INDUSTRY moves to raise the professionalism of fleet management could be paying off with a national newspaper recruitment advertisement for a fleet manager, ideally with an Master of Business Administration degree and paying a salary of £50,000- £55,000 a year. The position advertised demands someone with a clear strategic direction and strong management skills, able to ensure an efficient infrastructure for the purchase, maintenance and disposal of fleet vehicles.

This fleet manager should be able to take the lead role in negotiating with major manufacturers and suppliers, and be able to demonstrate fleet management, planning and logistics skills, and well developed commercial management expertise with full profit and loss accountability. The advert calls for: 'An ambitious high calibre individual wishing to progress in a demanding and fast moving commercial environment. You will be a graduate, ideally with an MBA, who is numerate and analytical by nature, and who has the drive and energy to make a positive impact.'

Stewart Whyte, director of the Association of Car Fleet Operators and managing director of Fleet Audits which runs its own fleet training courses, said: 'The recognition of the importance of fleet management that this advert brings is very encouraging.'