Fleet management is a critical function within many organisations, ensuring that vehicle assets are operated efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. From coordinating vehicle maintenance to managing compliance and optimising operational costs, fleet practitioners play an essential role in keeping businesses moving.
A review of job advertisements for fleet management roles in Australia highlights key responsibilities and the experience employers seek in candidates. However, one notable omission in many job postings is the requirement for formal fleet management training, despite the availability of courses such as the IPWEA Fleet Management Certificate, which would help verify a candidate’s competency.
Key Responsibilities of a Fleet Manager
Fleet practitioners oversee the acquisition, maintenance, compliance, and overall utilisation of a company’s vehicle fleet. Depending on the organisation, the role can cover a variety of responsibilities, including:
- Fleet Maintenance & Servicing: Ensuring vehicles are maintained in accordance with regulations and operational requirements.
- Compliance & Safety: Managing compliance with local and national transport laws, including the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) where applicable.
- Procurement & Disposal: Overseeing the purchasing of new vehicles and disposal of old ones to maintain an optimised fleet.
- Fuel & Cost Management: Monitoring fuel usage and controlling maintenance expenses to ensure budget adherence.
- Insurance & Risk Management: Handling damage claims, insurance processes, and ensuring adequate coverage.
- Data & Telematics Utilisation: Leveraging fleet management systems and telematics data to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Driver & Stakeholder Communication: Coordinating with drivers, maintenance providers, and senior management to ensure smooth operations.
Roles such as Fleet Coordinator, Fleet Manager, and Fleet Operations Manager often involve similar duties but vary in seniority and scope, with some positions focusing more on strategic planning and others on day-to-day fleet administration.
What Employers Are Looking For
A common theme across fleet management job advertisements is the preference for candidates with experience in fleet coordination, logistics, or automotive management. Some of the typical qualifications and skills sought by employers include:
- Relevant Experience: Previous experience in fleet management, logistics, or automotive service roles.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of vehicle maintenance, telematics, and compliance regulations.
- Software Proficiency: Familiarity with fleet management software, Microsoft Office, and reporting tools.
- Strong Organisational & Communication Skills: Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, schedules, and compliance requirements.
- Heavy Vehicle Experience: For some roles, hands-on knowledge of heavy vehicles and trailers is an advantage.
- Valid Driver’s Licence: A basic requirement for many fleet management positions.
Interestingly, while many job descriptions list these skills and qualifications, few specifically mention the need for formal fleet management training.
Why Formal Fleet Management Training Matters
While on-the-job experience is valuable, structured education provides a strong foundation for effective fleet management. The IPWEA Fleet Management Certificate is one such course that equips professionals with best-practice knowledge in fleet operations, compliance, and cost optimisation. Employers should consider including this qualification as a desirable criterion to ensure candidates have a solid theoretical and practical understanding of fleet management principles.
As the fleet management landscape evolves with technology, compliance regulations, and sustainability initiatives, investing in professional training will become increasingly important. A combination of hands-on experience and formal education will ensure that fleet practitioners are well-equipped to tackle future challenges while improving overall fleet efficiency and cost control.
Fleet practitioners play a vital role in ensuring businesses run smoothly by managing vehicle assets efficiently. Employers look for experience in logistics, maintenance, compliance, and cost control, but often overlook the value of formal training. Recognising qualifications such as the IPWEA Fleet Management Certificate would not only help verify a candidate’s competency but also elevate the standards of the profession, ensuring that fleet practitioners are equipped with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex industry.
