A fleet manager is responsible for the vehicles that are owned by large companies, government agencies, or any other major organisation. This role could be responsible for a range of fleet sizes – from tens to thousands of vehicles. Fleet managers are involved in selecting vehicles, scheduling the required maintenance, keeping records, and managing drivers.
The fleet manager of a company will be expected to report directly to certain directors of an organisation, such as the transportation director. They look after the fleet administration standards and policies regarding vehicle operation within the organisation.
If you are organised, have an interest in logistics, and are skilled using new software, a career as a fleet manager could be for you.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Skills
Salary
Career prospects
What does a fleet manager do?
Day-to-day responsibilities might include:
- Preparing budgets and reports concerning the operation costs of the fleet.
- Purchasing or leasing the appropriate vehicles and necessary equipment.
- Controlling the maintenance and repair of vehicles in the fleet.
- Organising replacements and disposal of damaged or old vehicles.
- Arranging appropriate insurance for vehicles and employees.
- Scheduling the operations of the fleet.
- Keeping employees informed about their fleet programmes and progress.
- Ensuring that vehicles are kept securely when not being used.
- Managing contracts with clients.
- Analysing fleet data using computer software.
What qualifications do you need to become a fleet manager?
There are a variety of ways you could prepare for a career as a fleet manager. While there are no set qualifications, work experience in areas such as transport administration or logistics is valuable. For senior positions in fleet management, supervisory or managerial experience is often necessary.
There is potential to work your way into fleet management roles if you start in fleet administration. A degree might help your career prospects. Employers will tend to hire those who have degrees in certain disciplines including marketing, business or technical subjects.
You could take a course at college level to increase your employability. The Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) offer courses at a range of levels.
What skills do you need to become a fleet manager?
Communication skills: As a manager, you will need the ability to communicate important information to your drivers and other workers, such as schedules and maintenance information.
Written communication skills: These are vital for reporting on progress to superiors and for preparing documents such as budgets.
Interpersonal skills: Important for determining the needs of the employees you manage.
Computer literacy: You will need to be able to use database and management software.
Analysis skills: You will need to be able to interpret and analyse fleet data and make decisions based on this.
Negotiating skills: Especially important when handling large vehicle purchases.
How much does a fleet manager earn?
Starting salary: £19,000 – £20,000
Experienced: £21,000 – £44,000
Senior: £45,000 – £50,000
Figures are meant as a guide and come from the National Careers Service.
We also published data in our latest annual report regarding average salaries. In 2019, the average salary for Fleet Manager roles was £43,088.24.
Take a look at the map below to find out what the average fleet manager salary is in your area. The figures come from 2019 InAutomotive data.
What are your career prospects as a fleet manager?
You could progress to a more senior management position within the company, such as operations manager. Experience as a fleet manager would also be useful if you wanted to move into other areas of the transport industry. For example, you could become a freight manager.
