Chief Fleet Officer, Operations Manager II

City of Baltimore; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 110,402 - 146,209; Full time

Job summary

The City of Baltimore is seeking a Chief Fleet Officer to lead its Fleet Management Division, overseeing 5,600 vehicles and a $75 million annual budget. This role requires strategic leadership across eight facilities and a team of ~250 employees.

You will drive safety, sustainability, and cost efficiency, including advancing zero-emission and modern fleet initiatives while aligning operations with city goals and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or related field.
• Ten years of progressively increasing responsibilities with at least four years supervising.
• Eight years of senior management experience in fleet management or comparable large-scale operations.
• MD Class C noncommercial driver's license and Baltimore City driver’s permit required.
• Residency requirement and background check must be satisfied.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for Fleet Management Division and set performance standards.
• Direct three Deputy Chiefs responsible for Operations, Administration, and Support Services.
• Oversee a $75 million annual budget, including $11 million for fuel operations and $35 million for leasing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local regulations and safety standards.
• Lead sustainability and zero-emission fleet initiatives and data-driven performance programs.
• Coordinate with City leadership, customer agencies, and external stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder communication

Data-driven decision making

Team leadership

Public sector operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or related field

Master's degree in Business Management, Public Administration, or related field

Job description

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

CITY OF BALTIMORE, DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES

CHIEF FLEET OFFICER - Operations Manager II

ANNUALLY

Starting Pay Range: $110,402.00 - $146,209.00, ANNUALLY

GET TO KNOW US

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD & D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Job Summary

About the Fleet Management Division: The Fleet Management Division supports the City’s public safety, public works, and community services by maintaining, fueling, and replacing essential vehicles and equipment. The Division operates from the George L. Winfield Fleet Maintenance Facility and multiple substations citywide. In recent years, Baltimore’s Fleet Management has been nationally recognized — ranked #6 among leading fleets by Government Fleet and the American Public Works Association, and #29 in NAFA’s 100 Best Fleets.

Nature of Work

The Chief of Fleet Management provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for Baltimore City’s comprehensive fleet operations, which manage more than 5,600 vehicles and pieces of equipment serving 29 City agencies and entities. The position ensures that all aspects of fleet management—including maintenance, fueling, procurement, administration, and facilities—operate safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the City’s goals for sustainability, fiscal stewardship, and operational excellence. The Chief oversees approximately 250 employees across eight facilities and manages an annual budget exceeding $75 million, including $11 million in annual fuel operations. This position requires strong organizational leadership, strategic planning, and data-driven management to maintain high levels of service reliability, fiscal accountability, and continuous improvement across all fleet functions.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

• Leads the overall strategic direction, planning, and performance management of the Fleet Management Division.
• Directs and integrates the work of three Deputy Chiefs responsible for Operations, Administration, and Support Services to ensure coordinated, high-performing, and responsive operations.
• Establishes policies, performance metrics, and operational standards that promote efficiency, safety, and superior service delivery.
• Represents the Division in coordination with City leadership, customer agencies, and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with citywide goals.
• Oversees emergency response readiness for all fleet operations and serves on 24‑hour call to support critical service needs.

Operational Excellence and Compliance

• Oversees daily operations related to maintenance, repair, fueling, and facilities management across multiple fleet sites.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental, safety, and labor standards.
• Manages the City’s fuel operations—procurement, storage, and dispensation of approximately three million gallons annually, totaling about $11 million per year, across aboveground and underground tank systems.
• Ensures fuel quality, safety, and system integrity in coordination with environmental and risk management teams.
• Promotes innovation in maintenance practices, zero‑emission vehicle technology, and digital fleet management systems while maintaining fleet readiness to support agency service delivery.

Financial and Administrative Management

• Directs the development and oversight of the Division’s $75 million annual budget, including $11 million for fuel operations and $35 million in vehicle leasing and procurement.
• Aligns financial planning with strategic priorities and operational needs, ensuring robust financial controls and performance reporting.
• Oversees the City’s Master Lease program to optimize fleet utilization and lifecycle replacement.
• Manages all contracts, service‑level agreements, and vendor relationships to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
• Collaborates with City leadership to identify and secure grants and partnerships that support innovation and sustainability initiatives.

Sustainability, Innovation, and Data-Driven Performance

• Leads the City’s transition to a sustainable, zero‑emission fleet through development and execution of the Electric Vehicle (EV) implementation plan and related infrastructure.
• Oversees the FleetStat program to ensure data transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.
• Promotes continuous improvement through adoption of emerging technologies, process optimization, and workforce development.
• Analyzes operational metrics to identify opportunities to enhance vehicle uptime, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and advance the City’s environmental goals.

Workforce Leadership and Development

• Provides executive oversight of approximately 250 employees through three Deputy Chiefs and their management teams.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
• Ensures workforce development programs align with operational and technological needs, including oversight of the Fleet Academy and technical skill advancement programs.
• Promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and workplace safety across all fleet operations to maintain a professional and motivated workforce.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Required: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Management, or related field from an accredited college or university, along with ten years of progressively increasing responsibilities, including four years of supervisory experience is required.

Preferred: Bachelor’s degree (minimum) or Master’s degree (preferred) in Business Management, Logistics, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience

A minimum of eight (8) years of senior management experience in fleet management or comparable large-scale operations, including at least four (4) years managing diverse functions through subordinate supervisors.

Progressive experience managing multiple asset types and operational programs within a complex organization. Proven track record of leadership within a federal, state, or local government, or a public university system preferred. Experience managing multimillion‑dollar budgets, contract negotiations, and large technical workforces.

Equivalency Notes

Have an equivalent combination of education and experience. Non-supervisory experience or education may not be substituted for the required supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and hands‑on leader with deep operational and policy-driven experience in fleet management. This individual will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, fostering a culture of employee engagement, accountability, recognition, and excellence.

Must possess the ability to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization—from frontline employees to executive leadership and elected officials—demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and genuine interpersonal skill.

The ideal candidate will be resourceful, analytical, and calm under pressure, able to troubleshoot complex issues and make sound decisions in dynamic, high‑demand environments. They will bring extensive experience in project and asset management, effectively balancing short‑, mid‑ and long‑term priorities to deliver results.

Strong negotiation skills, an aptitude for influencing stakeholders, and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation are essential.

Candidates should have a thorough knowledge of fleet management principles, public sector operations, and applicable regulations, as well as an understanding of the City’s goals around sustainability and modernization.

A solid background in Electric Vehicle (EV) technology and charging infrastructure, and experience transitioning to an electric fleet, are highly desirable.

Candidates who began their careers as technicians or in technical fleet roles are encouraged to apply, as this practical experience provides valuable perspective and operational insight.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates

Have a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and be eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit.

PROVISIONAL DRIVER’S LICENSES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

NOTE: YOU MUST UPLOAD A COPY OF YOUR VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE WITH THE APPLICATION AT THE TIME OF APPLYING.

Financial Disclosure and Residency Requirement

This position is required to complete an Affidavit for Political Appointees and Public Officials as part of the City’s Residency Requirement. You will also be required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7‑7, 7‑8, and 7‑9 of the City Ethics Law.

Additional Information

Background Check Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening and must be successfully completed.

Probation All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6‑MONTH mandatory probation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER