Allen Walsh

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.

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.

Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in IT Software and Telecommunications

GCSE English — Grade A

GCSE Mathematics — Grade B