Manager MFG Fleet

The Manufacturing Fleet Manager oversees all material handling equipment (MHE) operations for the manufacturing division, including forklifts, reach trucks, tuggers, and related vehicles. This role is responsible for driving equipment reliability, tracking, and performance optimization. The manager leads a team of technicians and coordinators, ensuring proactive maintenance, effective resource deployment, and alignment with operational needs. This role also drives strategic improvements, ensures regulatory compliance, and delivers cost-effective fleet solutions across the division. The role collaborates closely with Operations, EHS, Finance (CAPEX), Procurement, and Training (Dojo) teams, and oversees MHE for DTTP factory, and offsite manufacturing materials warehouses.

Position Responsibilities may include:

• Oversee and manage all MHE across the manufacturing division, including forklifts, reach trucks, tuggers, and attachments.

• Manage a team consisting of Fleet Coordinators, Supervisors and Fleet Technicians.

• Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs to minimize downtime.

• Maintain a comprehensive asset tracking system, ensuring real-time accuracy of equipment status and location.

• Coordinate internal and external resources for repairs, parts sourcing, and equipment procurement.

• Manage and track equipment warranty claims, lease terms, and equipment buy-out and/or send-backs at end of leases.

• Collaborate with the Finance team to support CAPEX planning and track all company-owned fleet assets.

• Partner with Indirect Procurement to manage leasing and vendor service relationships.

• Drive continuous improvement in fleet management processes, focusing on reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

• Develop and enforce SOPs for equipment operation, inspection, and maintenance.

• Create and monitor KPIs such as equipment uptime, maintenance response time, and cost per operational hour.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and other applicable regulations.

• Lead fleet audits and safety inspections; follow up on corrective actions.

• Support annual and long-range strategic plans for fleet capacity and replacement.

• Track and analyze total cost of ownership (TCO) for owned, leased, and rented equipment.

• Coordinate closely with Operations, EHS, and Dojo training teams to align fleet needs with site requirements.

• Manage fleet budget, forecasting, and capital planning activities.

• Lead fleet-related projects and initiatives, including system implementations and site expansions.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the fleet team.

• Conduct training sessions for equipment safety, proper usage, and compliance.

• Document and report on fleet performance to senior leadership.

• Sets operational priorities and allocates resources across shifts and locations.

• Ensures equipment readiness for 24/7 manufacturing operations.

• Provides data-driven insights and recommendations to support manufacturing throughput.

• Perform additional projects/duties to support ongoing business needs.

Nature & Scope:

• Ensures work is aligned with the Director’s expectations, goals, and vision 

• Accountable for implementation of policies, processes, and procedures for short-term results

• Decisions and problem-solving are guided by policies, procedures and business plan; receives guidance from Senior Manager/Director

• Works on difficult to moderately complex issues and projects 

• Provides guidance and training to subordinates

• Has authority to hire, recommend pay, establish performance and recommend for termination

• Level of signing authority established by company policy/guidelines

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of MHE types, maintenance practices, and safe operation standards.

• Working knowledge of fleet tracking software, CMMS, and/or telematics systems.

• Ability to analyze performance data and translate into operational improvements.

• Strong project management and team leadership skills.

• Effective cross-functional communication with Operations, Maintenance, and Safety teams.

• Familiarity with OSHA, DOT, and ANSI standards for powered industrial vehicles.

• Ability to coach and develop skilled technical talent.

• High level of attention to detail and accountability.

• Experience with budget management, vendor coordination, and service contracts.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in fleet or maintenance management, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• 2+ years of direct team leadership experience, including technicians and coordinators.

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or GED (required).

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in logistics, engineering, or related field (preferred).

• OSHA 10/30 and fleet safety certifications a plus.

People Management: Yes

Physical Requirements / Work Environment:

• Must be able to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations

• Required to walk warehouse floors, inspect equipment, and enter maintenance areas.

• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs during inspections or emergency support.

• Must be able to respond to off-hour emergencies or equipment failures.

• Must be able to perform responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

Reports To: Director

The Company provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of a person’s race, color, religion (including religious dress or grooming practices), creed, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, uniform service member or veteran status, ancestry, disability, physical or mental disability (including HIV/AIDS), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, request for protected leave, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age (over 40), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Company will comply with all federal and state regulations and statutes about individuals with disabilities.