Director of Fleet

The Plote Family of Companies is a fine example of the American dream realized through over 60 years of hard work, sacrifice and a deep understanding of the value of focused individual effort, performed in concert, to achieve the goal of entrepreneurial success. At Plote we bring expertise, quality, depth of resources, and cutting edge equipment and technology together to deliver exceptional services in excavation, aggregates, asphalt paving, concrete paving, civil heavy engineering, sustainable materials, commercial development, environmental services, and snow removal. If you’re a strategic thinker who loves the roar of engines and the precision of planning, this is your kind of challenge. You’ll lead the charge in managing our fleet of heavy equipment, trucks, and semis — optimizing utilization, keeping operations running smoothly, and ensuring every machine earns its keep. From overseeing shop operations and maintenance to guiding equipment acquisitions and aligning fleet performance with company goals, this role is at the heart of how we build. Responsibilities: Budgeting & Financial Oversight Manage the fleet department’s budget, ensuring expenses are controlled, and performance targets are met. Oversee the establishment and regular adjustment of equipment cost rates for ownership and operation, ensuring they align with company financial goals and industry standards. Work with the estimating department and accounting to ensure that equipment expenses are accurately incorporated into estimates and project budgets, ensuring full recovery of all equipment fleet department related expenses on an annual basis. Develop cost analyses and provide recommendations for reducing ownership, operating, maintenance and repair, and overhead costs related to fleet management. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to fleet usage, equipment availability, and cost per hour of operation. Develop and implement software and strategies to ensure the optimal tracking, utilization and preventative maintenance of heavy equipment, light trucks, and semis. Leverage Equipment usage forecasts based on bid data and job schedules from the Estimating and PM teams to identify potential over/under allocations within the lookahead period and work with Operations to make necessary adjustments or pursue rentals to ensure project schedule demands are met. Manage and track rental equipment, negotiate competitive rates and help to ensure proper rental utilization. Establish and maintain a logical data driven system to inform the decision-making trade-off between disposing/ replacing, maintaining, or leasing every asset in the fleet. Collaborate with ownership when purchasing new equipment, ensuring that all acquisitions meet project requirements, budget constraints, and long-term company objectives. Execute the sale of surplus or obsolete equipment, ensuring that assets are properly depreciated, and the company receives maximum value. Evaluate market conditions and emerging equipment technologies to make recommendations for equipment upgrades or replacements. Shop Operations Oversight Provide high-level oversight of shop managers and provide strategic direction for the company’s fleet maintenance and repair operations. Ensure that fleet maintenance practices support operational readiness, cost-efficiency, and compliance with safety standards. Support and empower shop management in executing preventive maintenance programs and repair workflows. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and performance among the fleet operations team through indirect leadership and strategic guidance. Lead overall workforce strategy for union fleet personnel in collaboration with shop managers and HR. Ensure that staffing levels, skills, and labor practices align with project demand and contractual obligations. Support labor relations strategies in partnership with HR to maintain compliance with union agreements and labor regulations. Champion training initiatives and professional development opportunities for maintenance personnel Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Logistics, or a related field. Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in fleet operations, equipment maintenance, or logistics within the construction, transportation, or heavy equipment industries. Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience, including team and budget management responsibilities. Preferred Education and Experience: Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Engineering Management, or Construction Management. Experience managing union mechanics and working with collective bargaining agreements. Background supporting heavy civil or infrastructure projects with large equipment needs. Knowledge and Skills: Deep knowledge of construction equipment, vehicle maintenance, and fleet lifecycle management. Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze cost data and make budget-conscious decisions. Strategic thinking and operational planning capabilities related to equipment utilization and logistics. Proficiency in fleet management, ERP, or equipment tracking software. Excellent leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills, including experience managing skilled trades. Strong understanding of safety standards, DOT regulations, and environmental compliance related to fleet operations. Skilled in vendor negotiation and contract management, especially related to equipment rental and purchasing. Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, project managers, mechanics, and external stakeholders. Results-driven with a commitment to continuous improvement and cost optimization. Why Plote At Plote we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans, generous paid time off, retirement savings to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. Plote has a fast-paced and dynamic environment where team members are committed to excellence and proud to be part of a growing and successful construction company. BEFORE ALL ELSE, SAFETY FIRST. Plote Construction, Northern Illinois’ premier Excavating, Asphalt Paving and Concrete Contractor, is committed to conducting construction operations in the safest manner possible. With an industry leading safety record, and a robust safety program. At Plote you’ll find a deep commitment and dedication to safety and team members’ wellbeing. Plote is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Plote will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Artificial Intelligence (AI) Notice Plote Companies may use artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology-assisted tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. These tools may be integrated into recruiting platforms, applicant tracking systems, job boards, or business applications to help organize, summarize, compare, and evaluate job-related information submitted by applicants. If AI-assisted technologies are used during an interview (such as transcription, recording, or note-taking), applicants will be informed before or at the start of the interview. AI tools are used to support, not replace, human decision-making. Employment decisions are made by Plote Companies representatives after reviewing each candidate's qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr