Head of International Fleet Procurement & UK Fleet Operations

We are looking for an ambitious fleet leader who thrives at the intersection of global procurement strategies, operational excellence, and sustainability. This role will take ownership of our global fleet procurement framework (£150M spend across ~100 operating countries) while directly directing day-to-day UK fleet operations. In this role, you will drive economic value, optimise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), lead our fleet decarbonization (EV transition), and ensure 100% UK transport legal compliance and Duty of Care while serving as the strategic bridge between executive stakeholders and operational teams.

What we can offer you:

• Salary: Competitive executive salary with potential bonus earnings, generous annual leave allowance, private medical care plus other corporate benefits.

• Location: UK based with global stakeholder matrix oversight. Must be able to work from the London Office on a regular basis when required.  

• Permanent: Full-time position reporting to the Director of International Fleet Spend & Indirect Spend Management.

Key Responsibilities

Global Procurement & Strategic Sourcing

• Category Strategy: Lead the strategic category management framework across 100 operating countries, managing £150M annual fleet spend.

• Tenders & Savings: Manage complex international tenders and RFPs, negotiating directly with global vehicle OEMs, leasing providers, fuel networks, and Fleet Management Companies (FMCs) to deliver measurable P&L savings.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Govern strategic global supplier relationships, enforcing strict SLAs, KPIs, and quarterly business reviews (QBRs).

UK Operational Leadership & Uptime

• Operational Fleet Management: Direct day-to-day UK fleet operations, vehicle allocations, garage/workshop management, and maintenance programs across all UK business units.

• Uptime Optimization: Maximize fleet utilisation rates and minimize Vehicle Off Road (VOR) downtime to guarantee operational readiness.

UK Compliance, Risk & Decarbonization

• Transport Legal Compliance: Ensure 100% legal compliance across the UK fleet, maintaining strict adherence to UK transport legislation, Operator's Licence (O-Licence) requirements, driver Duty of Care, and road risk governance.

• Electrification Roadmap: Define and execute global fleet decarbonization, EV transition strategies, workplace charging infrastructure, telematics integration, and carbon reduction initiatives.

• Team Leadership & Pipeline: Lead, coach, and develop the UK fleet operations and administrative team (up to 10+ reports) while building and maintaining a 2-year global benefits pipeline.

What We Are Looking For

• Fleet Leadership Expertise: Extensive (7+ years) combined leadership experience in commercial fleet procurement and operational fleet management, with a proven track record managing large-scale global or pan-regional fleet spend (£100M+ / £150M).

• UK Transport Compliance Knowledge: Deep technical understanding of UK transport legislation, Operator's Licence compliance, driver Duty of Care, and road risk governance.

• Commercial & Negotiation Acumen: Strong commercial negotiation skills with global vehicle OEMs, leasing houses, fuel providers, and Fleet Management Companies (FMCs).

• Decarbonisation & Innovation: Demonstrated experience executing fleet decarbonisation, EV charging infrastructure, telematics integration, and TCO reduction strategies.

• People Leadership & Analytical Rigor: Proven ability to manage and coach operational fleet teams (10+ direct/indirect reports) while maintaining high attention to spend analytics.

• Desirable Qualifications: CIPS (MCIPS) qualification, Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management, or FORS/AFP accreditation; degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or Engineering.

Key competencies we are looking for:

• Working Collaboratively & Proactively: Ability to build consensus across international matrix structures, bridging central procurement strategy with local operational execution.

• Customer-First & Operational Execution: Dedicated to supporting UK operational delivery with reliable fleet assets while maintaining cost discipline.

• Simplifying the Complex & Governance: Ability to convert complex transport safety regulations and legal standards into standard operating procedures.

• Creating Change & Innovation: Passionate about driving sustainable fleet transformation, digital technology adoption, and green transport solutions.

• Tenacity & Commercial Influencing: Ability to challenge major suppliers and internal business leaders autonomously to achieve commercial value.

• People Leadership & Analytical Rigor: Proven coach capable of empowering operational teams while maintaining high attention to data and spend analytics.