At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform a fragmented fleet operation into a streamlined, strategic powerhouse.
- Company: Join a high-growth, PE-backed infrastructure leader with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and the chance to shape a new team.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a fleet function and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have CPC qualification and experience managing large-scale fleets.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and to design a gold-standard fleet operation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes (with UK-wide travel)
Reporting to: CFO
Package: Competitive Salary + Benefits
The Opportunity: Build, Fix, and Lead
Are you a seasoned fleet professional who thrives on turning fragmentation into order? We are currently supporting a high-growth, PE-backed (Private Equity) infrastructure leader on a journey of significant centralisation and maturity. Following a series of strategic mergers, they are seeking a transformational Commercial Fleet Manager to establish a brand new centralised function from the ground up.
This isn’t a "business as usual" maintenance role. The current fleet operation is fragmented and reactive. We need a visionary leader to shift the focus from "fixing blowouts" to "defining a multi-million-pound fleet strategy." You will inherit a blank canvas in Milton Keynes, with the mandate to build your own team, restore operational trust, and future-proof a complex national fleet.
The Mandate
- Strategic Architecture: Develop and execute a comprehensive fleet strategy from scratch, including a critical review of funding models (lease vs. purchase) and a long-term replacement roadmap for 1,100 vehicles.
- Departmental Start-up: Hire, mentor, and lead a brand-new centralised team based at a new Milton Keynes hub.
- Operational Excellence: Modernise a geographically dispersed operation across 30+ depots, drastically reducing Vehicle Off Road (VOR) times and improving staff welfare.
- Compliance & Safety: Act as the primary guardian of the company’s Operator’s Licenses and lead the drive for FORS accreditations.
- Innovation: Partner with industry-leading technology providers to leverage AI-based safety systems, telematics, and green technologies for a more sustainable fleet.
The Ideal Profile
We are looking for a "Strategic Doer". Someone capable of presenting a 100-day plan to the Board in the morning and resolving a complex maintenance dispute in the afternoon.
Must-Haves:
- International or National Transport Manager CPC: This is a non-negotiable requirement to hold the business’s license.
- Large-Scale Fleet Experience: A proven track record of managing c. 1,000+ vehicles, specifically within high-mileage, LCV-heavy (Light Commercial Vehicle), and geographically dispersed environments.
- Change Management: Experience in "fixing something broken." You must be resilient, autonomous, and capable of winning over sceptical internal stakeholders through delivery and transparency.
- Supplier Management: Strong negotiation skills with a history of managing major fleet management partners and manufacturers.
Desirable:
- FORS Practitioner qualification.
- Experience with specialist vehicles (IPVs/HPVs) or the Highways/Traffic Management sectors.
Why Join?
This is a rare chance to take full "ownership" of a fleet function. You will report directly to a forward-thinking CFO who views the fleet as the heartbeat of the business. While the first six months will be a "ground-up" build involving significant cultural and operational shifts, the reward is the opportunity to design a gold-standard fleet operation for a market leader.
Commercial Fleet Manager in Northampton employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Fleet Manager in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its fleet operations. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their challenges and how you can lead the transformation they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your vision for a multi-million-pound fleet strategy and how you plan to build and lead a new team. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Fleet Manager in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Fleet Manager. Highlight your large-scale fleet experience and any change management successes you've had. We want to see how you can turn fragmentation into order!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your strategic vision for the fleet and how you plan to build a new centralised function. Let us know why you're the perfect fit for this transformational role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for a visionary leader, so don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you’ve built and led teams in the past. Talk about how you’ve restored trust and improved operations in previous roles – we love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Know Your Fleet Strategy
Before the interview, take time to develop a comprehensive fleet strategy that aligns with the company's goals. Be ready to discuss how you would approach building a centralised function from scratch and what key elements you would include in your 100-day plan.
✨Showcase Change Management Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully turned around a fragmented operation. Highlight your resilience and ability to win over sceptical stakeholders through transparency and delivery. This will demonstrate that you're the 'Strategic Doer' they’re looking for.
✨Understand Compliance & Safety
Brush up on the latest regulations regarding Operator’s Licenses and FORS accreditations. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance while also driving innovation in safety systems and green technologies within the fleet.
✨Engage with Supplier Management
Think about your negotiation strategies and how you've managed major fleet partners in the past. Be ready to share specific examples that showcase your ability to build strong relationships and drive value through effective supplier management.