Background
Gilead Sciences is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and commercialises innovative medicines in areas of unmet medical need. It strives to transform and simplify care for people with life-threatening illnesses around the world, and its portfolio of products and pipeline of investigational drugs includes treatments for HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, cancer, inflammatory and respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.
Gilead approached Maxwell Stephens to support the recruitment of an EMEA Fleet Manager based at Stockley Park in Middlesex.
The Position
The EMEA Fleet Manager reports to the Senior Manager of Facilities & Operations and is a key role in the support and development of car fleet strategy across the EMEA region. It involves regular interaction with local and country management to ensure all car fleet systems, processes and services operate at maximum efficiency. The main duties and responsibilities included:
- Acting as the central company point of contact on all matters relating to EMEA fleet operations
- Managing all EMEA car lease contracts
- Managing relationships and negotiations with lease and manufacturing companies
- Producing and maintaining an EMEA green fleet policy to improve the fleet strategy and reduce carbon emissions
- Using software to collect and analyse fleet information, including reports on mileage, fuel costs, maintenance programmes, accidents and fines
- Ensuring all vehicle accidents are accurately recorded, investigated and reported to EH&S
- Working with HR to ensure all EMEA fleet policies are current and communicated
Fleet management sits at the edge of the facilities remit and is a specialism in its own right. A regional fleet role combines contract negotiation, data analysis, policy ownership and duty-of-care reporting, and the pool of candidates who have done all of that across several countries is small.
The Candidate
The successful candidate was required to have an extensive understanding of car fleet management principles, concepts, practices and standards, with the ability to work on problems ranging from complex to extremely complex where careful analysis is required. They needed to be proficient at collecting, analysing and understanding data, and at presenting it in a form that supports good management decision-making. They would also need a proven track record as an accomplished business partner supporting senior management, both at corporate head office and at country level.
In terms of education and experience, there were a number of prerequisites:
- At least 8 years' progressive relevant experience, with a BA, BS or MS degree
- Proven people management experience
- Proven operational management experience in a car fleet function
- Significant experience managing a large fleet for a multinational company
- A resilient profile, with the ability to deliver in an ambiguous environment
- The ability to engage and manage multiple stakeholders, an organised and systematic approach to prioritisation, and a process-oriented mindset focused on business objectives
The Outcome
Maxwell Stephens placed an accomplished EMEA Fleet Manager with Gilead Sciences. The selected candidate brought extensive experience in managing large-scale fleets and demonstrated strong skills in data analysis, stakeholder engagement and operational management. Their expertise in implementing green fleet policies and managing complex lease contracts matched Gilead's needs closely.
Candidate Testimonial
“Maxwell Stephens were super helpful and professional from start to finish of the recruitment process. From the perspective of someone who was new to the entire process, having been in my current role for many years, their expertise and guidance was second to none. I’d highly recommend Maxwell Stephens to anyone looking to find their next role.”
Why This Placement Worked
The role was recruited for what it is: a specialist combination of fleet operations, contract negotiation and data capability, reporting into a facilities and operations function. Roles at the edge of the FM remit are easiest to fill through a consultancy that already understands the function they sit in, because the brief is read in context rather than as a generic operations hire.
If you are recruiting a fleet, facilities or operations role with a regional remit, Maxwell Stephens can help. Get in touch with our team.