Fleet Auto News: Meryl, how did you first get into fleet management?
Meryl: When I arrived in Australia over 23 years ago, one of my first roles was in the insurance industry. The move towards salary packaging and fleet management was a natural move for me and luckily, the opportunity presented.
Fleet management has always felt very much my niche area which I continue to enjoy every day. For a number of years I worked for a Fleet Management Organisation (FMO) as an account manager which gave me great insight into the science of how fleet management works and just how diverse and interesting it is.
When I was given an opportunity to step into a fleet manager role, I jumped at the chance. This was a great decision for me today as it was instrumental in obtaining my role at Sydney Water in October 2014.
Fleet Auto News: Describe the type of fleet you and your team manage?
Meryl: With my team at Sydney Water, we look after a large mixed fleet of vehicles. Our fleet is mainly commercial vehicles which range from light to heavy commercial, passenger cars and mobile plant and equipment.
When you see Sydney Water vehicles on the road, you will notice a range of specialised/custom fit-out options. These fit-outs are designed to meet the unique “Fit for Purpose” specifications of divisions, while ensuring the safety and uniformity of look of each vehicle.
Fleet Auto News: What does your role as fleet manager entail?
Meryl: My role as fleet manager for Sydney Water is really interesting. It has a mix of both strategic and operational elements and offers the variety that keeps me on my toes and never bored. Safety is paramount at Sydney Water and at the front of all decisions I make.
I am always looking to improve safety and drive (excuse the pun) a high performing safety culture for our Sydney Water Fleet and all who use it. A core focus for me is to provide ongoing subject matter expertise to our divisional teams by tailoring their individual specifications “Fit for Purpose” needs.
This is a very important stage prior to purchasing or leasing a vehicle and has a significant ongoing impact over a number of years which would be seriously negative if not managed properly.
An example is where our Sydney Water vehicles will attend as first response assistance to our customers – a specialist set up of these vehicles is required. The vehicle specification and fit out is carefully managed to ensure we carry all tools and equipment required but not overload or diminish the safety aspects required for our workers.
I always focus on the planning, process integrity and execution of vehicle replacement through purchase or lease to ensure that we get the best possible settlement. This is a key value add for my role.
Fleet Auto News: What is it about fleet that you enjoy?
Meryl: My focus is always set with a strong strategic emphasis to achieve a sustainable long-term fleet model that aligns to industry best practices. I think it is highly important to regularly challenge the status quo and push boundaries.
In this way, I am sure we provide a robust service for our Sydney Water internal customers and meet the expectations of our stakeholders that we operate with a strong commercial focus. We are currently running a fleet efficiencies review on our current model using a strategic mindset aligning to our company values.
Fleet Auto News: What has been your biggest challenge in fleet to date?
Meryl: Keeping our drivers informed through knowledge sharing and initiatives such as safe driver training and large/heavy vehicle safety training to encourage safe practices when operating our vehicles or machinery.
I don’t take my eyes off finding innovative ways to manage a strong vehicle utilisation program which does not compromise safety or service to our customers.
When I first arrived at Sydney Water, I noticed our pool vehicles were spread across two (2) separate sites with needs that differ between them. The vehicle profile showed both sites had equal vehicle types rather than specific to their business location. I have challenged this approach and have moved the site profiles to align with internal stakeholder pool vehicle requirements.
Fleet Auto News: Is there a strong fleet community in Sydney?
Meryl: Yes definitely. I stay in contact with the fleet community via catch ups or specialised social media sites, both nationally and internationally. The fleet community in Sydney is important to me and gives me access to ideas and learnings from others and allow me to look at different business models within the industry.
Sharing knowledge keeps us fresh in our roles with how we can manage change such as the Chain of Responsibility legislation and how other fleet managers will manage this change.
Fleet Auto News: What are the top three challenges for a fleet manager today?
Meryl: The role of a fleet manager has evolved from just buying and selling cars. There is an upfront and ongoing planning process that focuses on vehicle utilisation and best fit for purpose.
We now design strong fleet strategies that show innovation with a robust financial emphasis using a best practice methodology. It is important that I challenge my thinking (and others) or question the traditional processes so I can inspire innovation into fleet; welcoming better ways of doing things.
I have a strong commitment to always find the best balance between, financial improvements, minimising our environmental impact, meeting the fit for purpose needs without compromising safety in any way. Staying focused on these four outcomes, means I can ensure the best possible result.
Fleet Auto News: Do you think electric vehicles will become mainstream in Australia within the next 10 years?
Meryl: Electric vehicles (EV) have been around for well over 100 years and have certainly developed greatly over the last 10 years. I hope this continues for a further 10! I have driven a number of EV’s from a fully electric car to SUV’s and find them great to drive, with a fast pick up. It’s just getting used to the lack of engine noise that takes time!!
The EV will grow within the market as they make improvements to vehicle range and an infrastructure for plug-in stations expands. I am reserved on whether they become mainstream at this stage. Fuel Cell is also being rapidly developed across a number of manufactures which may take over if they can produce an economically competitive vehicle. On saying this, it may take a number of years or even decades to achieve.
Fleet Auto News: What is your favourite car in a fleet?
Meryl: I want to say…one that doesn’t break down, has great fuel and environmental efficiency and gives me a great resale price!! But then again….don’t’ we all?
Definitely any option or specification fit-outs of commercial vehicles is a favourite of mine. I really enjoy the technical element, collaboration and challenges of putting together a good design. Very satisfying at the end when you have a happy Division with a vehicle that fits their needs.
