About the Role
As NationalFleet Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for BUKO's national fleet, leading a direct team of eight colleagues with a wider operational team collaboration.
You will be responsible for the management of a fleet comprising approximately 300 light commercial vehicles(up to 3.5 tonnes), 10 rigid HGVs and seven items of Manual Handling Equipment (MHE). Your focus will be to ensure the fleet operates safely, remains fully compliant with all legislative requirements, delivers maximum operational availability and provides best value for the business.
Working closely with senior leadership, operational teams and external suppliers, you will play a key role in supporting BUKO's continued growth by delivering a high-performing, reliable and future-ready fleet that enables exceptional customer service across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership across all aspects of fleet management, including compliance, maintenance, procurement, utilisation, engineering and operational performance.
- Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence undertakings, DVSA regulations, OCRS performance standards, MOT requirements, road fund licensing, vehicle taxation and internal governance procedures.
- Maintain maximum fleet availability through effective management of preventative maintenance programmes, scheduled servicing, vehicle off-road (VOR) performance, accident repairs and supplier delivery.
- Develop and manage fleet budgets, capital investment programmes, maintenance contracts and operational expenditure to deliver cost-effective fleet performance.
- Analyse fleet performance data, identifying trends and implementing continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reliability, utilisation and financial efficiency.
- Develop vehicle and MHE specifications that meet operational requirements while supporting safety, compliance, whole-life cost reduction and future business growth.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with operational management teams, Transport Managers, workshop providers, manufacturers and key suppliers.
- Lead fleet compliance audits, regulatory inspections and investigations, ensuring corrective actions are implemented promptly and effectively.
- Oversee fleet asset lifecycle management, including utilisation monitoring, replacement planning, disposal strategies and asset optimisation.
- Drive procurement activities, supplier performance management and contract negotiations to achieve service excellence and commercial value.
- Lead strategic fleet projects, including fleet modernisation, digital fleet technologies and operational transformation initiatives.
- Support and deliver BUKO's sustainability objectives through the evaluation and implementation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), alternative fuel technologies and vehicle charging infrastructure.
- Contribute to wider business planning, operational strategy and continuous improvement programmes that support organisational growth and long-term success.
- Promote a culture of safety, compliance, accountability and operational excellence throughout the fleet function.
About You
We are seeking an enthusiastic, commercially minded and results-driven leader with a passion for fleet management, safety, compliance and continuous improvement.
You will be an experienced fleet professional who can confidently balance operational priorities with regulatory compliance, financial control and long-term strategic planning, whilst leading change across a national operation.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- Significant experience managing a commercial vehicle fleet within a multi-site operation.
- Strong working knowledge of Operator Licence compliance, DVSA legislation, OCRS management and transport regulations.
- Demonstrable experience managing vehicle maintenance programmes, engineering standards and fleet compliance.
- Experience managing repair and maintenance providers, manufacturers and national supplier contracts.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing fleet budgets, capital expenditure and operational costs.
- Proven ability to analyse operational data and implement measurable performance improvements.
- Excellent leadership skills with experience developing and motivating high-performing teams.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence colleagues at all levels of the organisation.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications together with fleet management and telematics systems.
- Holder of a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in National Road Haulage Operations.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable:
- Experience of fleet electrification programmes and alternative fuel technologies.
- Knowledge of sustainability and decarbonisation strategies within commercial transport.
- Experience implementing fleet management systems, telematics platforms or digital transformation projects.
- IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety qualification.
- Knowledge of ISO management systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role will be demonstrated through:
- Excellent fleet compliance with no significant regulatory breaches.
- High fleet availability and reduced vehicle downtime.
- Improved OCRS performance and maintenance compliance.
- Effective control of fleet operating costs and capital expenditure.
- Strong supplier performance and value for money.
- Successful delivery of fleet modernisation and sustainability initiatives.
- A motivated, engaged and high-performing fleet team.
- A fleet operation that supports BUKO's continued growth while delivering outstanding service to internal and external customers.
Pay: Up to £60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company car
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
