Fleet Manager-Polytec

About the role

The Fleet Manager is responsible for the overall performance, safety, compliance, and cost management of the fleet. This role oversees driver performance, equipment maintenance, regulatory compliance, and fleet operations while partnering with logistics, operations, and regional leadership to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective transportation services.

Responsibilities

• Maintains daily operational reports to improve driver safety, service levels, and overall productivity.
• Serves as an escalation and backup point of contact for drivers and local dispatch.
• Ensures adequate staffing and fleet capacity to meet operational demand.
• Analyzes fleet utilization and recommends asset redeployment or acquisition to optimize service and cost balance.
• Partners with logistics, operations leaders, and plant managers to support business objectives and improve fleet efficiency.
• Manages day-to-day personnel activities including scheduling, time-off approvals, coaching, and performance management.
• Leads recruiting efforts, including submitting requisitions, interviewing, and evaluating candidates.
• Fosters a positive work environment that supports employee engagement, recognition, and professional development.
• Provides coaching and guidance to drivers and leadership to promote effective communication and conflict resolution.
• Ensures compliance with all DOT regulations and company safety policies, including maintaining driver qualifications, licenses, endorsements, medical certifications, and required training.
• Oversees driver safety programs, including PPE compliance, safety communication, and ongoing education initiatives.
• Maintains DOT Safer/BASICS data and partners with Regional Driving Managers (RDMs) to implement improvement strategies.
• Investigates, identifies root causes, and implements corrective actions for incidents, NOVs, and safety events.
• Audits operational and safety data to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Coordinates with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure drivers are medically fit for duty when concerns arise.
• Oversees compliance-related vendor programs, including DOT medical and substance abuse programs.
• Oversees development and implementation of driver training programs, including onboarding, certification, and ongoing compliance training.
• Verifies adequacy of emergency response training and updates programs in partnership with RDMs.
• Ensures all training compliance requirements are met and properly documented.
• Develops and oversees preventative and reactive maintenance strategies to ensure equipment reliability and compliance.
• Maintains equipment inspections, including DOT-required inspections, and ensures all are completed on time and properly documented.
• Establishes and manages relationships with approved maintenance vendors, including audit processes.
• Maintains equipment performance, out-of-service trends, and maintenance costs, and recommends repair or replacement strategies.
• Monitors inventory of critical spare parts and asset inspection platforms.
• Ensures all maintenance records are accurate, complete, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Supports maintenance-related financial processes, including estimates, purchase orders, and invoice approvals.
• Owes and manages fleet-related cost centers, including equipment, maintenance, fuel, and labor.
• Develops and manages budgets, monitors spending, and identifies cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service levels.
• Tracks and reports on cost control initiatives and overall fleet financial performance.
• Evaluates cost efficiency between private fleet operations and third-party carriers.
• Develops, implements, and maintains fleet policies and procedures in alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures proper documentation and timely processing of licenses, permits, and regulatory filings.
• Identifies opportunities for operational improvements and drives initiatives to enhance efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Addresses systemic issues such as reporting structure clarity and operational communication gaps.
• Travels to company locations as needed to support fleet operations and maintenance oversight.

Qualifications

• College or university degree in Supply Chain, Transportation, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of relevant experience, preferably in an industrial or chemical processing environment, with at least 5 years of experience in the road transportation industry.
• Technical knowledge of tractors, trailers, and chemicals.
• Strong understanding of trucking operations, bulk transportation, and scheduling highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of DOT and MTO regulations required.
• Minimum of 3+ years of supervisory experience in transportation or the chemical industry preferred.
• Experience supervising within a unionized environment is a plus.
• Valid or previously held CDL considered an asset.
• Project management experience is an asset.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Skills

• Leadership and management skills.
• Knowledge of DOT and MTO regulations.
• Supervisory experience in transportation or the chemical industry.
• Project management experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Benefits

At Polytec, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth. Some of the benefits include:

• Health insurance options.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
• Retirement savings plans.
• Employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Family-friendly policies.
• Professional development opportunities.

Pay

$115,000 - $125,000 USD/year (not eligible for overtime); 10% bonus eligible.

Schedule

On-site at the Mooresville, NC, USA, Polytec Plant.

Company Overview

Polytec Inc's mission is to provide effective water treatment programs to customers through quality service, products, and technology. Our chemical programs provide our industrial and municipal customers with innovative, custom-designed solutions that help them meet their pretreatment and direct-discharge permit requirements. Polytec maintains a large chemical and transportation network that provides each customer with quick and reliable service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to cultivating a work environment that embraces and values the unique qualities, skills, and experiences of every employee. We believe in harnessing the richness of diverse talents, ideas, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to drive our business forward, and see our diversity as one of our greatest strengths.