{"id":2229,"date":"2021-01-25T15:16:12","date_gmt":"2021-01-25T15:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chevinfleet.com\/en-au\/?p=2229"},"modified":"2024-09-24T14:21:54","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T13:21:54","slug":"effective-fleet-manager","status":"publish","type":"training","link":"https:\/\/www.chevinfleet.com\/en-au\/learning-zone\/effective-fleet-manager\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Fleet Manager"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Part 1 – How to Become a Fleet Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Being a fleet manager can be a rewarding career \u2013 you\u2019re faced with fresh challenges on a regular basis as well as having the responsibility of managing expensive assets in an ever-changing environment. But it\u2019s not an easy job. So what makes a good fleet manager?<\/p>\n

We look at the qualities best suited to the role and from there, share our five tips to help with your success\u2026<\/p>\n

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How to become a fleet manager<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be honest: \u2018I want to be a fleet manager\u2019 is not something schools\u2019 careers officers hear very often. It\u2019s one of those roles that people often fall into rather than strive towards.<\/p>\n

There are several paths to becoming a fleet manager and which one you follow will very much depend on where you are in your career. There are no set qualifications needed, with work-based learning, skills training and higher education courses available to support your career progression.<\/p>\n

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Academic route into fleet management\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

The academic route has the options of further and higher education courses such as Graduate Certificate of Business Management (fleet management) at the Swinburne University of Technology.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Other training that you may want to consider once in post or striving to achieve your career goals include the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply<\/a> (CIPS) and the CIPD and Australian HR Institute (AHRI) <\/a>. The latter provides a good basic understanding of HR, people and leadership.<\/p>\n

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Work-based route into fleet management\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

If academia is not for you, then an apprenticeship scheme could be the ideal entry route<\/a>. Apprenticeships provide on the spot training whilst at work, earning a salary.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, consider joining an organisation at a lower level to gain a good understanding of the industry. Make your intentions clear during job reviews that you wish to progress in the industry and never be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities and experiences to further this.<\/p>\n

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The benefits of networking\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We always recommend making the most of networking opportunities. Groups such as the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AFMA)<\/a> host regular events that are worthwhile including in your calendar. In addition, take the time to attend leading industry events such as IPWEA Australasian Fleet Conference.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

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5 skills you need to become a fleet manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Ability to multi-task<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a job that requires you to think on your feet \u2013 unscheduled vehicle downtime<\/a>, driver availability and managing costs with ever-challenged budgets means having to deal with multiple tasks on a daily basis. It can be a fast-paced role and, at times, not for the faint hearted!<\/p>\n

2. Managing budgets<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like every other department in your business, the fleet sector has to balance tight budgets. Costs continue to spiral whilst funds get cut, so there\u2019s always a balancing act between providing a top rate service albeit at minimum cost.<\/p>\n

3. Be adaptable<\/strong><\/p>\n

The pace of change in terms of technology and legislation is very fast, so you need to be adaptable to change. You\u2019ll need to be aware of changes, understand how they will impact your fleet and find the best ways to deal with them.<\/p>\n

4. Communication<\/strong><\/p>\n

Choosing the most appropriate communication channels and ensuring that the correct messages are received is a skill. If you get this right you\u2019ll make all the difference in securing that all-important buy-in from staff.<\/p>\n

5. Leadership<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ability to inspire confidence and trust is, in our view, essential, while the ability to quickly analyse information and solve problems is critical.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Part 2 – 5 Tips to Become an Effective Fleet Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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1. Only record the important information\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

We advise you to be selective when it comes to recording information \u2013 too much data can be overwhelming! Only collect information you think is necessary to make informed decisions. This includes:<\/p>\n