Director of Fleet Operations Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of logistics, the role of the Director of Fleet Operations is crucial.

As transportation networks evolve, the demand for knowledgeable leaders who can manage, enhance, and protect our fleet operations grows stronger.

But what exactly does a Director of Fleet Operations do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the complexity of fleet operations,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Director of Fleet Operations job description template, ready for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Director of Fleet Operations Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Fleet Operations is responsible for managing and overseeing the entire fleet of the organization.

This includes managing staff, planning and executing strategies, and working with other departments to ensure the smooth operation of the fleet.

The Director of Fleet Operations has the following duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the entire fleet operations of the organization
• Develop and implement fleet management strategies to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations
• Collaborate with other departments to achieve business objectives and maintain the operational efficiency of the fleet
• Manage and supervise fleet maintenance and repair activities to ensure vehicles are available and in good working condition
• Monitor compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to fleet operations
• Conduct analysis of fleet performance and generate reports for senior management
• Develop and manage the fleet operations budget
• Maintain relationships with vendors and negotiate contracts for fleet purchases and services
• Develop and implement safety policies and procedures for drivers and other staff members
• Oversee driver training and development programs to improve skills and ensure safety
• Manage the disposition of fleet assets, including end-of-life vehicles

 

Director of Fleet Operations Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a competent and experienced Director of Fleet Operations to oversee our fleet’s daily operations.

In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring optimal fleet performance and efficiency, managing and coordinating maintenance and repair, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a background in logistics or transport management, and a deep understanding of fleet management principles.

The primary goal is to maximize efficiency and productivity to support business growth.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily fleet operations and manage the fleet’s maintenance and repair schedule
• Implement strategies to increase productivity and efficiency of fleet operations
• Ensure compliance with all safety and transportation regulations
• Manage and lead a team of fleet supervisors, drivers, and mechanics
• Coordinate and plan vehicle replacements and disposals
• Develop and manage fleet policies and procedures
• Monitor and control fleet-related costs
• Analyze data to understand fleet performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Establish relationships with external partners and suppliers

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in fleet management or similar role
• Knowledge of vehicle systems and maintenance procedures
• Understanding of transportation and safety regulations
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficient in fleet management software and GPS systems
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Bachelor’s degree in logistics, business administration, or relevant field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Director of Fleet Operations
• Work Environment: Office setting with frequent visits to the field. Travel may be required for fleet inspections, meetings, or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Operating Officer or the Vice President of Operations.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $95,000 minimum to $140,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Director of Fleet Operations Do?

A Director of Fleet Operations typically works for large corporations or logistics companies that maintain a substantial fleet of vehicles.

They are in charge of coordinating, managing, and executing fleet operations to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

The Director of Fleet Operations oversees the entire fleet’s daily operation, which includes managing drivers, maintenance, scheduling, and dispatching.

They are responsible for fleet maintenance schedules to prevent mechanical problems and ensure vehicle safety.

They also manage the acquisition and disposal of fleet vehicles.

Their job involves strategic planning and budgeting for the fleet, including factors like fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and depreciation.

They analyze and monitor the fleet’s performance data to identify trends, make improvements, and anticipate future needs.

They coordinate with other departments such as logistics, supply chain, and human resources to ensure smooth operations.

They also ensure compliance with local and federal transportation regulations and laws.

They may also be responsible for implementing and managing fleet management software to track and monitor all aspects of their fleet.

Training staff, planning routes, and managing relationships with vendors and contractors are also part of their responsibilities.

In addition, the Director of Fleet Operations is expected to continuously seek and implement ways to reduce costs, improve performance, and increase efficiency in all fleet-related matters.

 

Director of Fleet Operations Qualifications and Skills

A Director of Fleet Operations needs a combination of strategic planning abilities, management skills and industry knowledge to oversee and coordinate fleet activities, such as:

• Strong leadership skills to manage and motivate a team of fleet managers, drivers, and other fleet personnel.
• Excellent organizational skills to coordinate fleet operations, manage maintenance schedules, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Strategic planning abilities to develop operational strategies that enhance efficiency and productivity while minimizing costs.
• Proficient in fleet management software and technology to monitor vehicle status, track vehicle locations, and streamline operations.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with other departments, provide clear instructions to fleet staff, and report to senior management.
• Problem-solving abilities to efficiently identify and resolve issues that may arise in fleet operations, including vehicle breakdowns, driver shortages, and scheduling conflicts.
• Thorough knowledge of transportation regulations and safety standards to ensure fleet operations comply with all relevant rules and guidelines.
• Financial management skills to manage budgets, control operational costs, and enhance profitability.
• Customer service skills to address complaints or concerns from clients or customers related to fleet services.

