunities for career advancement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the safety wear industry. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and strong relationships with our distributors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fleet Manager
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Portwest and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Portwest!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Portwest keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Fleet Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Portwest:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Portwest. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portwest
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Portwest.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Portwest that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Portwest. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!