Sam Smith

A highly accomplished Fleet Manager with a specialist background in national fleet compliance and high-utilization asset management. Proven expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks (including LOLER and MOT standards) while managing the full maintenance lifecycle for a 200+ unit fleet across a multi-site network. A decisive leader who excels in high pressure environments, specialising in risk mitigation, VOR reduction and strategic resource allocation to ensure 100% operational readiness.

Fleet Manager - Smart Platforms Rental Ltd

(2025-01)

MEWP Hire Industry

• National Fleet Oversight: Directly responsible for the legal compliance and operational readiness of a 200+ unit national hire fleet across 7+ depots.
• End-to-End Maintenance Planning: Managing the full lifecycle of vehicle maintenance, including the scheduling of MOTs, LOLER inspections and routine vehicle service to ensure maximum fleet availability.
• Engineering Resource Management: Coordinating a national team of engineers, prioritizing reactive repairs (VOR) and planned maintenance to minimize machine downtime and maximize hire revenue.
• Financial Accountability: Managing the monthly repair and maintenance budget, making critical 'repair vs outsource' decisions to protect profit margins and operational efficiency.
• Cross Functional Leadership: Serving as the central point of contact for depot managers and Directors to align fleet availability with regional sales demand.
• Departmental Transition: Strategically absorbed the senior management and compliance planning responsibilities for the national fleet following a departmental restructure, maintaining 100% compliance across 7 depots with no increase in headcount.

Fleet Coordinator - Smart Platforms Rental Ltd

(2023-02 - 2025-01)

MEWP Hire Industry

• Operational Scaling: Promoted to absorb all Fleet Administrator responsibilities while taking direct ownership of customer damage recharges, collaborating with depots to establish liability and recover costs
• Maintenance Scheduling: Planned and coordinated complex workshop schedules across seven depots, balancing repair urgency with available engineering resources to optimize fleet availability.
• Cost Control & Auditing: Rigorously reviewed and challenged supplier invoices, successfully identifying discrepancies to reduce unnecessary departmental spend.
• Resource Prioritization: Prioritized reactive maintenance and made daily operational decisions that directly improved fleet turnaround times and minimised asset downtime.

Fleet Administrator - Smart Platforms Rental Ltd

(2022-10 - 2023-02)

MEWP Hire Industry

• Operational Support: Provided comprehensive daily administrative support to the Fleet Manager, handling engineer reporting, documentation compliance and reactive vehicle maintenance tracking.
• Downtime Minimization: Managed daily Vehicle Off Road (VOR) logs, actively monitoring repair statuses to ensure rapid fleet turnaround times.
• Incident Coordination: Handled direct calls for vehicle breakdowns, accurately allocating mobile engineers to resolve technical issues on-site.
• Financial Administration: Issued purchase orders for replacement parts based on engineering assessments and resolved supplier invoice discrepancies.
• Compliance Tracking: Oversaw the installation, tracking, and compliance of vital telemetry systems and regional transport permits (including TFL, CAZ and London permits).

Fleet and Compliance Co-ordinator - Petit Forestier

(2021-09 - 2022-10)

• Regulatory Compliance: Monitored vehicle fleet data to ensure 100% adherence to external safety regulations and stringent internal company policies.
• Breakdown Management: Coordinated live breakdowns and tracked national VOR metrics to minimise vehicle downtime and maintain high customer satisfaction.
• Escalation & Resolution: Identified workshop bottlenecks, escalating repair delays appropriately to drive efficient third-party resolutions.

New Business Consultant - PHS

(2021-04 - 2021-09)

• Business Development: Identified and engaged target B2B accounts, collaborating with decision-makers to promote tailed service offerings and drive long-term client retention.

Corporate Account Manager - Arval UK, BNP Paribas

(2018-07 - 2020-08)

• Managed corporate client portfolios (20–700 vehicles), produced quotes, and secured orders.
• Built strong client relationships and introduced upsell opportunities.
• Oversaw bespoke process management and performance against KPIs.
• Conducted client meetings and ensured compliance with GDPR standards.
• Managed complaints and identified root causes for service improvements.

Aftersales Team Trainer - Arval UK, BNP Paribas

(2017-01 - 2018-12)

• Designed and implemented training programs to upskill team members.
• Tracked individual progress and addressed knowledge gaps through tailored plans.

Operational Aftersales Executive - Arval UK, BNP Paribas

(2014-09 - 2017-01)

• Maintained supplier relationships, managed performance, and resolved invoice issues.
• Scheduled emergency and routine maintenance appointments.
• Operated driver helpline and reduced customer downtime via efficient support.

Scheduler / Team Leader / Team Trainer - UKDN Waterflow

(2013-01 - 2014-12)

• Scheduled engineers efficiently to maximise job completion.
• Managed a small team and trained new staff in operational processes.

BA (Hons) - Theatre and Professional Practice

A-Levels - BTEC National Diploma (Performing Arts), GCE Media

GCSEs - 16 A*-C including English and Maths

Certificate - Counselling Skills - University