Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family, including jobs in demand, wages, and employment prospects.
In this article , the role of Fleet Manager is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
With ongoing supply chain disruptions, efficient product delivery from point A to B has become a critical focus to meet customer demands. Often viewed as behind-the-scenes, the Fleet Manager plays a vital role in selecting the right fleet of vehicles and ensuring their effective maintenance throughout their lifecycle—central to a company’s operational success.
In recent years, the Fleet Manager’s role has evolved significantly, driven by advancements in technology such as AI and automation, changing regulations, an increased emphasis on sustainability, driver skill shortages, and shifting business priorities.
Recruitment Forecast 2025
In recruiting for Fleet Management roles, we’ve observed that this skill set is particularly niche within New Zealand, especially for specialised heavy transport and construction fleets. Companies increasingly recognise the strategic value of an experienced Fleet Manager, who can drive efficiencies, manage the full lifecycle of their fleet, and achieve cost savings through effective oversight.
There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in leveraging technology, prioritising sustainability, and fostering training and development within their teams. We’re also seeing a trend toward hybrid roles that integrate logistics, supply chain, and procurement expertise.
With ongoing supply chain disruptions and heightened pressure on goods transportation across New Zealand, we anticipate sustained demand for qualified Fleet Managers well into the future.
Career Prospects
The path to becoming a Fleet Manager can come from many directions. Traditionally, many Fleet Managers began as qualified Diesel Mechanics, advancing to Workshop or Maintenance Manager roles before moving into Fleet Management. With today’s technology-driven landscape, some candidates now oversee entire fleet operations, often outsourcing mechanical requirements while managing fleet processes.
We also see professionals from procurement backgrounds entering Fleet Management, as their expertise in design specifications, contract negotiations, and ongoing maintenance aligns well with the demands of modern fleet oversight.
Qualifications
The Fleet Manager role can be highly technical, and a background as a qualified Diesel Mechanic is particularly valuable for companies managing heavy vehicle fleets. From designing and specifying new fleet builds to overseeing planned maintenance cycles, a Fleet Manager with mechanical expertise can bring substantial value to operations.
Increasingly, companies also seek Fleet Managers skilled in technology and systems, as these tools have become essential in modern fleet management.
Key Skills Required
Today’s fleets leverage a wide range of technology and telematics—such as GPS tracking, fuel consumption monitoring, idle time reports, and driver behavior analysis. A key skill for Fleet Managers is the ability to harness this data effectively, optimising fleet and driver safety while maximising operational efficiency.
Vehicle acquisition is another crucial responsibility for Fleet Managers when businesses seek to expand or update their fleets. In specifying new vehicles, Fleet Managers focus on designing to meet the precise needs of the role, with an emphasis on safety and sustainability.
From there, they manage the fleet’s full maintenance lifecycle, including fuel programs to sustain efficiency and reduce costs. Depending on the company setup, maintenance may be handled by in-house workshop teams or outsourced specialists, with the Fleet Manager overseeing these relationships and contracts.
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal and based on roles Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting or has previously recruited and relate to base salaries. They do not include any additional bonuses or benefits.
Fleet Manager salaries can vary widely based on the scope of the role. Key factors include whether the role is a sole-charge position or supported by a team of Schedulers or Maintenance Specialists, as well as the size and complexity of the fleet. Below are estimated salary ranges based on current market observations.
- Fleet Manager – Small Fleet: $130,000 – $150,000
- Fleet Manager – Medium Fleet: $150,000 – $170,000
- Fleet Manager – Large Fleet and National Responsibility: $180,000 – $220,000 +
If you would like to find out more about the role of a Transport Manager, please contact consultant Joe Francis. Joe specialises in the recruitment of Supply Chain, Distribution and Logistics.. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
