Colchester
Fleet Director – Specialist Transport & Lifting Industry Brandon, Suffolk or Earls Colne, Essex Full-time | Permanent | Competitive Salary + Benefits & Company Car Closing date: Friday 31st October David Watson Transport Ltd is one of the UK’s leading specialist transport and lifting companies — operating over 110 vehicles from seven depots nationwide. We pride ourselves on “Setting the Standards for Others to Follow.” We’re looking for a Fleet Director who shares our passion for operational performance, compliance, and leadership excellence to lead our national fleet operations, ensuring excellence in compliance, performance, and reliability across all depots. This is a pivotal leadership role, reporting directly to the Managing Director, and influencing strategy across the business. What You’ll Be Doing • Lead the strategic management of our 110+ vehicle fleet, cranes., • Oversee vehicle maintenance, servicing, breakdowns and MOTs to ensure full legal compliance., • Direct the workshops and service teams, promoting high standards of safety and efficiency., • Regular travel to depots nationwide to review fleet performance, support Depot Managers, and maintain consistent operational standards., • Drive fleet performance through data, cost control, and proactive maintenance planning., • Manage budgets, procurement, and supplier relationships., • Act as the Responsible Person for FORS accreditation and support our ISO certifications (9001 & 14001)., • Provide clear leadership and development for Service Managers and depot teams., • Provide strategic input on fleet replacement, specification, and investment planning. What We’re Looking For • Proven senior experience managing a large mixed fleet., • Transport Manager CPC (essential)., • Strong knowledge of UK transport legislation and compliance., • Confident leader with excellent communication and organisational skills., • Commercially aware with strong cost-control and supplier-management skills., • Ideally: HGV Class 1 Licence and/or experience in specialist transport or lifting operations., • FORS Practitioner qualification or working knowledge of FORS. What’s on Offer • Key leadership role within a respected, family-run business., • Supportive and professional working environment., • Competitive salary and benefits package plus company car., • Real opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most recognised specialist transport companies. How to Apply Send your CV and covering letter to by Friday 31st October. If you’d like to know more, contact our HR team on 01787 224226.