At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and management of a zero-emission bus fleet for public transport.
- Company: Join WMCA, a leader in transforming public transport in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, healthcare plans, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable transport while shaping the future of public services.
- Qualifications: Experience in fleet management, technical knowledge of bus engineering, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is seeking experienced and strategic fleet and operations leaders to play a pivotal role in delivering one of the UK's most ambitious public transport transformation programmes.
This role will lead the development, mobilisation and long‑term management of the franchised bus fleet, ensuring the right vehicles, infrastructure, contracts and operational arrangements are in place to deliver safe, reliable and high‑quality services for passengers across the region. The role involves shaping and implementing the fleet strategy, overseeing vehicle procurement, contract management, asset transfer and operational readiness for each phase of the franchising programme. A key priority is driving the shift to zero‑emission vehicles and supporting infrastructure.
What You Will Be Doing
- Contribute to the development of the long‑term fleet strategy
- Define fleet requirements, standards and specifications for franchised contracts
- Monitor emerging technologies and policy developments
- Provide expert advice to senior officers, elected members and partner organisations on fleet related issues and investment decisions
- Provide functional leadership and direction to matrixed internal resources, consultants and contingent workers
- Collaborate with operations teams, operators and depots to ensure fleet availability aligns with service requirements and performance targets
- Support mobilisation of new operators, including fleet transfer, introduction of new vehicles, depot readiness and engineering handovers
- Establish and oversee fleet asset management plans, including whole‑life costing, maintenance regimes, mid‑life refurbishment and replacement strategies
- Support the development of fleet cost forecast and monitor ongoing budget variations
Essential Criteria
- Proven experience of leading or contributing to fleet procurement and lifecycle asset management
- Technical knowledge of bus engineering, safety and compliance
- Commercial acumen, including whole‑life cost analysis and risk management
- Ability to integrate engineering, operational and commercial priorities into coherent strategies
- Influencing skills, with the ability to engage constructively with operators and suppliers
- Programme or project management experience
- Degree level education or equivalent senior‑level experience in a relevant field
Location
16 Summer Lane, West Midlands. The role requires at least one day a week spent in the office.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme with tax‑exempt contributions
- 28 days paid annual leave (option to purchase additional days) plus statutory holidays
- EV car benefit scheme
- Healthcare plans
- Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice
- Option to buy a bicycle, including e‑bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate
- Three days of paid leave each year to volunteer
- Interest‑free financing to purchase technology
- Discounted shopping with over 2,000 retailers and a Costco membership through WMCA
- Unlimited access to UK attractions and additional discounts through Boundless unlocks
- Eye Care Scheme: free eye test and financial contribution towards glasses
Right to Work in the UK
Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants. Non‑UK applicants, excluding Ireland, must hold a relevant visa.
Equal Opportunities
WMCA is a Ban the Box employer and does not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage. The organisation is a Disability Confident Employer and recognises diversity accreditations, including the RACE Code Quality Mark and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold status. Applications are anonymised; only the information in the profile is used for shortlisting.
Senior Fleet Manager in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
