Head of Fleet

The Vacancy

Lead the future of fleet excellence at scale.

Wates Property Services is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Fleet to lead and transform our national fleet operations. With a growing commercial vehicle fleet of c. 1,900 vehicles (including electric vans and cars) across multiple UK locations, this is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone ready to deliver operational excellence, compliance, innovation, and sustainability across the board.

About the Role

As Head of Fleet, you will take full ownership of delivering a safe, compliant, and cost-effective fleet service that meets our operational and strategic needs. You’ll oversee a multi-million-pound fleet budget and lead a dedicated team of fleet professionals to support over 1,800 employees across the UK.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, service-driven environments and can demonstrate a strong track record of fleet transformation, commercial oversight, and stakeholder influence at a senior level.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure our national fleet is maintained in a roadworthy, legally compliant, and safe condition at all times.
• Manage and reduce vehicle downtime through effective reporting and proactive maintenance strategies.
• Review fleet model specifications to ensure suitability for business needs and emerging service demands.
• Oversee fuel usage, accident data, and fleet KPI performance with regular dashboards and insights shared across the business.
• Own the annual fleet replacement programme and support procurement negotiations.
• Manage operator licensing and ensure all fleet activity is fully compliant with UK road transport law.
• Lead the design and implementation of driver training programmes, accident investigation processes, and best-practice safety initiatives.
• Develop and deliver the £17M annual fleet budget, ensuring cost-effective, sustainable outcomes.
• Manage and develop a national team of 7–9 fleet professionals, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

At least 5 years’ experience in a senior fleet role, ideally in a route-based or final-mile logistics business.

Proven ability to lead and scale large commercial vehicle fleets (500+ LCVs) across multiple sites.

Deep understanding of fleet compliance, accident investigation, fuel management, and telematics systems.

Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and procurement collaboration.

Experience working with fleet transformation and optimisation projects.

Qualifications & Skills:

Association of Fleet Professionals membership (preferred).

Advanced Fleet Management Qualification (or willingness to complete within 12 months).

Excellent Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.

Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

A data-led mindset, with a tenacious, high-energy approach to delivery.

Ready to Drive Real Impact?

If you’re a strategic fleet leader ready to take on a high-impact role in a fast-paced, purpose-driven organisation—apply now and help us build a more efficient, safe, and sustainable future.

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.