Fleet manager (Fleet manager)
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A fleet manager is responsible for managing vehicles within the organization. The purchase and sale of vehicles can also be part of the tasks of a fleet manager, including the conclusion of lease contracts when vehicles are leased. In short, we can say that the fleet manager is responsible for the fleet of a company or organization. A fleet manager usually works for the larger companies, which use many different types of vehicles. The tasks of a fleet manager involve more than just managing the fleet. Consider, for example, the monitoring of fuel consumption and the monitoring of the driving behaviour of the drivers. But also scheduling maintenance and consulting with other stakeholders, such as insurance companies or suppliers, is usually part of the fleet manager's work. The work of a fleet manager can be regarded as important activities, because the fleet is important for companies, organizations and governments. In short, we can best describe the tasks of a fleet manager as managing the vehicles within the company fleet. Fleet management does not only relate to cars but also to other vehicles, such as vans and trucks. Good fleet management also contributes to cost reduction of transport and logistics. Another name for a fleet manager is sometimes also called mobility manager. The various tasks and activities of a fleet manager should not be underestimated, because the interests can be large. These interests do not only relate to the purchase of vehicles. Think also of the strategic purchase of tires or other parts, so that costs are saved.
As a fleet manager, you are therefore responsible for managing the company fleet. Most large companies that own their own fleet are also equipped with their own workshop, in which repairs are carried out in-house. This can differ per organization, because lease cars are usually taken to external garages. Especially the larger exporters, who have many trucks or other types of vehicles, usually employ their own company car mechanics. Independently carrying out maintenance work within their own management can save organizations a lot of money. Strategically sourcing car parts, such as tires, can also save organizations money. As a fleet manager, you generally work in a broad way. For example, a fleet manager also has to deal with the drivers of vehicles. For example, data obtained can show that drivers consume too much fuel or that drivers handle the vehicle too roughly, which increases maintenance costs. Think, for example, of accelerating too hard or braking too hard, so that parts wear out faster. In such cases, it is the fleet manager who will address the drivers concerned about their driving behaviour and possibly send the drivers on an extra driving course, so that they learn to adjust their driving behaviour. Adjusting driving behaviour can also affect the possible residual value of vehicles.
WORKING AS A FLEET MANAGER
A fleet manager is also responsible for scheduling vehicle maintenance. Depending on the type of vehicles, a fleet manager can use known data so that vehicles are maintained at the right time. Consider, for example, a fleet manager who has to deal with vehicles where it is known that the gearbox or engine must be replaced for a certain number of kilometers. In this way, vehicles can be scheduled for maintenance at the right time, so that vehicles are not unnecessarily out of use for an unnecessarily long time or have to go to the garage twice for maintenance. As a fleet manager, you can in many cases also be classified as inventory management, because inventory management is important within a company fleet. This is especially the case if there is a private workshop. It goes without saying that a fleet manager nowadays also has to deal with sustainability. Obviously, the profession of fleet manager can occur in practice in different ways. Fleet management does play an important role within many organizations. There are therefore more and more fleet managers to be found within the business community. It is often the large organizations that use fleet managers. Maintaining contact with suppliers and customers is also an important part of the work.
PURCHASE OF VEHICLES
Purchasing vehicles is perhaps one of the most important tasks as a fleet manager. Purchasing vehicles is usually a complex process, because it often involves large amounts of money. Even if vehicles are not purchased but leased, the interests are usually large. Leasing is usually not cheaper and should therefore not be underestimated. When purchasing a fleet, it's not just about the direct costs of vehicles. User costs, maintenance costs, depreciation, driving performance and comfort also play a role. Comfort can be important because of labor guidelines. Think, for example, of police officers, who must be able to get in and out quickly, or of truck drivers, who have to sit comfortably because they make a lot of kilometers.
As a fleet manager, you will therefore have to be able to be regarded as a negotiator. These negotiations go beyond just determining the purchase price. Consider, for example, extra guarantees on parts or other requirements from the organization. In addition, it is not unusual that vehicles still have to be adapted after the purchase before they can be used, such as the special vehicles for Rijkswaterstaat and the army. These types of vehicles often have to be adapted by a coachbuilder before the vehicles can be used. These types of complex agreements are usually laid down in clear contracts. In most cases, a fleet manager has direct contact with an importer and not with an individual garage.
WHAT DOES A FLEET MANAGER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A FLEET MANAGER
If you aspire to a career as a fleet manager, it is best to opt for the Hbo programme Business Management or the Hbo programme Commercial Economics. Both programmes will take about four years to complete, depending on the previous education. Another option may be the Bachelor's degree in Logistics and Economics. There are no specific training courses for the profession of fleet manager. Exactly what training a fleet manager will have can differ per fleet manager. In general, the profession of fleet manager must be regarded as a profession at at least hbo level. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A FLEET MANAGER CAN WORK
A fleet manager generally works for larger organizations, which use many vehicles. Think of freight forwarders, contractors, the fire brigade, the police, the army or installation companies. In some cases, a fleet manager can also be regarded as a civil servant. The government uses vehicles in many different ways.
COMPETENCES FLEET MANAGER
As a fleet manager, you need to have general management skills, as you will usually manage different employees. Think, for example, of administrative employees, car polishers and account managers. Because you are dealing with different colleagues and external parties, you will have to have good communication skills. If you as a fleet manager are also responsible for the purchase and sale of vehicles, you will have to have a commercial attitude. Generally important words are networking, innovation, analytical, collaboration, negotiation, insight, decisiveness and sense of responsibility.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A FLEET MANAGER
The labour market perspective as a fleet manager is generally reasonable. This position is by no means common within companies, which means that employment opportunities are limited. The career opportunities as a fleet manager should be seen in obtaining more responsibilities if this is possible. The position of fleet manager is already a managerial position, so growth will not be possible everywhere. A possible follow-up position could be the position of investment manager. As an investment manager, you generally work in a broad way.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY FLEET MANAGER
There are no specific examples of the employment conditions, because you can work for different types of companies in different industries. A fleet manager with a completed bachelor's degree will usually earn a salary between 3500 and 5500 euros gross per month, depending on age, education and further responsibilities. A higher salary within this profession is certainly conceivable if it concerns a job with large responsibilities.
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