Associate Director Fleet Services

Niagara Region; Thorold; Hybrid; CAD 133,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional government entity in the Niagara Region is looking for an Associate Director, Fleet Services. This role involves providing strategic leadership for corporate fleet operations, ensuring compliance, and promoting sustainability initiatives such as fleet electrification. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in municipal fleet operations, strong leadership skills, and a relevant degree. The position supports a hybrid work model and emphasizes long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal fleet operations.
• 5 years in a leadership capacity is required.
• Advanced proficiency with computerised maintenance management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term strategies for fleet operations.
• Ensure corporate compliance with legislative requirements.
• Oversee fleet maintenance and repair operations.

Skills

Municipal fleet operations

Strategic planning

Leadership

Budget development

Fleet management practices

Data analytics

Education

Post-secondary degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Computerized maintenance management systems

Office Suite

Job description

Salary Range

$133,450.00 - $157,000.00

This position currently falls within our hybrid model, allowing the employee to typically work a minimum of 50% of your time at your regular work location and the other 50% of time at home.

About the Region

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high‑quality programs and services to support and advance the well‑being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries.

Job Summary

The Associate Director, Fleet Services provides strategic leadership and direction for the Region’s corporate fleet, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost‑effective vehicle and equipment operations. This role establishes policies, strategies and programs related to vehicle and equipment acquisition, maintenance, fueling, lifecycle management and compliance. The position ensures adherence to legislative and regulatory requirements, promotes operational excellence and drives strategic initiatives, including fleet electrification, zero‑emission vehicle adoption and sustainable fleet practices. The Associate Director ensures long‑term financial sustainability and performance accountability for fleet assets that support essential public‑facing services.

Education

• Post‑secondary degree in Mechanical Engineering, Asset Management, Business or Public Administration or a related discipline is required.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience and qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge & Experience

• 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal fleet operations or related public works environments, including at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience in strategic and operational planning, capital program development, procurement and contract administration.
• Knowledge of fleet management practices, vehicle and equipment lifecycle planning and compliance with CVOR, Highway Traffic Act, OHSA, AODA and other relevant legislation.
• Strong financial acumen, including multi‑year capital and operating budget development and administration.
• Demonstrated record of strong people leadership, staff delegation, empowerment and development.
• Advanced proficiency with computerised maintenance management systems (e.g., AssetWorks, Cityworks), Office Suite.
• Professional credentials such as Certified Public Fleet Professional (CPFP), Maintenance Management Professional (MMP), Certified Asset Management Professional (CAMP) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) are preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide development and delivery of corporate fleet programmes, policies and services to ensure safe, sustainable and cost‑effective operations. (20% of time)

• Develop long‑term strategies, policies and standards governing fleet operations, maintenance and compliance in alignment with corporate and Council priorities.
• Champion and lead strategic initiatives related to fleet sustainability, including fleet electrification and zero‑emission vehicle adoption.
• Direct the integration of emerging technologies, data analytics and innovation into fleet operations to enhance service delivery and operational performance.
• Ensure corporate compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements, serving as the Corporate Officer responsible for CVOR compliance.
• Provide strategic oversight of corporate driver and operator training programmes to maintain safety, competency and regulatory adherence.
• Evaluate corporate fleet policies, performance indicators and service models to identify risks, gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of fleet operations to ensure optimal service levels, cost control and reliability across all divisions. (30% of time)

• Provide oversight and direction for fleet maintenance, repair, fueling and equipment management operations.
• Oversee fleet inventory and storeroom operations, ensuring effective controls, audit compliance and alignment with corporate procurement standards.
• Integrate fleet management systems (CMMS, AVL/GPS, fuel management) to support data‑driven decision‑making, transparency and operational efficiency.
• Set corporate service standards and performance metrics, monitor outcomes through reporting, audits and benchmarking, and direct corrective actions.
• Direct long‑term planning and resourcing for fleet facilities, including maintenance shops, storage and fueling infrastructure.
• Establish and lead corporate fleet specifications and procurement policies, monitoring adherence for consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Review and approve tenders, quotations and proposals for fleet acquisitions and services, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and strategic priorities.

Provide leadership in strategic planning, risk management and continuous improvement to strengthen long‑term fleet performance and sustainability. (20% of time)

• Oversee development and execution of multi‑year fleet asset management and capital replacement strategies supported by sustainable funding models.
• Align fleet strategies with broader departmental and corporate objectives, ensuring coordinated planning and resource optimisation.
• Assess operational and strategic risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity and resilience.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of individual fleet capital projects, ensuring scope, timelines, budgets and quality standards meet corporate expectations.
• Direct evaluation and integration of emerging technologies and data‑driven solutions to enhance service delivery and innovation.

Develop, manage and administer annual and multi‑year capital and operating budgets for the operating unit, ensuring support of Council’s objectives and financial accountability. (15% of time)

• Provide corporate oversight of long‑range fleet capital planning, ensuring consistency in project prioritisation, budgeting and forecasting.
• Provide strategic input to corporate budgeting and planning processes to align fleet capital programmes with divisional, departmental and corporate infrastructure priorities.
• Utilise asset management planning and fleet data analytics as strategic tools to guide capital investment decisions and optimise lifecycle costs.

Manage people resource planning for the division or operating unit, determining organisational structure, role mix and ongoing work quality. (15% of time)

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Enable results with a human capital strategy that fosters employee engagement.

How to Apply

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges today.

We thank all candidates for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This is an existing vacancy and we do not use AI in screening applicants.

To view the full job description and requirements, visit our Careers page – Job Opening #43749.

Submit your online application no later than February 5, 2026 before midnight by visiting the Careers page at www.niagararegion.ca.