Fleet, Asset and Commissioning Manager in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service

Address: Phoenix House, 3 Goddard Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 5NP (County and out of County travelling required)

Salary: £62,119 – £73,998 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available

Contract: Permanent

Behind every emergency response is a fleet of vehicles and equipment ready to perform when it matters most. As Fleet, Asset and Commissioning Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has the assets, equipment, PPE and workwear needed to keep communities safe. If you're an ambitious Fleet professional with a passion for delivering excellent services and driving continuous improvement, this could be the opportunity for you.

Your role and responsibilities

No two days are the same within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. As Fleet, Asset and Commissioning Manager, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the Service's fleet and equipment provision. From developing vehicle specifications and leading procurement projects to attending strategic meetings and supporting your team, you'll make decisions that have a direct impact on frontline service delivery and community safety.

Working closely with colleagues across the Fire and Rescue Service and Suffolk County Council, you will lead on fleet strategy, asset management and commissioning activities, ensuring vehicles and equipment remain fit for purpose, compliant and ready to support emergency response operations whenever needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing vehicle and equipment specifications and managing procurement and contract processes to support the Service's capital replacement programme.
• Leading and supporting teams based at Phoenix House and Anson Road, Martlesham, fostering a positive, high-performing and collaborative working environment.
• Representing Fleet Services at strategic forums, including Programme Boards, Continuous Improvement Boards and Workforce Planning meetings.
• Building strong relationships with regional and national Transport Officer Group (TOG) networks to share knowledge, collaborate and implement best practice.
• Providing expert advice, guidance and solutions on all fleet-related matters, influencing service-wide decision-making.
• Managing projects from conception through to delivery, ensuring objectives, budgets and timescales are achieved.
• Monitoring and reporting on revenue and capital budgets, ensuring resources are managed effectively and procurement projects deliver value for money.
• Driving innovation by exploring emerging technologies and opportunities that enhance fleet capability, efficiency and compliance.
• Working closely with operational and corporate teams across the organisation, building effective partnerships to support service delivery.
• Inspiring, mentoring and developing colleagues, using your experience and expertise to support both your team and the wider Fire and Rescue Service.

You will need:

• A degree-level qualification (Level 6/7) or equivalent. Engineering or Motor Vehicle qualifications (HNC/HND) are desirable.
• Significant leadership experience, with the ability to manage, motivate and develop teams.
• Strong knowledge of procurement, contract management and project delivery.
• A Category C (Class C) driving licence.
• Experience managing budgets, producing reports and developing departmental plans.
• A values-driven approach aligned with the NFCC Core Code of Ethics and SCC's WE ASPIRE values.
• A passion for making a difference and supporting the delivery of a safe, effective emergency response for the people of Suffolk.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

The Fleet Team plays a vital role in ensuring Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service can respond effectively to incidents, emergencies, and major events across the county. By maintaining a reliable fleet of vehicles and equipment, the team helps ensure operational readiness whenever it is needed most.

The service provided by the team spans vehicle and equipment maintenance, stores and logistics, and the procurement and management of key assets, including fire appliances, specialist equipment, PPE and workwear. Their work supports the essential prevention, protection and emergency response activities delivered by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service every day.

The Fleet Team is committed to delivering a high-quality service while upholding the values and cultural ambitions of the Fire and Rescue Service. Collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.

There is a real sense of pride and achievement in knowing that the work carried out by the team directly contributes to keeping Suffolk's communities safe. Whether supporting a frontline fire appliance responding on blue lights or ensuring critical equipment is available when needed, the Fleet Team is a key part of every emergency response.

The Fleet Asset and Commissioning Manager leads and supports the team, creating an environment where colleagues can thrive, develop their skills and perform at their best.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Matthew Parsons (Asset and Commissioning Manager) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 341435 or emailing matthew.parsons@suffolk.gov.uk

Alternatively, please contact Per Middleton (Area Manager) for a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing Per.Middleton@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP. You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word). Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4. Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 27 September 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.