 

Director of Fleet Operations Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Director of Fleet Operations should have a considerable amount of experience, often between 5-10 years, in the transportation, logistics, or supply chain industry.

This experience should be in a role directly related to fleet management, including such positions as fleet manager, logistics supervisor, or transportation analyst.

Prospective candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of budget management and financial forecasting, as they will likely be responsible for managing the fleet’s operations budget.

Prior experience with procurement and vendor management is also beneficial, as these tasks will often fall under the responsibilities of this role.

Finally, candidates should have several years of experience in a leadership or managerial role.

This is necessary, as the Director of Fleet Operations will be responsible for leading a team of fleet coordinators, drivers, and other staff members.

The ideal candidate should also demonstrate experience with strategic planning and execution in their previous roles.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may already have held senior management positions within a fleet operations context and are thus more prepared for the wide scope of responsibilities and tasks this role involves.

This might also include experience with compliance regulations and safety procedures in the transportation industry.

Professional certifications in fleet management or related fields are also beneficial and can supplement on-the-job experience.

 

Director of Fleet Operations Education and Training Requirements

Directors of Fleet Operations usually hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field.

They need to have a solid understanding of vehicle operations, maintenance procedures, and safety regulations, often gained through several years of experience in transportation or fleet management roles.

Further expertise in inventory management, procurement, and vendor relations can be beneficial for this role.

Knowledge of federal and state transportation laws is also crucial.

Although not required, a master’s degree in business administration or logistics can be a significant advantage, as it provides deeper understanding of strategic planning, cost efficiency, and supply chain management.

Certifications such as the Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) or Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) can enhance credibility and showcase a commitment to the profession.

In addition to formal education and certifications, a successful Director of Fleet Operations should possess excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

These competencies are often developed and refined through on-the-job experience and professional development courses.

 

Director of Fleet Operations Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Director of Fleet Operations is approximately $104,690 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can vary based on factors such as the number of vehicles in the fleet, the industry, years of experience, and geographical location.

 

Director of Fleet Operations Job Description FAQs

What is the difference between a Director of Fleet Operations and a Fleet Manager?

While both roles deal with the management of a company’s vehicles, the Director of Fleet Operations has a broader scope.

The Director is responsible for strategic planning, overseeing all fleet operations and maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

On the other hand, a Fleet Manager usually focuses on day-to-day tasks such as vehicle maintenance, driver management, and route planning.

 

What are the daily duties of a Director of Fleet Operations?

A Director of Fleet Operations typically starts the day by reviewing reports, including fleet maintenance schedules, driver performance metrics, and fuel efficiency reports.

They may also hold meetings with managers or supervisors to discuss operational issues.

Throughout the day, they work on strategic planning, policy development, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

They also oversee the management of the fleet, including vehicle acquisition and disposal, maintenance, and driver management.

 

What qualities make a good Director of Fleet Operations?

A good Director of Fleet Operations has strong leadership skills and the ability to make strategic decisions.

They should have a thorough understanding of fleet management including maintenance, safety regulations, and cost efficiency.

Good communication skills are also important, as they need to interact with a variety of stakeholders, including drivers, managers, and external vendors.

They should also be adaptable, as they may need to respond quickly to unexpected issues or changes in regulations.

 

What should you look for in a Director of Fleet Operations resume?

A strong candidate for a Director of Fleet Operations will have significant experience in fleet management and a track record of successful strategic planning.

Look for specific accomplishments in improving efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Certifications in fleet management can also be a plus.

Leadership experience is also important, as the role involves overseeing a team and making strategic decisions.

 

Do Directors of Fleet Operations need a specific degree?

While there is no specific degree requirement for this role, a bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, or a related field can be beneficial.

Some companies may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration or a similar field.

Significant experience in fleet management is usually the most important requirement, as this role requires a deep understanding of fleet operations and strategic planning.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve provided a detailed insight into what it truly means to be a Director of Fleet Operations.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about managing vehicles.

It’s about strategically steering the course of logistics, one fleet at a time.

With our comprehensive Director of Fleet Operations job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for creating meticulously detailed listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every fleet operation decision is part of a larger logistics chain.

Let’s navigate this future. Together.

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