Understanding the changing role of the fleet manager (video)

The modern fleet manager role has evolved from a more operational, vehicle-focused position to a strategic, data-driven, and sustainability-minded role that is integrated across an entire business.

As a result, the skillset and responsibilities required to be an effective fleet manager have expanded significantly.

A panel of expert fleet managers discussed their evolving job roles during a seminar, sponsored by Samsara, at Fleet and Mobility Live.

During ‘What is a modern fleet leader?’, chaired by Lorna McAtear, head of fleet at National Grid, participants discussed how fleet has become a multi-dimensional role that touches many areas of a business.

Fleet managers now need to have a broad skillset and be able to collaborate across different departments, including health and safety, sustainability, data analysis, compliance, and more.

The discussion panel included James Ferrol, car & LCV fleet manager at Dunelm; Stewart Lightbody, group head of fleet at Sureserve Group; Andrea McKenzie, sustainable transport manager at Warmworks; and Dave Boorman, fleet telematics manager at FM Conway. Bethany Windsor, head of skills policy & generation logistics at Logistics UK also took part in the session.

Lightbody highlighted how the broader relationships and the scope of fleet management has changed over his 25-year career.

He said: “The sheer scale of the wider family is huge. You need to understand the individuals within your business and structure that you previously didn't have an interest in knowing about, because trying to deal with what we're trying to do now, in isolation, is virtually impossible.”

Boorman added: “If you wind the clock back 10 years it was all about putting a bum on a seat and getting something to where you wanted it to get to. Now you've got to do it safely, you've got to do it economically, you've got to be sustainable in doing it and you've got to protect your workforce, your drivers and the members of public. It's everything. You've got to do everything safely and differently. It's not just about getting the job done, it's about everything is in line before you can get the job done.”

The panel also discussed the challenges of attracting new talent to the fleet management industry, including the need for broader job descriptions and recruitment strategies.

Windsor emphasised the importance of showcasing the variety of roles and opportunities in the fleet management industry to young people.

The full seminar can be viewed below