About us
United Utilities' (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We are proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.
We've got a lot to offer. You'll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- A 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A £5,000 car allowance to support your travel needs
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working
The role
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can utilise your expertise of shaping and delivering projects to deliver customer service excellence? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a Head of Fleet.
In your role as the leader of the Fleet Management team, you will be tasked with steering the strategic direction and ensuring top-notch fleet services are delivered company wide. Your responsibilities include spearheading the 2028 carbon pledge for a fully sustainable Green Fleet and overseeing the 2030 Occupational Road Risk strategy to guarantee the safety of all company drivers. Your strategy will be comprehensive, touching every part of the business, and you'll also lead the transformation of Fleet Management to enhance service across all operational areas.
We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life and enjoy the benefits of working with us wherever you are. In-person attendance is required three days per week at our Lingley Mere, Warrington site and around our patch to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.
If you are passionate about making a positive difference for the North West of England and want to join us on our journey of transformation, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of the UU family!
Key accountabilities
- Provide clear strategic direction for Fleet Management and contribute to the development of UU plans and priorities with measures and targets
- Effective delivery of a circa £100m AMP totex budget to procure and maintain the company fleet assets
- To manage all UU fleet and plant, ensure the end to end asset lifecycle is effectively managed across the entire fleet (white vans, large goods vehicles, 4x4's, items of plant -excavators, dumpers, tractors, general plant).
- Embed a safety culture across the Fleet Management team. UU owner for road risk and accountable for reducing road risk and improving health & safety behaviours for all UU drivers, reducing road related accidents and incidents, adopting external best practice
- To manage the company's Operator's Licence and relationship with the Department for Transport and DVSA/ Lead the Transport Manager function for all HGV operational business units to ensure Operator Licence compliance. Focal point for the company to DVSA and the Traffic Commissioner.
- Create an external network across other fleet providers and fleet regulators to ensure best practice is adopted and relevant policies are influenced
- Lead and inspire the fleet team to continually improve performance, customer service and colleague engagement
- To liaise externally with stakeholders to understand the key legislative and environmental issues that impact fleet and would influence our strategic direction i.e. green fleet incentives
- Manage commercial arrangements, relationships and performance with all third party suppliers against KPIs. Fleet owner of commercial tenders across the full fleet lifecycle acquisition, maintenance and disposals
Skills & experience
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Experience of leading and managing a technical and customer facing business function
- Proven track record of delivering operational efficiencies through capital investment, complex budgetary management, resource management and performance management
- Strong commercial and influencing skills - ideally through the successful management of contracts with third party service providers
- Knowledge and understanding of external market factors such as financial climate, fleet market, and environmental changes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a strong team player. Ability to build relationships and influence across UU and with key external stakeholders
- Strong operational management experience, able to deliver service improvements concurrently with cost savings
- Qualified to degree level or equivalent, ideally with a post degree professional qualification. Must hold a Transport Manager CPC (or obtain within 3 months of appointment to the role)
- Exceptional customer service expertise, able to deal with a demanding customer facing operation and ensure customer service remains at the heart of the service provision