Car Fleet Manager

What is the work like?

A car fleet manager is responsible for the efficient running of a company’s fleet of vehicles. They deal with the day-to-day operation of the fleet, which can range in size from a small number of cars to a large group of vehicles of different types.

As a car fleet manager, your key responsibilities would be:

• managing contracts and developing new business
• scheduling service and repair programmes
• finding cost-effective sources of new vehicles
• coordinating the replacement of existing fleets
• organising staff cover.

You would use computer software to collect and analyse information about the fleet, which could include:

• mileage and fuel costs
• service schedules and maintenance histories
• accident reports
• car availability and vehicle locations
• the fleet's taxable value, capital value and depreciation rate.

You would also have to take into account vehicle manufacturers’ guidelines and government legislation covering the running of the business.

In larger companies, you would work with business development professionals, account sales executives and fleet administrators.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

Most employers will look for leadership, organisational and IT skills. You would also normally need some experience of business management to move into car fleet management.

Previous experience in logistics, vehicle leasing or transport administration would put you at an advantage when applying for jobs. You may also be able to work your way up to this position after first gaining experience in fleet administration.

You could also take a college course to gain some of the relevant knowledge and skills. Courses include foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs or degrees in subjects like:

• transport management
• logistics
• business management
• operations management.

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

If you have a degree, some of the larger fleet management companies may offer you a place on their graduate training scheme.

Due to the nature of the work, you would normally need a full driving licence.

What further training and development can I do?

As a car fleet manager you would normally receive on-the-job training, following a structured management training scheme. This would cover the company's management methods, administration systems and policies.

You could also follow the Institute of Car Fleet Management's (ICFM) flexible training programme, which leads to an award in Car Fleet Management. The award is offered at three levels and is tailored to your level of experience. It ranges from new entrant level through to experienced fleet manager, and is broken down as follows:

• Introductory Certificate – covering fleet policy, vehicle supply and asset management
• Certificate – covering business relationships, legal requirements, administration and finance
• Diploma – covering computing systems, financial controls and quality assurance.

You can follow the ICFM programme by a mix of distance-learning, work-based assessments and residential courses. It is industry recognised and endorsed by the Institute of Leadership and Management. See the ICFM website for more details.

Where can I go for more information?

Administration Centre
PO BOX 314
Chichester
PO20 9WZ
Tel: 01462 744914

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice

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