Fleet Operational Support Manager

Job overview

• Manage the servicing and repair of Service vehicles at up to 5 workshops in an efficient and cost effective manner on a day to day basis.
• Ensure that sufficient reliable vehicles are available for the planned operational demands of the Service and that this requirement is met within the allocated budget.
• Be responsible for the vehicle maintenance budget on behalf of the Head of Fleet and for the management of the staff employed within the workshops.
• Provide specialist transport advice to the Trust and other NHS organisations such as Hospitals, on the safe transportation of specialist equipment on Trust vehicles including Incubator Transportation and Intensive Care Unit Transfers.
• Take the lead in project management within the workshops and assist in the management of projects within LAS.
• Responsible for organising the various operational and clinical user groups internally and externally who have interests regarding any project.
• To lead and manage to satisfactory conclusion a range of workshop related projects.
• At all times promote and uphold the values as set out in the “Vision and Values” statement of the Service and be focussed on delivering the highest quality patient care, and improving the working lives of staff.

Main duties of the job

• Ensure that sufficient reliable vehicles are available to satisfy the planned operational demand of the Service.
• Ensure that workshops are managed efficiently and effectively.
• Manage and maintain the Fleet maintenance budget and keep within set limits.
• Advise on the day-to-day technical problems associated with vehicle servicing and repair.
• To actively participate in all aspects of development and implementation of the Fleet computerised information system.
• Appraise and select sub-contractors for mechanical and body repairs.
• Ensure that work is carried out and completed satisfactorily to the specifications required.
• Assess vehicle repair times and quality of any repairs.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the Fleet maintenance budget and keep within set limits.
• Advise on the day-to-day technical problems associated with vehicle servicing and repair.
• Ensure that sufficient reliable vehicles are available to satisfy the planned operational   demand of the Service.
• Ensure that workshops are managed efficiently and effectively. Investigate all staff  complaints and give full written reports to the Head of Fleet and any internal or external   Disciplinary hearings.
• Ensure that servicing schedule requirements are met and that any difficulties are resolved quickly.
• To actively participate in all aspects of development and implementation of the Fleet  computerised information system.
• Appraise and select sub-contractors for mechanical and body repairs. Ensure that work is carried out and completed satisfactorily to the specifications required. Assess vehicle repair times and quality of any repairs.
• Communicate with Legal Department and contracted parties and give advice when  required. Attend any court proceedings on behalf of LAS when required.
• Ensure that correct procedures are followed for the authorisation and payment of invoices etc; that all standing financial instructions are complied with.
• To seek, evaluate and select specialist Fleet suppliers.
• Investigate and write reports on specific incidents, e.g. Major accidents, etc.
• Prepare reports on all areas related to transport or related equipment when required.
• Attend all meetings as requested by the Head of Fleet.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of Workshop Managers and Multi-skilled Technicians.
• Participate in the creation of and revisions to vehicle build electrical and mechanical  specifications (including modifications).
• Act as Health and Safety Liaison Manager in conjunction with the appropriate manager   and staff representative to ensure safety and cleanliness in the workshop. The post   holder is required to discharge responsibilities as laid down in the LAS Policy for Health  and Safety Organisation.
• Promote, encourage and support the development of managers and workshop staff.
• Including annual appraisals and performance development reviews.
• Organise and present training courses when needed.
• Ensure effective and timely communication between Fleet Support Services and  operational users.
• Participate in the inspection and sign off of new vehicles at contractors‟ locations and  assist in the development of any electrical or mechanical design.
• Create and maintain quality standards with new vehicle suppliers.
• To plan and manage the introduction of different types of vehicles and vehicle based   clinical equipment into operational use, and assist in the development of vehicles for  special patient needs.
• In conjunction with the Head of Fleet, drawing up Fleet policy documents, Service Level Agreements (SLA) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) regarding the expected     maintenance standards for all vehicles and providing regular reports of performance  against objectives in the SLA and KPI. To manage KPIs within workshops and make any   changes needed to maintain performance.
• Responsible for the management of both the vehicle workshop facility and special   equipment department to provide a full range of vehicle and equipment maintenance   planned, preventative maintenance programmes for all vehicles and associated items of equipment.
• The post holder would be required to take responsibility for his/her own Personal
• Development Review (PDR) and engage in appropriate learning and development.     interventions and opportunities that underpin the demands of the role, internally and  externally.
• The post holder would be required to carry out other duties commensurate with the post and the skills/competencies of the post holder as required.

Team Responsibility

• The Fleet Operational Support Manager will be required to participate in relevant
• Operational and supporting group discussions.
• There are three Fleet Operational Support Manager posts and the post holders meet on a regular basis to discuss and consider Service-wide matters.
• An established Joint Consultative Committee for workshop staff exists and participation at this meeting and working parties is required.
• There is regular and direct communication between the Head of Fleet and the Fleet
• Operational Support Managers on technical and professional matters related to the Service Vehicle Fleet.