Fleet & Communication Systems Manager

City of Bellevue • Interim • Bellevue, WA • $130.04k - $179.44k / year • 6d ago

The Fleet & Communication Systems Manager leads a dynamic team within the Finance & Asset Management Department, ensuring the reliable operation of the City’s fleet and radio communication systems. This role is critical to supporting public safety and infrastructure services, overseeing over 1,000 assets, 12 fuel sites, and managing reserve funds for equipment maintenance and replacement. The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with deep expertise in fleet operations, technology integration, and team development.

Leadership & Strategy

Define and implement the Fleet Section’s vision, strategic direction, and policies.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes innovation and high performance.
Lead a team of 27 staff, including assistant managers, technicians, inventory specialists, administrative personnel, and communications technicians.
Oversee recruitment, performance management, training, and professional development.
Represent the Fleet Section in labor negotiations with Teamsters Local 763 and IBEW Local 77.
Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational regulations.
Collaborate with internal departments to align services with organizational goals.
Serve as a key member of the Finance & Asset Management leadership team.
Champion data-driven decision-making through the development of reporting tools and performance metrics.
Lead cross-functional teams on strategic initiatives and emerging issues.
Deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

Fiscal Oversight

Develop and manage operational and reserve budgets within the City’s Equipment Rental Fund.
Optimize resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of personnel, materials, and equipment.
Establish and monitor performance metrics and workload forecasts.
Prepare reports, business cases, and proposals to support strategic decisions.
Oversee payroll accuracy, scheduling, and compliance with labor agreements.

Fleet & Systems Management

Direct the maintenance and lifecycle management of 1,000+ vehicles and equipment across 74 classifications.
Ensure accurate data collection and compliance with maintenance standards.
Implement and monitor key performance indicators and service level agreements.
Lead emergency preparedness and security initiatives for fleet operations.
Manage vendor contracts and interagency agreements.
Develop and deliver training programs aligned with evolving fleet technologies, including green initiatives.

Supervision

Reports to the Assistant Director or Director of Finance & Asset Management.
Provides direct and indirect supervision to union, technical, maintenance, and administrative staff.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Project Management, or related field.
Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in fleet management.
Minimum 5 years of supervisory and team leadership experience.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (queries, pivot tables, graphs).
Ability to pass a criminal background check and maintain security clearance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

In-depth knowledge of public fleet operations and applicable regulations.
Experience managing operating and capital budgets, including rate development.
Proficiency in maintenance management systems (Maximo preferred).
Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Effective communication with diverse stakeholders.
Experience with process improvement methodologies (LEAN preferred).

Key Competencies

Strategic Mindset – Anticipates future trends and develops innovative strategies.
Optimizes Work Processes – Continuously improves systems and workflows.
Organizational Savvy – Navigates complex organizational dynamics effectively.
Interpersonal Savvy – Builds strong relationships across diverse groups.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.
Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry items weighing up to 20 pounds.
The noise level in the work environment is typically moderately quiet; however, some facility sites may be very loud.