Car fleet managers are responsible for the efficient running of an organisation’s fleet of company vehicles. They deal with the day-to-day operation of a fleet , which can range in size from a small number of cars to a large group of vehicles, including vans and motorbikes. A key responsibility of a car fleet manager is to work out the most cost-effective way to find and pay for new vehicles.

Other key tasks include:

• managing contracts and developing new business
• collecting management information to develop the business
• tracking costs  
• scheduling service and repair programmes
• coordinating vehicle replacements
• organising staff cover.

Car fleet managers use computer programs and databases specifically designed to collect and monitor data. The information they collect help them to manage the fleet effectively. 

Information they collect includes: 

• 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.

Car fleet managers also take into account vehicle manufacturers’ guidelines and government legislation in their running of the fleet.

In larger companies, car fleet managers will work with business development professionals, account sales executives and fleet administrators.

Hours and Environment

Fleet managers work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. It might be necessary to work occasional late nights during busy periods.

Managers work in an office but do have opportunities to visit garages, vehicle auctions and manufacturers’ new vehicle launches.

Skills and Interests

To be a fleet manager, you should:

• have strong organisational skills
• be computer literate
• be able to interpret figures  
• have good budgetary skills for contract management
• be flexible and able to make decisions quickly
• have excellent communication and negotiation skills
• have good motivational and leadership qualities.

Entry

You will normally need some experience of business management to move into this role. Most companies will also look for leadership, organisational and IT skills.

Previous experience in fleet management, logistics, vehicle leasing or transport administration will put you at an advantage when applying for a job. You may also be able to enter this role from a fleet administration position. 

You can gain knowledge and skills relevant to this career by taking a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree course in the following subject:

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

To find out more about foundation degrees visit  Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see the  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Some larger fleet management companies offer graduate training schemes. These are usually open to holders of any degree subject, although  may give you an advantage.

Due to the nature of the work, a full driving licence is usually essential.

Training

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

You can 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.

There are three ICFM qualification levels:

• 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.

The ICFM programme is delivered 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. For further details see  ICFM (contact details in Further Information below).

Opportunities

You will find car fleet management opportunities in most medium to large organisations that have their own fleet divisions. You will also find vacancies at vehicle leasing companies, vehicle manufacturers and fleet management agencies, which are becoming more common in the industry.

Promotion often means moving to a company with a larger fleet operation. Other positions you could progress to include:

• senior business development executive
• specialist contracts management
• local, regional and national operations manager. 

As a car fleet manager you may also be able to move into related fields, such as transport or freight management.

With experience, there may be opportunities to become self-employed, for example offering fleet management services on a consultancy basis.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Salaries for car fleet administrators and junior managers are around £18,000 to £21,000.
Car fleet managers can earn between £26,000 and £35,000 a year. 
Senior managers with strategic responsibilities can earn over £45,000 a year.

Further information