Area Director of Fleet

About the Job

The Area Director of Fleet leads, implements, and monitors maintenance processes that directly support field operations and ensure maximum fleet performance across the Capitol Market Area. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, reducing operating costs, and achieving budgeted profitability through disciplined execution and continuous improvement.

With a span of control that includes 35 locations across Maryland, Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington, DC, the Area Director oversees a diverse and high‑volume fleet of 1,600 collection assets and 800 support vehicles. This leader ensures all fleet operations meet safety, compliance, reliability, and productivity standards while building strong collaborative partnerships with District Managers and operational leaders.

The role carries dual accountability with Fleet Managers and DMs, emphasizing shared ownership for performance, cost control, and service delivery. The Area Director is directly responsible for developing and elevating Fleet Managers, strengthening leadership capabilities, and eliminating siloed behaviors across the market. This leader fosters a cohesive culture of communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving that enhances enterprise-wide results.

What You'll be Doing
 

• Ensure safe and reliable vehicles are available to meet operational requirements.
• Manage effective utilization of vehicle assets.
• Implement cost reduction, customer and employee initiatives that drive value and support key company goals and strategic objectives.
• Implement long-term plans into day-to-day operations.
• Implement planning activities to optimize ROI through effective training and utilization of people and assets.
• Implement maintenance action plans that utilize cost drivers of the business and performance metrics to effect change.
• Implement key processes to effectively drive profitability.
• Implement shop performance improvements.
• Monitor the effectiveness of relevant company programs by tracking and offering timely feedback to improve performance.
• Execute corporate strategies and policies.
• Manage maintenance managers to ensure performance and cost focus across the MSA.
• Conduct fleet evaluations to ensure maintenance standards are met.
• Ensure maintenance shops are adequately staffed and mechanics are properly trained.
• Ensure vehicle management systems are effectively utilized.
• Comply and ensure adherence to WM’s Mission to Zero standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient operations.
• Meet all financial review dates and corporate directed programs in a timely fashion.
• Assist in budget process as required.
• Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the maintenance shops through regular inspections and preventive maintenance programs.
• Prepare and conduct all interviews for management positions and follow hiring procedures per WM hiring policies. Ensure that all current maintenance mangers are also in compliance with the WM standards in their interviewing and hiring procedures for staff positions.
• Conduct and/or attend and contribute to periodic driver/safety meetings to maintain favorable working relationships among all employees and promote maximum morale, productivity, and efficiency.
• Update and submit required reports in a timely manner.

What does it take to be an Area Director of Fleet with WM?

A. Required Qualifications 
 

• Bachelor's Degree (accredited) or in lieu of degree
• High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and four years of relevant work experience
• 10+ years of prior work experience (in addition to education requirement) in Operations Management including at least three years managing a team of two of more individuals.
• Experience in a position involving operations, customer service, community relations, health and safety, financial, and human resources function, experience as a supervisor or manager
• Experience implementing safety (OSHA) programs and equipment specifications
• Experience preparing and managing budgets, and experience resolving labor relations issues desired.
• Valid Driver's License

B. Preferred Qualifications 

Physical Requirements

Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Repetitive Motions
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination
• Sitting
• Talking
• Hearing

☒ Office: This job primarily operates in a profe