Vice President, Fleet Operations

AWP Safety•Columbus, OH

2d•$210,000 - $245,000

About The Position

The Vice President of Fleet Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight for the company’s fleet operations, including operational performance, safety, compliance, and financial management. The role oversees fleet strategy, vehicle lifecycle management, maintenance, fuel management, regulatory compliance, and initiatives to improve operational efficiency. The VP partners with executive leadership to align transportation and fleet capabilities with organizational goals, emphasizing safety, reliability, cost control, and service excellence. The position leads fleet strategy and performance measurement, manages company-owned and leased vehicles and equipment, directs maintenance and fuel programs, and ensures regulatory compliance and audit readiness. It manages operating budgets, capital expenditures, forecasting, vendor negotiations, and cost-reduction initiatives. The VP also develops fleet and maintenance leaders and staff, supports workforce planning with HR, and advances fleet technologies and data-driven decision-making, including telematics, GPS tracking, fleet management systems, EV integration, and maintenance software. AWP Safety is a North American traffic control and work zone safety provider with more than 6,000 employees across the U.S. and Canada. The company describes itself as purpose-driven and focused on safety, operational excellence, customer service, and continuous improvement. The position is benefits-eligible on the first day of the month following hire. The listed salary range is $210,000–$245,000 per year, plus an annual bonus.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Transportation, Engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive fleet or transportation leadership experience.
5+ years in senior leadership or executive-level operations management.
Strong knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations and fleet compliance standards.
Proven experience managing large-scale fleet operations and budgets.
Strong analytical, financial, and strategic planning skills.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience with multi-site or national fleet operations.
Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) certification or similar certification.
Experience leading fleet electrification or sustainability initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute long-term fleet operations strategy aligned with company objectives.
Lead initiatives focused on operational efficiency, scalability, sustainability, and technology integration.
Establish KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics to monitor fleet effectiveness.
Provide executive leadership for fleet growth, replacement cycles, and capital planning.
Oversee operations for all company-owned and leased vehicles and equipment.
Direct maintenance programs to maximize uptime and minimize operating costs.
Ensure efficient utilization and asset management practices.
Lead fuel management strategies and cost-containment initiatives.
Promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.
Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, EPA, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintain fleet audit readiness and regulatory documentation.
Manage fleet operating budgets, capital expenditures, and cost forecasting.
Analyze operational data to improve profitability and reduce total cost of ownership.
Provide expertise and leadership during negotiations with vendors, OEMs, maintenance providers, fuel suppliers, and leasing companies.
Identify opportunities for operational savings and process improvement.
Lead and develop fleet managers, maintenance leaders, and operational staff.
Build succession plans and leadership development initiatives.
Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across fleet operations.
Partner with HR on recruiting, retention, and workforce planning.
Drive continuous improvement of telematics, fleet management systems, GPS tracking, EV integration, and maintenance software.
Use data analytics to improve operational decision-making and performance.
Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to maintain competitive advantage.