VP of Fleet Strategy, Maintenance & Capital Planning

Vice President of Fleet Strategy, Maintenance & Capital Planning

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Fleet Strategy, Maintenance & Capital Planning is accountable for the end-to-end performance, reliability, and long-term direction of Athens Services' fleet and related operational assets. This role leads maintenance and asset availability across heavy- and light-duty refuse vehicles, tractors and trailers, heavy construction equipment, non-revenue vehicles, plant and processing equipment, and operational facilities, while also directing fleet strategy, capital investment planning, procurement, replacement cycles, and asset lifecycle management. The Vice President ensures that fleet growth, modernization, maintenance execution, and sustainability initiatives support safe operations, strong customer service, regulatory compliance, and financial performance. The role provides leadership to fleet and plant maintenance, fleet support, technical services, and facilities teams, and partners closely with Executive Leadership, Area Presidents, Division Vice Presidents, Finance, Operations, and other support leaders.

Essential Job Functions:

Fleet Strategy, Capital Planning & Asset Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term fleet strategy that supports operational growth, reliability, efficiency, customer service, and sustainability objectives.
• Lead annual and long-range capital planning for fleet acquisition, replacement, expansion, modernization, infrastructure, and asset lifecycle optimization.
• Establish vehicle and equipment replacement criteria using age, condition, utilization, maintenance history, downtime, safety risk, and total cost of ownership.
• Monitor fleet utilization, capacity, and replacement schedules to optimize fleet size, composition, availability, and capital deployment across operating divisions.
• Use fleet management systems, performance metrics, and financial analysis to guide investment decisions and improve cost per mile/hour, uptime, preventive maintenance compliance, and lifecycle value.
• Lead strategic sourcing and negotiations with OEMs, chassis and body manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and service partners; manage relationships, specifications, warranties, delivery commitments, and supplier performance.
• Evaluate emerging fleet technologies and lead the transition roadmap for alternative fuels and electrification, including EV, CNG, renewable diesel, hydrogen, infrastructure requirements, operational readiness, and cost modeling.
• Provide Executive Leadership with regular reporting, forecasts, risk assessments, and recommendations regarding fleet performance, capital expenditures, replacement needs, and strategic priorities.

Maintenance Operations, Reliability & Availability

• Set Repair standards with measurements for all maintenance work performed at all site.
• Direct maintenance and repair operations for refuse vehicles, tractors and trailers, heavy equipment, plant and processing systems, non-revenue vehicles, and operational facilities across the organization.
• Ensure sufficient vehicles and equipment are safe, fully functional, properly serviced, and available to meet daily operational requirements.
• Establish standardized preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs, quality controls, SOPs, inspection protocols, and test plans across all locations.
• Set and monitor enterprise maintenance standards and key performance indicators, identify root causes of underperformance, and implement corrective actions to improve reliability, productivity, quality, and cost control.
• Ensure maintenance systems, shop infrastructure, tools, parts programs, and equipment are appropriate, effective, and consistently managed.
• Coordinate maintenance projects and activities with Operations, Finance, Procurement, Safety, IT, and other internal departments so that business needs, service expectations, and capital plans remain aligned.
• Drive cross-functional initiatives related to fleet expansion, acquisitions, new facilities, equipment commissioning, modernization, and operational readiness.

Leadership, Financial Management, Safety & Compliance

• Lead, develop, and hold accountable the managers responsible for truck maintenance, plant maintenance and processing systems, fleet support services, technical services, non-revenue vehicles, and operational facilities.
• Establish departmental goals, workforce and succession plans, activity plans, budgets, and performance expectations; monitor results and report progress to Executive Leadership.
• Develop and manage annual maintenance operating budgets and fleet capital plans; monitor expenditures, P&L impact, project performance, and savings opportunities within approved parameters.
• Create enterprise frameworks for risk management, regulatory compliance, recordkeeping, safety certification, environmental requirements, and audit readiness in fleet acquisition and maintenance operations.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including safety, security, environmental, cleanliness, and HAZMAT standards.
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment, reinforce safety awareness, and ensure all duties are performed in a manner that protects employees, customers, and the public.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Logistics, Operations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience spanning fleet maintenance, fleet operations, fleet strategy, capital planning, or asset management, including oversight of a complex, multi-site fleet.
• Proven success leading large-scale maintenance and reliability programs together with fleet strategy, acquisition, replacement, or capital investment initiatives.
• Strong technical understanding of heavy-duty vehicle and equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance practices, shop operations, parts management, and asset reliability.
• Strong financial acumen, including 5+ years of experience managing operating budgets, P&L responsibility, and/or large capital programs.
• Demonstrated experience working with OEMs, manufacturers, suppliers, and service partners on vehicle specifications, procurement, negotiations, warranties, and performance.
• Experience using fleet management systems, data analytics, and performance metrics to improve availability, cost, utilization, and lifecycle outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, customer service, collaboration, communication, organizational, and change-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects, priorities, and deadlines across operating locations.
• Valid driver's license and proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Waste and recycling industry experience.
• Trade School Certificate in Diesel Technology or comparable technical credential.
• MBA, master's degree, or advanced degree in a related field.
• Experience with sustainability initiatives, alternative fuels, and fleet electrification.
• Lean management, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement background.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Physical:
• Sitting, seeing, hearing, speaking, and smelling continuously.
• Problem solving, oral/written communication, analytical ability, calculating, concentration, and interpersonal abilities continuously.
• Eye/hand coordination, fingering (typing), handling, and wrist motion continuously.
• Standing and walking frequently.
• Bending, reaching, and stretching occasionally.
• Environmental:
• Exposure to dust, smoke, fumes, odors, and noise occasionally.
• Exposure to grease, oil, chemicals, wet or slippery surfaces, and hot/cold conditions occasionally.
• Work is performed inside and outside.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit package: Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• 401(k), Profit Sharing, and Company Match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life Insurance.
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time.
• Recognition programs.
• Professional development and learning.

Athens will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and any other applicable state, federal, or local laws. EEO/M/F/disability/veteran