If you want to know the duties and responsibilities to expect as a fleet manager, read this job description.
This guide on the job description of a fleet manager contains the duties and responsibilities, essential skills a fleet manager should have, and monetary benefits.
A fleet manager’s duties and responsibilities include keeping records, managing other staff, and resolving issues.
You will also be responsible for negotiating with vendors and suppliers and ensuring company policies are followed.
Performing the above duties and responsibilities and others which I am yet to mention requires a fleet manager to have certain attributes.
Successful candidates should be computer literate; you should also have basic accounting and financial knowledge.
This role requires applicants to have good knowledge of different types of vehicles.
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum academic requirement for becoming a fleet manager.
Let’s go on to see what fleet managers do, and then we will discuss their duties and responsibilities.
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What does a Fleet Manager do?
Another title used instead of a fleet manager is transportation manager.
Fleet or transportation managers are in charge of managing a company’s fleet and supervising their drivers.
You will be responsible for planning and implementing preventive maintenance. Failure to do this can result in a huge catastrophe.
Also, you will be in charge of ensuring and maintaining the safety of all vehicles in the fleet.
In some organizations, transportation managers are responsible for installing car trackers in all vehicles.
Employers look out for candidates who have good negotiation skills.
This is because fleet managers are usually in charge of negotiating vehicle maintenance with maintenance agencies.
And also, a transportation manager has to work within a budget to carry out his or her duties.
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What are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Fleet Manager?
Employers usually put a lot of confidence in their fleet manager. As a result, it is bad to betray such trust.
Also, a fleet manager must understand his or her duties and responsibilities well.
If you understand them, you will always know what your employer expects of you and perform efficiently.
Here are the duties and responsibilities usually featured in a fleet manager job description.
1. Purchase Vehicles
A fleet manager must purchase vehicles.
Your employer will rely on you to purchase vehicles that will be more comfortable for clients and carry more passengers at a time.
You must select a brand that consumes less fuel and can help transport people faster and safer to their destination.
Also, you will be responsible for deciding whether to buy or rent vehicles.
2. Scheduled and Implemented Maintenance
Keeping track of maintenance schedules is not an easy task, and that is what your employer will trust you to do.
As I already said, failure to conduct scheduled maintenance could result in a huge catastrophe, such as road accidents or vehicle damage.
As a fleet manager, you ensure that all vehicles in your care are always in good working condition.
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3. Keeping Records
A fleet manager must keep relevant records, such as driver’s licenses and taxes.
Failure to have the necessary documents and records could result in huge fines.
4. Supervising Drivers
A fleet manager is also saddled with the responsibility of supervising drivers.
Bad driving by the company’s drivers could result in an accident and loss of lives.
Most fleet managers oversee the installation of car tracking devices on all vehicles.
They do this to minimize car theft cases and monitor drivers’ behavior on the road.
Whenever a driver misbehaves, it is the fleet manager’s responsibility to reprimand such a driver.
5. Working within a Budget
Fleet managers are also responsible for minimizing costs.
You will be responsible for seeing that the company spends less on fuel and buying or renting vehicles.
Other duties and responsibilities of a fleet manager usually featured in their job description include the following:
- Negotiating the cost of maintenance
- Making sure that all drivers have a driving license and necessary permits.
- Working with the human resources department to ensure that qualified drivers are hired.
- Ensuring that all drivers are aware of company policies and adhere to them.
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What Qualifications do I need to become a Fleet Manager?
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, transport management, logistics, business manager, or any related field is required to become a fleet or transportation manager.
Entry in transportation requires a high school diploma or an associate degree.
Some years of experience and educational advancement, such as obtaining a bachelor’s degree, make you eligible for promotion to a fleet manager role.
Although, some employers prefer employing those with a master’s degree as fleet managers.
Usually, a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management is preferable.
Also, becoming a transportation manager requires up to five years of experience in transportation.
Typically, employers prefer candidates with up to three years of experience In a supervisory transportation position.
A fleet manager doesn’t need certification, although some employers may require certification from the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Fleet Management Association.
What Skills should a Fleet Manager have?
Aside from the qualifications stated above, there are certain skills that are essential for fleet managers.
Usually, these skills are also featured in the job description of a fleet manager.
Possessing some, if not all, of these attributes, helps a transportation manager perform his or her responsibilities better.
Here are some of the essential skills a good fleet manager should have.
1. Communication Skills
Good communication skills help a fleet manager perform most of his duties.
Such duties include negotiating with vendors and maintenance agencies, reprimanding drivers, and reporting to your boss.
Therefore a good fleet manager should be a prolific speaker, writer, and listener.
2. Negotiations Skills
This skill is essential for cost management and adhering to budgets.
A successful fleet manager knows how to negotiate good prices with vendors.
This skill helps them purchase vehicles, fuel, and maintenance at a very cost-effective price.
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3. Interpersonal Skills
A good fleet manager should also develop a good working relationship with suppliers, vendors, and drivers.
Good communication skills usually rub off on interpersonal skills.
4. Leadership Skills
Supervising and dealing with drivers requires supervision and leadership skills.
Therefore a good fleet manager should possess all relevant leadership attributes.
5. Technical know-how
Aside from having good knowledge of different types of vehicles and car tracking devices.
Employers look out for candidates familiar with fleet management software and programs.
Also, candidates who have basic accounting and financial knowledge are preferred.
Where does a Fleet Manager work?
Here are some of the typical employers of fleet managers.
- Transportation companies
- Logistics companies
- Distribution agents
- Manufacturing companies
Vacancies for fleet managers may be advertised online on social media or the website of companies and recruitment agencies.
Also, vacancies may be advertised offline in local and national newspaper publications.
You could also create a good portfolio on platforms like LinkedIn for employers to find you.
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How much do Fleet Managers make?
Some of the factors that influence the salary of a fleet manager include the following:
- employers
- Geographical location
- Experience
- Qualification
More experienced and qualified candidates are more likely to be paid better.
Also, fleet managers who work for larger companies may be paid better.
A country or state’s economic situation also influences a fleet manager’s salary.
According to the balance careers, fleet managers in the United States make up to $94,730 per year.
Their salaries range from $56,050 per year to $158,370 per year.
It is important to note that the figures above are peculiar to fleet managers in the United States.
Fleet Manager Work Environment and Schedule.
Fleet managers spend most of their time working in offices; they may also have to work outside.
Also, they are exposed to high levels of vehicle noise and fumes.
Typically, fleet managers work at regular working hours and times.
Usually, they work from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm; the exact time may vary from company to company.
When there is a need, they may have to work overtime and on the evenings.
The Fleet Manager Job Outlook
Employment opportunities for transportation management roles are estimated to experience a five to nine percent increase from 2016 through 2026, according to O*NET OnLine.
What should I include in my Fleet Manager Resume?
Your professional fleet manager resume should contain the following information:
- Years of experience in transportation
- Establishments where you worked previously
- Number of years you worked for the different establishments
- Hard skills
- Qualifications
- Soft skills
While responding to questions in the course of your interview, it is important to make references to the above information.
Do not hesitate to use this fleet manager job description to create a professional resume.
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Conclusion: Fleet Manager Job Description Guide
This job description can also serve as a template for employers to create job descriptions.
Other job descriptions:
References
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