The Rise of Fleet Management Roles in the Irish Automotive Industry
Fleet management in Ireland is at a turning point. As companies like Dublin Bus and An Post electrify their fleets, the demand for professionals skilled in managing both electric and traditional ICE vehicles is rising. What started as pilot programmes is now scaling across industries, driven by sustainability goals and government regulations.
Electrification Leaders
Electrification is no longer a niche pilot—it's becoming the standard across Irish industries.
Fleet electrification is no longer a niche pilot; it is now the benchmark across sectors in Ireland and there are a number of frontrunners across the country. An Post has taken major strides with the inclusion of 1,020 electric vehicles (EVs), 172 e-trikes and three electric trucks into their fleet, as part of its wider plan for zero-emissions logistics. Public transport provider, Dublin Bus, is another key player, pushing ahead with electrification plans as a sustainable urban transport solution. These companies are setting an example for others to follow.
Other Examples in Ireland
  • In 2023, DHL introduced 44 EVs in Ireland and invested in charging stations at its main centres. DHL’s target is a 100% electric fleet for its 3.5-ton vehicles, which will cut carbon emissions by 229 tons annually. Source
  • DPD Ireland is investing €3M to achieve a 90% CO₂ reduction per parcel by 2030, deploying over 50 electric vans and installing chargers across 15 depots. Air quality monitors on 100 Dublin vans support clean-air initiatives. Source
  • Lidl Ireland has introduced Ireland’s first electric and HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil)-powered trucks into its logistics fleet, aiming to reduce emissions by 90% per trip. This pilot supports Lidl’s carbon neutrality goal by 2025. Source
Opportunities Beyond EVs
While the electrification trend is growing, traditional ICE vehicles still make up a large component of the overall fleet. In addition, companies like Bus Éireann are exploring alternative fuels, including hydrogen, adding to the need for diverse skills in fleet management. Nowadays, Fleet Managers need expertise in both EV technology and ICE vehicle optimisation, fleet demands are very diverse. This opens up the possibility of recruiting professionals with digital capabilities for fleet operations through telematics and data-driven solutions. Recruitment should also focus on people who can transition between traditional vehicle operations and new technologies.
Fleet Transition
The transition of a fleet needs professional advice from Fleet Managers. Fleet and leasing organisations and companies like Nevo provide advisory services to support businesses in transitioning from ICE vehicles to electric fleets. This transition involves understanding charging infrastructure, vehicle procurement and sustainability reporting skills in increasing demand in recruitment.
Lessons from EV Frontrunners
Insights from companies like Nestlé and early EV adopters in fleet management, as outlined by Ayvens, emphasise the importance of addressing charging infrastructure and leveraging telematics to optimise fleet performance​. Today, Fleet Managers have to tackle the technical challenges of EVs and the operational complexities of handling mixed fleets.
Telematics and the Future of Fleet Management
With platforms like Geotab, amongst others, providing high-level telematics, Fleet Managers have tools to monitor performance, vehicle health and energy use. This shift is driving demand for professionals with experience in data analytics, solutions for digital fleet management and managing mixed fleets consisting of electric and ICE vehicles.
Change Management is Key to Fleet Electrification
Effective change management is the key to navigating the complexities of fleet electrification.
Transitioning to an electric or sustainable fleet is not just a technical upgrade; it’s a significant organisational change that impacts many business areas. Our experience in recruiting Project Managers with change management expertise becomes increasingly important, as the profession is looking for professionals who can manage diverse stakeholder expectations, coordinate teams and address technical complications of electrification. Resistance needs to be minimised through effective communication, training and ongoing support. Skilled change management professionals are critical in guiding companies through these transformative projects, reducing disruption and aligning everyone toward new goals.
Conclusion
Fleet management roles are changing due to a variety of new challenges presented by Ireland’s sustainability targets. Recruitment will need to focus its efforts on finding professionals who combine traditional ICE expertise with new skills in EV technology and digital fleet management. The future is not just electric; it’s about managing the complexities of mixed fleets efficiently and sustainably.