Director, Fleet

Reporting to ARS’s Chief Procurement Officer, this role is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing procurement and operational management of ARS’s vehicle fleet. The position serves as a key business partner to ARS’s leadership, establishing and executing fleet strategy in collaboration with business leaders, suppliers, and customers. The goal is to reduce costs, increase reliability, and mitigate risks.

(Other duties may be assigned.)

• Lead, develop, train the Fleet staff, which includes hiring, terminating and disciplining of employees, scheduling employees, setting work priorities, conducting staff meetings, counseling and training employees, evaluating performance and directing work assignments to ensure effective departmental operation.
• Develop a deep understanding of total spend, pricing structures, commercial terms, and market trends within assigned categories; maintain in-depth knowledge of market dynamics.
• Manage vehicle orders, track and report progress, resolve delays, communicate professionally and accurately with field Operations staff, address vendor issues, and maintain updated records.
• Leverage market knowledge to strengthen ARS’s sourcing capabilities, anticipate industry shifts, and position ARS competitively.
• Meet or exceed Operations cost reduction targets.
• Evaluate and approve suppliers, define supplier strategy, and negotiate complex contracts aligned with departmental goals and initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to identify, qualify, negotiate, and onboard new suppliers or manufacturing processes that ensure supply reliability, cost efficiency, and business profitability.
• Develop a thorough understanding of ARS’s product lines, market strategy, competition, and technologies to integrate fleet management with operational leadership across the company.
• Assess parts, processes, and suppliers to ensure effective supplier and part strategies are implemented.
• Ensure adequate supplier capacity, competitive supply costs, reduced lead times, and improved supplier performance.
• Adhere to all company safety rules, policies, and regulations.
• Establish and monitor supplier performance metrics to ensure accountability.
• Conduct cost planning, analysis, and negotiations to support cost reductions, supplier strategy, and overall procurement efficiency.
• Develop and manage departmental plans and priorities to achieve strategic goals; drive team performance through effective leadership, performance management, and talent development.
• Facilitate communication and coordination across ARS corporate functions and franchise locations.
• Actively participate in budgeting, business planning, and monthly performance reviews.
• Manage vendor relationships, requiring at least 25% travel.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 8 years of strategic procurement experience in vehicle manufacturing, fleet management, transportation, or related industries.
• Demonstrated people management experience required.
• Proven ability to think strategically about procurement in alignment with overall business strategy.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage across all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Deep knowledge of supply markets, industry trends, and competitive dynamics; ability to adapt procurement strategy to evolving business needs.
• Proven track record of innovative approaches that have created competitive advantage and significant business impact.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to thrive in a matrix environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, including expertise in cost analysis and contract management.