The Vice President of Fleet Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance of Safeway Trucking's fleet assets. This includes oversight of all chassis and tractors, fleet acquisition and lifecycle management, maintenance operations, vendor relations, and technical supervision—leveraging deep expertise in diesel mechanics.
The VP will lead a multidisciplinary team including fleet managers, mechanics, safety officers, and administrative personnel to ensure optimal performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the company's transportation assets.
Key Responsibilities
Fleet Strategy & Oversight
- Develop and execute long-term strategies for fleet optimization, including acquisition, disposal, and replacement planning.
- Oversee chassis and tractor asset management, ensuring alignment with company growth and customer demand.
- Set and monitor KPIs related to fleet performance, availability, reliability, and total cost of ownership.
Maintenance & Technical Leadership
Supervise maintenance operations, ensuring high mechanical integrity and safety across all assets.Serve as the subject matter expert on diesel mechanics, mentoring shop staff and guiding repair protocols.Lead continuous improvement initiatives within fleet shops to reduce downtime, increase first-time fix rates, and improve technician efficiency.Compliance & Safety
Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local transportation and environmental regulations (e.g., DOT, EPA).Champion safety initiatives related to fleet maintenance and operation; collaborate with Safety and Compliance departments.Vendor & Budget Management
Manage relationships with OEMs, leasing companies, repair vendors, and parts suppliers.Develop and administer the fleet operations budget, including capital expenditures, maintenance costs, and vendor contracts.Technology & Innovation
Evaluate and implement fleet management systems, telematics, and predictive maintenance tools.Explore innovations such as electric vehicle integration, emissions-reduction technologies, and automation where applicable.Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Transportation Management, Mechanical Engineering, Business, or related field (Master's preferred).10+ years of experience in fleet management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.Proven hands-on diesel mechanic experience—preferably with certifications (ASE, OEM training, etc.).Experience managing chassis and tractor assets in intermodal, port, or OTR (over-the-road) environments is highly preferred.Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and team-building skills across multi-site or regional operations.Expertise in DOT / FMCSA regulations and maintenance standards.Analytical and budgetary acumen; experience managing large CAPEX and OPEX budgets.Proficient in fleet management software, diagnostic tools, and telematics platforms.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Fleet uptime percentagePM (Preventive Maintenance) compliance ratesAverage maintenance cost per mileTechnician productivity and efficiency metricsSafety / violation incident reductionFleet ROI and asset utilization