Director of Fleet Management

Northwest Tank Lines
has earned a stellar reputation for safely transporting bulk commodities throughout Western Canada. A family-owned business since 1955, we take pride in treating everyone like family. We are a customer-focused company that takes the time to understand the individual needs of each customer, and deliver personalized and timely responses for an exceptional experience. Northwest is a company that puts people first and strives for excellence in all aspects of our business – you are never just a number at Northwest; all employees and customers are a part of the family.

The Role:

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a results-driven
Director of Fleet Management
to lead the modernization of our fleet operations and deliver consistent, measurable performance across Northwest's fleet operations. This critical role is responsible for leveraging technology, data analytics, and best practices to optimize the performance, safety, and efficiency of our diverse fleet. The Director will be accountable for ensuring Northwest remains at the forefront of the industry while maximizing equipment uptime, achieving low operating costs and enabling data-driven decisions that improve reliability, standardize practices, and extend asset life.

This is a unique opportunity to drive significant change within our fleet management department. This role is based at our Calgary office.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Modernization:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term fleet management strategy focused on digital transformation and operational excellence.
• Champion the integration of new technologies (telematics, advanced diagnostics, predictive maintenance systems, etc.) to enhance fleet performance.
• Stay abreast of emerging tools, industry best practices, and innovative strategies in fleet management, vehicle technology, and sustainability to ensure our fleet remains modern and efficient.

Data-Driven Decision Making:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for fleet health, maintenance costs, utilization, and safety.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, predict failures, optimize maintenance schedules, and inform capital expenditure decisions (e.g., equipment lifecycle analysis).
• Provide actionable insights to leadership that drive operational and financial improvements.

Operational Leadership & Accountability:

• Oversee the full asset lifecycle: specification, acquisition, maintenance strategy, and replacement. Use lifecycle cost data to inform replacement timing, parts sourcing, and vendor decisions.
• Oversee all strategic aspects of fleet maintenance, repair, procurement, and disposition for a diverse fleet of heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and light-duty vehicles across multiple terminals in Western Canada. Ensure compliance with all provincial and federal regulations.
• Ensure the fleet operates at maximum availability through proactive maintenance, reduced downtime, and rapid response to mechanical issues.
• Deliver measurable results in cost per mile, downtime percentage, and asset utilization.
• Ensure capital investment decisions are based on performance analytics and cost-benefit outcomes.
• Hold teams and vendors accountable for reliability, cost control, and turnaround times.
• Budget & Cost Control
  -
  Manage the fleet maintenance strategy and replacement budget, striving for maximum cost-efficiency without compromising safety or service quality. Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team focused on reliability and accountability.
• Promote technical training, safety, and data literacy to support efficient and informed operations.
• Foster collaboration between operations, drivers, and maintenance to ensure seamless fleet performance.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education:
  Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Strong Mechanical Background:
  Proven, in-depth mechanical understanding of heavy-duty commercial vehicles (Class 8 trucks) is essential. Hands-on experience or relevant technical certification/trade qualification is highly desirable.
• Experience Leading Fleets:
  Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in fleet management, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing a large, multi-location, and diverse commercial fleet.
• Technology & Analytics Acumen:
  Demonstrated success implementing and leveraging fleet management software (FMS), telematics, GPS tracking, and advanced data analytics to drive operational improvements and predictive maintenance programs.
• Strategic & Financial Expertise:
  Excellent analytical, financial modeling, and budgeting skills. Proven ability to translate operational data into clear strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
• Communication & Leadership Skills:
  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from shop floor mechanics to the executive suite.