The Fleet Manager
Do you need a fleet manager? If you have more than 50 units, the answer is YES.
Trying to have another member of your team take these responsibilities as a secondary task will have many hidden risks and costs.
The title "Fleet Manager" can be as diverse of a position as "Accountant". From a specialization standpoint, there are five schools, or types, that can best describe professionals in this craft.
- "The Shop Person" This is a candidate that has come up turning wrenches. They understand the nuts and bolts of the truck, but typically struggle when it comes to analytics, policy, and compliance.
- "The Buyer " This is a candidate that has a purchasing/procurement background. They understand how to leverage vendors and buy. They typically struggle when it comes to technical specifications and interpreting data. They are good at managing a current process, but don't usually innovate.
- "The Analyst" This candidate is great on gathering and re stating data. Typically lacks technical/spec expertise, and has difficulty interfacing with operational staff. Ends up usually being a score keeper.
- "The Risk Manager" This candidate usually exists when your corporate reporting structure has your fleet manager answering to your legal or risk department. They tend not to innovate, and in most cases, have a primary focus on protecting the company from litigation (Important consideration, but has be be blended with other strengths)
- "The Administrator" This candidate is great on getting daily tasks done. They interface with the operations team well as a support professional. They typically have difficultly with analytics and driving change in the organization.
