Vehicle Commissioning Manager in Birmingham

West Midlands Police is recruiting a Vehicle Commissioning Manager within Fleet & Logistics (Corporate Asset Management). This key role manages the end‑to‑end process of commissioning newly acquired fleet vehicles to operational specification, ensuring vehicles are procured, configured, converted and deployed efficiently, compliantly and cost‑effectively. You will oversee commissioning workflows, maintain build specifications and technical documentation, manage relationships with manufacturers and vehicle converters, and work closely with fleet users, workshops, procurement and senior stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and fleet availability across the Force.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end commissioning process across the Force fleet, including:
• Manage the commissioning workflow to ensure vehicles are prepared and deployed promptly.
• Order vehicles in line with agreed operational requirements and fleet plans, working closely with the Fleet Manager.
• Raise purchase orders and support procurement processes to ensure compliant and accurate sourcing.
• Monitor manufacturer delivery schedules and track ETAs to prevent delays to commissioning and fleet availability.
• Maintain and update a database of vehicle build specifications, technical drawings and commissioning processes.
• Periodically review and refresh specifications to remain compliant and aligned to operational need and technological advancements.
• Work closely with third‑party vehicle converters and suppliers to ensure vehicles are delivered to specification, on time and to expected quality standards.
• Source and support identification of suitable converters where required.
• Hold structured supplier review meetings, monitor performance and drive continuous improvement through clear performance oversight and constructive challenge/negotiation.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration requirements for commissioning/workshop equipment.
• Order tools/equipment as required to enable efficient commissioning operations.
• Support workforce capability through training, upskilling and coaching initiatives.
• Drive commissioning/workshop productivity and quality in line with service standards and SLAs.
• Ensure safe systems of work and a strong safety culture at all times.
• Provide technical support on complex vehicle issues and assist hands‑on where appropriate.
• Maintain awareness of automotive developments including electric vehicles, ULEZ and emerging technology impacting commissioning and fleet capability.
• Provide operational resilience by covering/deputising for other workshop management roles where needed (e.g., External Works Manager, Workshop Controller, Planning Manager).
• Undertake additional duties commensurate with the grade and scope of the role.

Essential Skills

• Experienced fleet/workshop professional with strong commissioning capability and confidence to manage stakeholders, suppliers and competing priorities.
• Strong experience in vehicle commissioning / vehicle build / conversion processes.
• Experience in procurement processes, including raising purchase orders and managing delivery timelines.
• Ability to develop, interpret and maintain accurate vehicle build specifications and technical documentation.
• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and improve performance through structured oversight, clear communication and negotiation.
• Experience working in a workshop/fleet environment with focus on productivity, quality and operational delivery.
• Strong organisational skills: ability to manage multiple commissioning requirements simultaneously and prevent delays impacting fleet readiness.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including confidence engaging with senior internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability with the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Desirable

• Experience within a blue light / emergency services fleet commissioning environment.
• Familiarity with technical drawing / CAD tools for vehicle build specifications.
• Awareness or use of workshop/fleet systems to track performance, productivity and commissioning data.
• Awareness of emerging automotive technology (EV/hybrid, environmental compliance).

The role includes responsibility for supervising and coordinating a commissioning team. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy and accountability. Decisions made directly affect:

• Fleet availability and readiness
• Cost control and commissioning efficiency
• Operational policing capability and public service delivery

Misjudgements could create delay, additional cost or reduced operational resilience – therefore strong judgement, accuracy and stakeholder management are essential.

Benefit Statement

• Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
• Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
• A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.
• Comprehensive benefits including pension, Blue Light Card, and employee assistance programme.

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical

Successful applicants will be subject to a medical assessment which may include a drug or hearing test.

Interview

TBC

Hours/Location

Logistics Centre, 07:00am – 15:30pm Monday to Friday

Contact

For further information email careers@westmidlands.police.uk

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader – the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. We operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ – all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. We recognise that it may not be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria at all times, particularly in high‑volume, seasonal or high‑peak recruitment situations.

Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.