Fleet Operations Manager

Position Information

Primary Role

The Manager, Fleet Operations oversees the day-to-day operations of the fleet administration team and is accountable for the effective management of fleet vehicles and on-road equipment. This role leads the team responsible for overseeing fleet inventory data accuracy, validation of vehicle replacement plans, exception report corrective actions, processing fleet related invoices and reconciling credits, and acting as the internal point of contact for fleet related matters in support of business operations and end users. This role will also act as a mentor for members of their team and promote professional development of staff.

Key Accountabilities

• Driving goals and vision set forth by the Fleet and American Water leadership team, and alignment of fleet operations functions with key business needs.
• Act as the key point of escalation for all fleet related matters in support of business operations and takes action to correct any issues escalated to their attention.
• Effectively manages the implementation and execution of fleet management processes.
• Identify opportunities and implement change for lower total cost of ownership and increased department efficiency.
• Build and maintain Supplier relationships with the objective of reducing total costs, increasing productivity, and eliminating inefficiencies in the fleet administration process.
• Report regularly to Director, Fleet and management current contributions to business and forward-looking discussions on work activities.
• Monitor and validate work performance of Fleet Administration team.
• Review work products for accuracy, consistency, and relevance.
• Mentor, coach, and develop team members to support improved performance on an on-going basis.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of sourcing strategies, and methodologies related to vehicle and equipment procurement.
• Knowledge of SAP, Coupa, and related systems.
• Understands core concepts of data management conventions and reporting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fleet management principles and best practices
• General understanding of regulated utility accounting preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of fleet management programs, policies, and processes.
• Knowledge and ability to utilize e procurement tools effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading individual staff and teams).
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
• Strong project management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on project activities, managing concurrent projects).
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders).
• Ability to be both visionary and strategic in thinking, as well as tactical in executing fleet management strategies while anticipating and considering how the business may be impacted by objectives.
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and project cost benefit analysis forecasting and tracking.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, finance, engineering or related discipline. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree may be considered.
• 8+ years’ experience with a bachelor’s degree or 14+ years’ experience without a bachelor’s degree in in fleet operations, procurement, category management or equivalent roles
• 3+ years’ experience in a team leader or supervisory role
• Demonstrated effectiveness in people leadership, project delivery and change management.

Certifications/Licenses

Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment

Standard indoor office environment.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20% as required.

Competencies