Fleet management is a complex, business-critical function. But hiring the right people for it is often overlooked.
Whether you are managing 50 vehicles or 5,000, the success of your fleet depends on who runs it. That includes your fleet manager, operations leads, compliance officers, and increasingly, specialists in sustainability and data analysis.
At Barrow Mount, we work with businesses across automotive, leasing, and logistics to recruit for these roles. Here is what makes a difference.
Shift your thinking beyond operations
Fleet managers today are more than just vehicle schedulers. They are responsible for cost control, policy setting, compliance, and often work closely with finance, procurement, and HR.
Job briefs need to reflect that. Too many still focus only on admin and maintenance. Strong candidates want to see strategy, impact, and leadership in the role.
Look for the right blend of skills
The most effective hires combine operational knowledge with commercial thinking and regulatory understanding. That includes:
- Road risk and safety management
- Duty of care and compliance standards
- Emissions and environmental planning
- Supplier management and budget control
Experience with telematics systems, route planning tools, and EV transition strategy is increasingly valuable.
Match the role to the market
The term “fleet manager” can mean different things depending on the business. For some it is an admin role. For others it sits within senior leadership.
Be honest about the scope of the job and benchmark salary accordingly. Misalignment here can lead to poor applications or early attrition.
Be open to adjacent talent
Some of the best candidates come from leasing, logistics, or wider operations backgrounds. We have placed people who were previously in supplier roles, customer success, or even former drivers who have moved into fleet coordination.
If you want to widen your options, make sure your recruitment partner understands the broader market.
