Head of Service - Fleet & Transport

Contract to start ASAP until 28-12-26 with a possible extension.

Full job description

Head of Service – Fleet & Transport

Hours: Full-time (7.4 hours per day)

Contract: Temporary Contract, ending 28 December 2026

Lead the Strategic Delivery of Fleet and Transport Services

We're recruiting an experienced Head of Service – Fleet & Transport to join Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, providing senior leadership across fleet, transport, operational delivery, compliance, and service improvement.

This is a senior management opportunity for an experienced transport or fleet professional who can provide strategic direction, oversee operational performance, manage large-scale resources, and ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with statutory and Council requirements.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, operational managers, contractors, suppliers, partner organisations, and internal stakeholders, helping to shape and deliver a high-performing fleet and transport service.

About the Role

As Head of Service – Fleet & Transport, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across the Council's fleet and transport functions, ensuring services are compliant, financially sustainable, customer-focused, and aligned with wider organisational priorities.

What you'll be doing:

• Providing strategic leadership and direction across fleet and transport services
• Overseeing the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the Council's fleet
• Managing operational performance, budgets, resources, and service delivery
• Leading managers and teams to achieve high standards of performance and service quality
• Ensuring compliance with transport legislation, operator licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and Council policies
• Developing and implementing fleet and transport strategies, policies, and service improvement plans
• Monitoring performance against key targets, service standards, and contractual requirements
• Providing professional advice to senior leaders, elected members, and internal stakeholders
• Managing relationships with suppliers, contractors, external agencies, and service partners
• Driving continuous improvement and identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and value for money
• Supporting procurement, contract management, and commissioning activity relating to fleet and transport services
• Overseeing fleet replacement, maintenance, utilisation, and lifecycle planning
• Managing risk and ensuring appropriate governance arrangements are in place
• Supporting organisational objectives around sustainability, carbon reduction, and efficient transport operations
• Leading service change programmes and supporting wider transformation activity
• Ensuring effective financial management and budgetary control
• Preparing and presenting reports, recommendations, and performance information to senior management and relevant committees

Requirements

We're looking for a highly experienced, strategic, and commercially aware leader with a strong background in fleet, transport, logistics, or related operational services.

You'll ideally have:

• Significant senior management experience within fleet, transport, logistics, highways, waste, or a related operational service
• Strong knowledge of fleet management and transport operations
• A detailed understanding of relevant transport legislation and regulatory requirements
• Experience managing large operational teams and complex service areas
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering value for money
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Experience developing and implementing strategies, policies, and service improvement plans
• Experience managing contractors, suppliers, and commercial relationships
• Strong understanding of health and safety, governance, and risk management
• Ability to analyse performance information and use data to drive service improvements
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, elected members, or executive leadership teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading organisational change and transformation programmes
• Local authority or wider public-sector experience would be highly advantageous
• Ability to work effectively in a high-profile, fast-paced senior leadership environment
• Eligibility to work in the UK
• Ability to provide three years of references/work history
• Ability to complete a Criminal Convictions Declaration
• Ability to sign a Confidentiality Agreement

Why Apply

• Senior leadership opportunity within Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
• Chance to shape and lead a key operational service
• Opportunity to influence fleet strategy, performance, and service transformation
• High-profile role working with senior leaders and key stakeholders
• Opportunity to deliver meaningful service improvements and operational efficiencies
• Varied role combining strategy, leadership, compliance, finance, and operational management

Benefits

• Weekly Pay
• Company Pension
• Ongoing Agency Support

Additional Information

Client: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Location: Hellaby Depot, Sandbeck Way, Hellaby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 8QL

Hours: 7.4 hours per day

Start Date: 19 October 2026

Contract End Date: 28 December 2026

Pay Rate: £550.00 per day Umbrella

Contract Type: Temporary

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary contract

Pay: £550.00 per day

Benefits:

• Company pension

Application question(s):

• Do you have senior management experience within fleet, transport, logistics, or a related operational service?
• Do you have experience managing large operational teams, significant budgets, and complex service delivery?
• Do you have strong knowledge of transport legislation, fleet compliance, and operator licensing requirements?
• Are you able to work from Hellaby Depot, Rotherham, and start from 19 October 2026?

Experience:

• Fleet / Transport Management: 5 years (preferred)
• Senior Management / Head of Service: 3 years (preferred)
• Local Authority / Public Sector: 2 years (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Disclaimer: On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify iWork Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

000B 6E1F / 1-10-26