Fleet Operations Manager

Suncoast Communities Blood Bank; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

SunCoast Blood Centers in Bradenton, FL, is seeking a seasoned Fleet Operations leader to oversee all fleet programs and mobile units, ensuring safety, reliability, and readiness to support operations.

You will set maintenance, asset management, and vendor strategies, develop KPIs, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with FMCSA, OSHA, and FDA requirements. This is a full-time on-site role based in Bradenton.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years in fleet operations, maintenance, transportation, or related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience developing preventive maintenance programs and vehicle lifecycle strategies.
• Experience managing operational and capital budgets.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Fleet Operations Department.
• Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Fleet Operations program.
• Develop departmental goals, policies, SOPs, and performance standards.
• Establish KPIs to measure fleet performance, safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Develop long-term fleet strategies to support growth and continuity.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fleet operations knowledge

Budgeting

Vendor management

Safety leadership

Data analysis

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Education

Associate degree in Automotive Technology or related

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related

Tools

Fleet management software

GPS telematics

Maintenance tracking systems

Regulatory reporting tools

Job description

Job Location: Lakewood Ranch - Bradenton, FL 34211

Position Type: Full Time

Job Category: Skilled Labor - Trades

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Fleet Operations Department.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of SunCoast Blood Centers' Fleet Operations program.
• Develop departmental goals, policies, standard operating procedures, and performance standards that support organizational objectives.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure fleet performance, safety, compliance, operational efficiency, and financial stewardship.
• Develop long-term fleet strategies that support organizational growth, operational readiness, and business continuity.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Fleet Operations

• Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive fleet operations program supporting blood collections, laboratory operations, product distribution, and organizational services.
• Develop and oversee maintenance, repair, inspection, cleanliness, and operational readiness programs for all organizational vehicles and mobile units.
• Develop and administer a comprehensive preventive maintenance program designed to maximize fleet reliability and minimize downtime.
• Develop vehicle lifecycle management strategies, replacement schedules, and long-term capital recommendations.
• Monitor fleet utilization and operational performance to ensure vehicles are safe, reliable, and available to support organizational needs.
• Ensure fleet readiness to support emergency operations, disaster response, and business continuity.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

• Develop, implement, and maintain fleet policies, procedures, and compliance programs that ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, healthcare, transportation, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain compliance with FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, DOT, AABB, FDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Administer driver qualification programs, including motor vehicle record (MVR) monitoring, Commercial Driver License (CDL) tracking, licensing, certifications, and driver eligibility.
• Oversee employee pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspection programs and ensure reported deficiencies are documented and corrected promptly.
• Coordinate vehicle accident investigations, insurance reporting, and documentation while partnering with Human Resources and Risk Management.
• Coordinate fleet-related workers' compensation reporting and investigations in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Conduct fleet safety audits, identify operational risks, and implement corrective actions to improve safety and reduce organizational liability.

Fleet Technology and Asset Management

• Evaluate, implement, and administer fleet management software, GPS telematics, maintenance tracking systems, inspection applications, and operational reporting platforms.
• Monitor fleet utilization, maintenance history, fuel usage, cost-per-mile performance, and operational trends.
• Assist in evaluating future facility, shop, equipment, and fleet infrastructure needs to support organizational growth.
• Develop executive dashboards and reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that improve operational efficiency, compliance, reliability, and reporting.
• Develop and maintain fleet records, performance metrics, asset inventories, and regulatory documentation to support operational planning, compliance, and organizational reporting.

Vendor, Financial, and Asset Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with vendors, manufacturers, dealerships, contractors, and service providers.
• Negotiate contracts for fleet maintenance, fuel programs, parts, equipment, and vehicle acquisitions.
• Develop and manage departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Evaluate vendors and recommend fleet equipment, maintenance solutions, and technology that support organizational growth and operational effectiveness.
• Prepare long-range fleet replacement strategies, capital plans, and financial forecasts.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of fleet assets and organizational resources while identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Partner with operational leaders and Human Resources to support the selection, onboarding, qualification, and ongoing compliance of employees authorized to operate organizational vehicles.
• Develop and deliver driver safety, fleet operations, defensive driving, accident prevention, and vehicle operation training programs.
• Conduct post-accident reviews, identify coaching opportunities, and recommend corrective actions that improve driver safety and reduce organizational risk.
• Maintain fleet training records and ensure employees complete required certifications, inspections, and compliance requirements.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous professional development.

Additional Responsibilities

• Partner with operational departments, Human Resources, Risk Management, Finance, Facilities, and Executive Leadership to support safe, efficient, and compliant fleet operations across the organization.
• Monitor fleet performance, identify operational issues, and recommend improvements that enhance safety, reliability, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Develop and maintain fleet-related policies, forms, documentation, and operational standards that support organizational consistency and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in organizational meetings and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational success.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Demonstrates strategic leadership and sound operational judgment.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ensuring safe, reliable fleet operations that directly support SunCoast Blood Centers' mission.
• Promotes a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Builds collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Uses data and measurable outcomes to improve operational performance and decision-making.
• Leads with integrity, professionalism, and fiscal responsibility.
• Develops high-performing teams through coaching, collaboration, and employee development.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb, and work around fleet vehicles and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to operate organizational vehicles, maintenance equipment, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to inspect vehicles and work in various indoor and outdoor environments.

Environmental Requirements

• Combination of office, maintenance shop, warehouse, and outdoor work environments.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, vehicle maintenance equipment, fuels, oils, cleaning agents, and mechanical noise.
• Occasional evening, weekend, or emergency response responsibilities as operational needs require.
• Local travel throughout SunCoast Blood Centers' service area.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND WORKPLACE COMMITMENT

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) StatementSunCoast Blood Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and prohibit discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)SunCoast Blood Centers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.Individuals requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources to initiate the interactive process.

At-Will Employment DisclaimerEmployment with SunCoast Blood Centers is on an at-will basis, which means either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications and may be revised at any time to reflect organizational needs.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Associate degree in Automotive Technology, Fleet Management, Business Administration, Transportation, Logistics, or a related field required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Fleet Management, Transportation, Logistics, Automotive Management, or a related field preferred.

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM)
• ASE Master Technician Certification
• OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
• Commercial Driver License (CDL)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
• Additional ASE certifications related to commercial or medium-duty vehicles preferred.
• Equivalent education, certifications, and directly related experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in fleet operations, fleet maintenance, transportation, or commercial vehicle management.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience developing preventive maintenance programs and vehicle lifecycle strategies.
• Experience managing operational and capital budgets.
• Experience with fleet management software, GPS telematics, maintenance management systems, and operational reporting.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, procurement, and fleet-related purchasing.
• Experience within healthcare, logistics, transportation, emergency services, or another regulated environment preferred.
• Experience developing, implementing, or significantly expanding a fleet operations, transportation, maintenance, or logistics program strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of commercial fleet operations, preventive maintenance, and vehicle lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of FMCSA, OSHA, EPA, DOT, AABB, FDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of fleet budgeting, procurement, asset management, insurance reporting, and fleet risk management.
• Knowledge of MVR monitoring, CDL compliance, driver qualification standards, and fleet safety practices.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management abilities.
• Ability to analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement process improvements.
• Ability to develop policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, fleet management software, maintenance tracking systems, and reporting platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining operational continuity.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.