Head of Materials and Fleet in Stretford, Trafford

Fraser Edwards is working in partnership with a leading social housing organisation to recruit an experienced Head of Materials & Fleet.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader from a fleet, materials, logistics or supply chain background to take ownership of two key operational functions within a large maintenance organisation. Reporting directly to the Director of Maintenance Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring frontline maintenance teams have the vehicles, materials, tools and equipment they need to deliver an efficient, high-quality repairs service to residents.

With responsibility for a combined budget of approximately £20 million, this is a strategic leadership position offering the opportunity to drive operational improvements, strengthen supplier relationships, improve value for money and shape the future delivery of fleet and materials services. We are particularly interested in candidates who understand the demands of social housing, property maintenance and the importance of getting repairs right first time.

The Role

As Head of Materials & Fleet, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Fleet and Materials, ensuring both functions deliver an effective, responsive and commercially efficient service.

You will lead two direct reports and a wider team of 14 indirect reports, alongside managing key supplier relationships and significant operational contracts.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the organisation’s fleet management function, ensuring vehicles are safe, reliable, compliant, well-maintained and fit for purpose.
• Develop and implement fleet strategies to improve vehicle availability, utilisation, efficiency and whole-life cost management.
• Lead materials and supply chain operations, ensuring maintenance teams have timely access to the materials, tools and equipment required to deliver services effectively.
• Improve stock control, materials availability, purchasing, warehousing and distribution processes to maximise efficiency and minimise waste.
• Take responsibility for a significant budget of approximately £20 million, ensuring robust financial management, budgetary control and value for money.
• Lead supplier, contractor and commercial relationships, monitoring contract performance, service delivery and compliance with agreed standards.
• Review procurement strategies and commercial arrangements, identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and maximise value.
• Provide strong leadership, direction and development to the Fleet and Materials teams, promoting accountability, collaboration and high performance.
• Drive service transformation and modernisation initiatives, developing strategies to enhance operational delivery, productivity and overall service performance.
• Monitor management information, KPIs and performance data to identify improvement opportunities, manage operational risks and deliver continuous service improvement.

About You

We are looking for a commercially minded and forward-thinking leader who can demonstrate a strong track record of managing operational support functions and delivering measurable improvements.

You will ideally have experience within one or more of the following areas:

• Fleet management
• Materials management
• Logistics and distribution
• Procurement and supply chain
• Operational support services
• Experience managing significant budgets and delivering cost efficiencies.
• Strong supplier, contract and commercial management experience.
• A track record of implementing service improvements and managing change.

Experience working within a housing association, local authority or property maintenance environment would be advantageous.

However, candidates from other sectors with transferable experience in large-scale operational environments will also be considered, particularly those who understand the importance of supporting frontline teams and delivering excellent customer service.

Qualifications: No specific qualifications are essential. We are interested in your leadership experience, commercial awareness and ability to deliver results.

Location & Working Arrangements

The role is based at the organisation's Manchester (Stretford) office, with hybrid working arrangements.

You will be expected to spend approximately 20%–40% of your contractual working hours working from the office or designated work locations.

Occasional travel to London will also be required for meetings, operational site visits and stakeholder engagement.

What's on Offer?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a senior leadership team and take responsibility for two critical functions within a major social housing maintenance operation.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• The opportunity to lead and shape key operational services.
• Responsibility for a substantial £20 million budget.
• The ability to influence strategic and operational decision-making.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Excellent pension scheme, with up to 6% double contribution.
  • 28 days annual leave, increasing to 31 days with length of service, plus bank holidays.
  • Westfield Health Cash Plan.
  • Non-contributory life assurance.
  • Up to 21 hours of paid volunteering leave.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Lifestyle benefits and additional employee discounts.