Allen Walsh
FLEET MANAGER | FLEET MANAGEMENT, STRATEGY & OPERATIONS
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About
Fleet management professional with key experience at Southern Housing as Fleet Manager. Responsible for a national fleet of approximately 550+ vehicles supporting frontline housing and estate services. Experienced in Fleet strategy, vehicle procurement and acquisition, large-scale mobilization, supplier management, compliance and cost/budget control with a strong automotive and technical systems background.
Experience
Fleet Manager at SOUTHERN HOUSING (formerly Optivo) (2023-09 – Present)
Progressed through Repairs Administrator and Fleet Coordinator roles into Fleet management, overseeing nationwide fleet services supporting estates and property maintenance teams.
- Manage approximately 550+ LCVs, cars and minibuses across multiple UK regions, aligning fleet availability, vehicle suitability and replacement plans with frontline operational requirements.
- Led the insourcing and mobilisation of approximately 300 vehicles, coordinating sourcing, specifications, driver training, licence checks, compliance and operational handover.
- Direct vehicle procurement, leasing and lifecycle planning, including cost analysis, ordering, vehicle conversion, livery and deployment.
- Manage relationships with leasing companies, dealerships, converters, telematics providers and specialist contractors to support service delivery and value for money.
- Oversee compliance controls covering MOTs, servicing, inspections, taxation, insurance, recalls, driver licensing and defect management.
- Use Samsara telematics and camera data to monitor driver behaviour, vehicle utilisation and safety; collaborate with Health & Safety on reporting and improvement initiatives.
- Lead three direct reports through objective setting, regular one-to-ones, coaching and performance management.
- Support EV transition planning through vehicle suitability reviews, charging assessments, operating cost comparisons and operational engagement.
- Work closely with Finance, Procurement, operational leaders and Health & Safety to improve fleet processes, manage costs and maintain fit-for-purpose vehicle specifications.
Service Advisor at LISTERS COVENTRY AUDI (2016-06 – 2020-10)
Developed automotive expertise in vehicle maintenance, workshop operations, manufacturer requirements and customer service within a premium dealership.
- Coordinated servicing, maintenance and repairs, working to maintain efficient vehicle turnaround and minimise downtime.
- Liaised with technicians, parts and warranty teams to resolve vehicle issues and coordinate repair requirements.
- Prepared repair estimates, invoices and warranty documentation, maintaining accurate service records through automotive management systems.
O2 (Talk Talk Mobile Phone Ltd) (2014-10 – 2016-06)
Customer-facing experience, developing communication, issue resolution and service delivery skills.
Sitel (Virgin Media Retentions) (2014-01 – 2014-07)
Customer retention and service support experience.
IT / Oracle Technical Apprenticeship at Steria (2012-09 – 2013-11)
Completed an advanced apprenticeship and worked on internal IT projects involving Oracle applications, system development, technical support and project delivery tools.
Education
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in IT Software and Telecommunications
GCSE English — Grade A
GCSE Mathematics — Grade B
