Fleet Manager

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE, is currently seeking applications for the position of Fleet Manager. We are happy to consider candidates based within a reasonable commuting distance of either our HQ in Ireland, Thurnscoe or Manchester. Portwest is one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world, employing over 5,300 staff worldwide, with customer service staff in 130+ countries and global warehouses across the UK, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain, UAE, USA and Australia.

We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a Fleet Management role with responsibility for the day-to-day management, governance and continuous improvement of Portwest’s company car fleet, initially across the UK and Europe. The Fleet Manager will oversee the full vehicle lifecycle and ensure effective processes and controls are in place across mileage, leasing, servicing and maintenance, breakdowns, insurance, accidents and claims, vehicle handovers and returns, fines and driver administration. Working closely with the Indirect Procurement Lead, the Fleet Manager will also support the commercial management of Fleet, including spend visibility, supplier performance, cost control, vendor consolidation and the identification of opportunities to improve value and service.

As the Fleet continues to grow, the role will be responsible for developing consistent Fleet processes, reporting and governance across the countries in scope, working closely with internal stakeholders and Fleet suppliers to ensure the Fleet operates efficiently, compliantly and cost-effectively.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take day-to-day ownership of Portwest’s company car fleet across the UK and Europe, ensuring effective Fleet management, governance, cost control and service delivery.
• Maintain accurate Fleet data covering vehicles, drivers, suppliers, lease terms and associated costs, providing clear reporting and management information.
• Manage Fleet suppliers and service providers, monitoring performance and identifying opportunities to improve service, consolidate suppliers and reduce costs, working with the Indirect Procurement Lead where commercial support is required.
• Develop, implement and maintain the Fleet Policy and consistent Fleet processes across the countries in scope.
• Manage fuel card arrangements and work with internal teams to improve business mileage tracking, visibility and controls.
• Own monthly mileage governance for all company vehicle users, including odometer collection, monitoring against contracted lease mileage, early escalation of excess-mileage risk and reporting to support cost control.
• Establish and manage effective arrangements for vehicle servicing, maintenance, breakdown and roadside assistance.
• Manage Fleet insurance and claims activity, including renewals, vehicle and driver updates, insurer/broker relationships and maintaining accurate records.
• Introduce and maintain a formal accident and damage reporting process, including clear reporting routes, timescales, central logging, escalation to Health & Safety/Compliance where required and follow-through with insurers, leasing providers and local managers.
• Coordinate vehicle quotations, orders, lease renewals, replacements, amendments and end-of-lease activity.
• Manage vehicle handover and lease-return processes, ensuring mileage, accessories, condition, fair wear and tear, photographic evidence and recharge documentation are recorded to protect the business and support fair allocation of costs.
• Manage the distribution of parking, speeding and other vehicle-related fines, ensuring appropriate records and stakeholder communication are maintained.
• Build strong relationships with Fleet suppliers, ASMs and internal stakeholders, monitoring supplier performance and establishing clear ownership and accountability for Fleet activities across the business.
• Support the development of electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle processes, including charging reimbursement, public charging arrangements, eligibility criteria and supplier solutions aligned to future sustainability priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and sustainability within Fleet, working with suppliers and stakeholders to identify solutions that improve efficiency, cost, service and environmental performance.

KEY RESPONSBILITIES:

• Previous experience managing a company car Fleet is essential, with a strong understanding of Fleet suppliers, leasing and associated commercial arrangements.
• A recognised Fleet Management qualification is desirable, or a willingness to undertake one as part of the role.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate supplier proposals and make clear recommendations.
• Ability to build robust fleet controls, reporting routines and audit trails across mileage, fuel cards, accident/damage records, vehicle handovers and lease-return documentation.
• Strong organisation and ownership, with the ability to manage multiple priorities through to completion.
• Confident communicator with strong supplier and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel as required, including Thurnscoe, Manchester, Portwest Global HQ in Ireland, Fleet Management training and occasional UK/European travel.

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