Regional Fleet Manager

Bringing Home the Dough

The Regional Fleet Manager is a strategic leader responsible for optimizing the performance, safety, and compliance of all company-owned vehicles within a designated region. This role ensures fleet operations are aligned with organizational objectives by driving operational excellence, maximizing asset utilization, and fostering cross-functional collaboration with the Flowers organization.
Acting as a key liaison between fleet operations and DSD sales, this role plays a pivotal part in delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation solutions that support business growth.
Deep knowledge of fleet maintenance best practices, regulatory compliance (DOT, state, and local), and vehicle lifecycle management is essential.

Rising to the Challenge: Position Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities/Major Duties

Fleet Operations & Strategy

• Lead all regional fleet operations, ensuring optimal vehicle performance, safety, and cost-efficiency in alignment with company goals.
• Oversee the full vehicle lifecycle—from acquisition and utilization to maintenance and disposal—leveraging preferred vendor partnerships and data insights.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local motor carrier regulations, including licensing, registration, and documentation.
• Maintain audit-ready records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance activities.

Telematics & Performance Monitoring

• Leverage GPS and telematics tools to track vehicle location, route adherence, mileage, downtime, and overall performance.
• Analyze route efficiency, reduce empty miles, and identify opportunities for performance and cost improvements.

Cost Management & Optimization

• Maintain and track the total cost of ownership (TCO) for all vehicles.
• Identify and execute strategies to reduce fuel usage, improve MPG, extend vehicle life, and reduce maintenance costs.

Fleet Assignment & Utilization

• Manage vehicle assignments across sales divisions to ensure strategic deployment and operational support for DSD operations.
• Respond rapidly to business needs by adjusting vehicle allocation and availability.

Training & Development

• Train, coach, and influence DSD sales operations teams on proper vehicle use, safety protocols, and compliance practices.
• Design and implement region-specific training programs that reinforce accountability and safety culture.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with HR, Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, and DSD Sales to align fleet performance with broader business priorities.
• Support the DSD Sales team with responsive, high-performing fleet operations and seamless coordination with vendors and internal teams.

Safety Leadership

• Develop, communicate, and enforce robust safety programs aimed at minimizing accidents, improving driver behavior, and maintaining DOT compliance.
• Monitor incident trends and proactively implement corrective measures.

Project & Program Management

• Lead regional fleet initiatives such as new vehicle rollouts, fleet upgrades, and process improvement projects.
• Ensure alignment with national fleet strategy and company-wide operational standards.

Policy Adherence

• Comply with and enforce all company policies including EEO, Harassment, Safety, and Sarbanes-Oxley.

Maintain confidentiality and act with integrity in all business dealings.

Knead to Know: Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of practical fleet management experience.
• Proven track record of operational and organizational skills required.
• 5+ years of experience in fleet or transportation management, preferably in a DSD or food distribution environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fleet management software.

Additional Ingredients: Essential Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.