The role is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of the council's vehicles and plant, from procurement to disposal. It involves planning and managing vehicle replacement programmes, preparing business cases for capital spending, and ensuring all purchases meet operational needs and legal requirements. The position works closely with departments, suppliers, and compliance teams to develop specifications, run procurement processes, and ensure vehicles are fit for purpose, including managing handovers, training coordination, and end‑of‑use processes. Additionally, the role provides technical and legislative advice, ensures adherence to financial and procurement procedures, and oversees performance and development.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the specification, commissioning and provision of vehicles and plant on behalf of the council.
* Be part of the Fleet team supporting the council's goals and front‑line services for the residents and visitors of Northumberland.
* Keep appraised of product developments, new innovations and products to provide technical advice to the council to remain ahead of legislative changes, safety and efficiency.
* Create vehicle/plant specifications, liaise with departments and end users to ensure products are fit for purpose and within legislative requirements. Monitor vehicle build, resolve any issues as they arise and manage delivery schedules.
* Check product supply meets specifications, prepare for handover and handover to department, take in old unit and prepare for disposal.
* Maintain and keep accurate records and update all replacement plans to ensure accurate reports are delivered to senior management and stakeholders.
* Raise orders for products of all values, calculate Service/Maintenance/Repair costs and financial elements and benchmark against industry standard values.
* Assist in the development of contracts and frameworks to ensure ‘best value’ is maintained, including external and internal procurement practices and changes.
* Represent the Fleet department at internal meetings and the council with external clients, suppliers and organisations, including product training, legislative training and information conferences.
* Be primarily based at our Stakeford Depot with requirements to attend other depots or sites throughout Northumberland.
Qualifications
* Extensive knowledge of a broad range of vehicles and mobile plant.
* Experience of fleet renewal/replacement processes including drafting of documentation and spreadsheets, and administration of financial system, fleet data, spreadsheets and reports.
* Experience of liaising with customers, stakeholders and senior management.
* Valid UK driving licence to travel to other depots and sites throughout Northumberland.
* Self‑motivated in working alone as well as part of the Fleet team and flexible in meeting the needs of the council.
Benefits
* 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part‑time employees).
* Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees).
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