Fleet Manager

Irlam associates Group; Darlaston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Irlam Associates Group is seeking an experienced HGV Fleet Manager to own a diverse fleet of 100+ commercial vehicles. The role covers compliance, maintenance, procurement and disposal, with a strong link to an outsourced VMU for servicing and costs control.

The candidate will manage LOLER and DVSA requirements, drive cost efficiency, and lead a small fleet team while staying hands-on in operations. In-person work Location: United Kingdom.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a sizeable HGV and trailer fleet (75–100+ vehicles).
• Strong knowledge of HGV maintenance, PMI scheduling, MOT prep and roadworthiness.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of a mixed fleet of 100+ HGVs, trailers and specialist crane vehicles.
• Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence, DVSA, roadworthiness and LOLER requirements.
• Manage preventive maintenance inspections, servicing schedules, MOT preparation, defect rectification and vehicle availability.
• Oversee the performance of the outsourced VMU and maintenance provider.
• Challenge maintenance costs, invoice accuracy, repair quality, downtime and turnaround times.
• Manage LOLER inspections, lifting equipment compliance and crane maintenance.
• Lead vehicle procurement, specification, replacement planning and fleet disposal.
• Negotiate with manufacturers, dealerships, suppliers and maintenance partners.
• Monitor fleet KPIs covering compliance, downtime, utilisation and whole-life costs.
• Drive continuous improvement across fleet systems, processes and supplier performance.
• Lead and develop a small fleet team while remaining operationally hands-on.
• Provide accurate fleet reporting and recommendations to senior management.

Skills

Fleet management

Supplier management

Negotiation

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Transport Manager CPC

Tools

Outsourced VMU management

Job description

The Opportunity

We're recruiting an experienced HGV Fleet Manager to take full ownership of a diverse fleet of more than 100 commercial vehicles, including Class 1 tractor units, trailers, drawbar vehicles and specialist crane-equipped vehicles.

This is a senior, hands-on fleet role covering the complete asset lifecycle—from compliance, maintenance and vehicle availability through to procurement, replacement and disposal.

Servicing and maintenance are delivered by a large outsourced Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) located directly opposite the operation. You will act as the key link between the business and its maintenance provider, holding them accountable for service quality, turnaround times, costs and compliance performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of a mixed fleet of 100+ HGVs, trailers and specialist crane vehicles
• Ensure full compliance with Operator Licence, DVSA, roadworthiness and LOLER requirements
• Manage preventive maintenance inspections, servicing schedules, MOT preparation, defect rectification and vehicle availability
• Oversee the performance of the outsourced VMU and maintenance provider
• Challenge maintenance costs, invoice accuracy, repair quality, downtime and turnaround times
• Manage LOLER inspections, lifting equipment compliance and crane maintenance
• Lead vehicle procurement, specification, replacement planning and fleet disposal
• Negotiate with manufacturers, dealerships, suppliers and maintenance partners
• Monitor fleet KPIs covering compliance, downtime, utilisation, reliability and whole-life cost
• Drive continuous improvement across fleet systems, processes and supplier performance
• Lead and develop a small fleet team while remaining operationally hands-on
• Provide accurate fleet reporting and recommendations to senior management

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience managing a sizeable HGV and trailer fleet, ideally 75-100+ vehicles
• Strong knowledge of HGV maintenance, PMI scheduling, MOT preparation, defects and vehicle roadworthiness
• In-depth understanding of O-licence compliance and DVSA standards
• Essential experience with LOLER-regulated equipment, vehicle-mounted cranes or specialist lifting vehicles
• Experience managing an outsourced maintenance provider, VMU or third-party workshop
• Commercial understanding of maintenance costs, supplier contracts and invoice control
• Experience purchasing, specifying, replacing and disposing of commercial vehicles
• Confident managing vehicle availability, downtime, asset utilisation and whole-life costs
• Strong supplier management, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills
• A proactive leadership style with the confidence to challenge poor performance and introduce change
• Transport Manager CPC or a comparable level of fleet compliance expertise would be advantageous

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Fleet Manager, Fleet Engineering Manager, HGV Maintenance Manager or Transport Engineering Manager to take genuine ownership of a large and technically varied commercial vehicle fleet.

You’ll have the autonomy to improve compliance, challenge supplier performance, reduce downtime and shape the future fleet strategy within a fast-paced and evolving business.

Work Location: In person