Fleet Program Manager

NAFA Fleet Management Association; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking a Fleet Program Manager to lead the centralized fleet program and drive a data‑driven operating model for the University’s 650 vehicles. You will establish workflows, records, and performance standards while coordinating with Procurement, Finance, Facilities, and campus stakeholders.

The role requires guiding the program from launch through maturation, ensuring compliant, safe, and cost‑effective fleet operations. A cover letter is required for full consideration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in fleet management, transportation, facilities operations, asset management, or related field.
• Experience managing complex operational programs or services with limited structure or precedent.
• Experience using data to support decision making with fleet, asset, or operational systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Leads the development and ongoing management of Princeton University’s centralized fleet program, establishing standards and service expectations.
• Oversees the full vehicle lifecycle, including assignment models, utilization, maintenance coordination, replacement planning, and disposition.
• Maintains authoritative fleet records as the institutional system of record for University owned vehicles.
• Coordinates procurement and fleet specifications in partnership with Procurement, Finance, Facilities, and stakeholders.
• Oversees fleet maintenance and monitors vehicle uptime with Facilities or external vendors.

Skills

Analytical skills

Independent worker

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Fleet management software

Telematics systems

Job description

Job Type Full-Time

Overview

Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) administers the University’s parking and campus transportation programs, oversees the management of the University’s 650 vehicle fleet, and leads the University’s planning for pedestrian and bicycle facilities on campus and in coordination with local agencies in multijurisdictional areas. TPS is responsible for all transportation demand management and mobility programs, including the University’s Revise Your Ride commuter incentive programs and car sharing services, assigning and permitting University parking, providing event support, parking enforcement, and operating the campus shuttle system, TigerTransit.

This role builds directly upon the University’s recently completed Fleet Assessment Project, which evaluated the current state of Princeton’s decentralized fleet operations, identified operational gaps and risks, and outlined recommendations for establishing a coordinated, sustainable, and data driven fleet program. The resulting current state assessment and recommendations report will serve as the foundational roadmap for the centralized fleet function, providing guiding principles, priority actions, and implementation phasing. The Fleet Program Manager will use this work as a practical playbook to translate assessment findings into operational reality, leading the implementation of recommended practices, refining processes over time, and advancing the fleet program from initial launch through continued maturation over the next several years.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Transportation and Parking Services, the Fleet Program Manager functions as the operational lead for the University’s 650 vehicle fleet program and holds primary responsibility for establishing, leading, and managing Princeton University’s centralized fleet program. This is a newly created role within a developing functional area, and the successful candidate will be expected to build the program from the ground up, moving the University from decentralized fleet practices toward a sustainable, standardized, and data driven operating model.

The Fleet Program Manager is accountable for the effective day to day management of the University’s fleet operations while also shaping the foundational structures, workflows, systems, and partnerships needed for the program’s long term success. The role exercises significant independent judgment and serves as the institutional authority for fleet operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant use of University owned vehicles in alignment with institutional policies, operational needs, and campus mobility goals.

This role works closely with campus stakeholders across Facilities, Finance, Risk Management, University Services, Procurement, and academic and administrative departments to coordinate vehicle lifecycle planning and service delivery.

As the program evolves, the Fleet Program Manager serves as the primary operational representative for fleet services, including oversight of third party vendors and, over time, the potential supervision of staff supporting fleet operations. With limited internal backup, this position plays a critical role in ensuring continuity of operations and represents fleet interests across the University during periods of change, growth, or leadership absence.

A cover letter is required for full consideration.

Responsibilities

Fleet Program Leadership and Vehicle Lifecycle Management

• Leads the development and ongoing management of Princeton University’s centralized fleet program, establishing operational standards, workflows, and service expectations.
• Oversees the full vehicle lifecycle, including departmental assignment models, utilization management, maintenance coordination, vehicle replacement planning, and disposition activities.
• Establishes and maintains authoritative fleet records serving as the institutional system of record for all University owned vehicles.
• Leads coordination of standardized vehicle specifications and procurement processes in partnership with Procurement, Finance, Facilities, and other campus stakeholders.
• Coordinates fleet maintenance performed by the Facilities Garage and/or approved external vendors, monitoring performance and vehicle uptime.

Fleet Systems Management, Data Governance, and Performance Analysis

• Leads the implementation, configuration, administration, and continuous improvement of fleet management and telematics systems.
• Establishes data standards, validation processes, and governance practices to ensure accurate, reliable, and actionable fleet information.
• Analyzes utilization, cost, and performance trends to identify operational efficiencies, shared use opportunities, and fleet right sizing strategies.
• Develops and presents routine and ad hoc reports, dashboards, and briefing materials for TPS leadership and University stakeholders to support operational and strategic decision making.

Shared Fleet and Motor Pool Program Development

• Leads the development and expansion of shared fleet and motor pool programs as a core component of the centralized fleet model.
• Evaluates existing dedicated vehicle assignments and identifies opportunities to convert vehicles to shared use where appropriate.
• Oversees daily operations of shared fleet services, including reservation systems, access credentials, scheduling standards, and user onboarding.
• Monitors demand, utilization, and service levels to inform program adjustments and future growth.

Compliance, Vendor Management, and Driver Administration

• Ensures fleet compliance with all registration, inspection, insurance, and risk requirements, whether managed internally or through third party providers.
• Oversees driver eligibility, authorization, training, and documentation processes, ensuring compliance with University and regulatory requirements.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for third party fleet service providers, managing vendor relationships, monitoring performance, and resolving service issues.
• Identifies compliance, operational, or risk concerns and addresses them proactively, escalating issues to TPS leadership as appropriate.

Campus Engagement, Departmental Support, and Special Projects

• Serves as the primary University contact and subject matter authority for departments utilizing fleet vehicles, providing guidance on policies, procedures, and systems.
• Leads communication, training, and change management efforts associated with the rollout and evolution of centralized fleet operations.
• Supports special projects and emerging transportation related initiatives as assigned, particularly during periods of organizational growth or staffing constraints within TPS.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5–8 years of progressively responsible experience in fleet management, transportation, facilities operations, asset management, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex operational programs or services with limited structure or precedent.
• Experience working with fleet, asset, or operational systems and using data to support decision making.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Valid Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading or building a new program, service, or operational function.
• Experience managing vendors and service contracts; supervisory experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with centralized or shared fleet models.
• Public sector, higher education, or large institutional experience.
• Experience with fleet management software and telematics systems.
• A Medical Permit is required to operate select fleet vehicles.

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Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro‑rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Drivers License Required

Yes - Car

Experience Level

Mid-Senior Level

Salary Range

$85,000 to $100,000