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Fleet Operations Coordinator – Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes are looking for an experienced and passionate Fleet Operations Coordinator to join our Sport & Active Wellness team and manage our extensive boat fleet at Oxford Brookes University’s Boat Club. Reporting to the Head of Rowing and working closely with the Lead Men’s & Women’s Rowing Coaches, you’ll act as the hands-on technical lead for the maintenance, repair and logistical management of OBU’s world-class rowing fleet and equipment. You would be responsible for ensuring all fleet, trailers, safety launches and outboards are maintained to elite-level standards and are fully compliant with insurance and safety regulations. Working with the rowing staff team, you will lead the complex transport logistics for domestic and international training and competitions, serving as the programme’s primary driver and safety officer.

Main Duties and Accountabilities:

  • Serve as the primary technical expert for the minor repair of carbon fibre and composite racing shells, ensuring the fleet is race-ready at all times.
  • Manage the day-to-day maintenance schedule and coordinate with external specialist boat builders for high-level structural repairs when necessary.
  • Implement and manage a digital inventory and maintenance logging system to track the life-cycle, usage, and repair history of all rowing equipment.
  • Ensure boats are cleaned, stored, and transported appropriately to maximise lifespan and performance.
  • Benchmark fleet performance and maintenance standards against leading university and high-performance rowing programmes.
  • Knowledge of rigging boats in line with coaches’ requirements.
  • Act as the lead driver for the boat trailer to all domestic and international regattas and training camps, ensuring compliance with towing regulations and rest-period laws.
  • Oversee the meticulous loading and transport of high-value assets, managing the logistics for the safe movement of the fleet across the country and Europe where required.
  • Support club members involved in trailer loading and unloading.
  • Ensure boats and trailers are stored securely in line with insurance requirements while at competitions or training camps.
  • Support the Head of Rowing and Lead Coaches with trip/competition administration, such as booking accommodation, transport, etc.
  • Serve as the designated Safety Officer for the rowing programme, ensuring strict adherence to British Rowing ‘Row Safe’ guidelines and completing safety audits as required.
  • Liaise with the University’s Head of Risk & Insurance to ensure all assets (boats, launches, and vehicles) are fully compliant with university insurance policies.
  • Work in close collaboration with the Head of Operations & Compliance, utilising OpsPal software to maintain boathouse facilities and ensure all safety reports and audits are recorded in a timely manner.
  • Support annual insurance renewals by supplying asset valuations and fleet information as required.
  • Assist with the preparation and submission of insurance claims for damaged, lost, or stolen equipment.
  • Take direct responsibility for the routine maintenance, servicing, and compliance of the University’s towing vehicles and safety launches (including outboard engines).
  • Ensure all safety launches are equipped and maintained for daily coaching sessions and emergency response.
  • Maintain records of launch servicing, trailer inspections, and equipment checks.
  • Coordinate trailer preparation and logistics for races, training camps, and external events.
  • Manage operational expenses where appropriate, including the purchase of day-to-day spares, fuel, and emergency repair materials.
  • Provide technical advice to the Head of Rowing on equipment acquisition and investment priorities.
  • Maintain accurate records of fleet assets, maintenance schedules, warranties, and supplier contacts.
  • Lead on purchasing of new assets, invoicing and communicating with suppliers and external contractors to support fleet development and maintenance.

This job description summarises the main duties and accountabilities of the post and is not comprehensive. The post-holder may be required to undertake other duties of similar level and responsibility, as agreed by the Head of Rowing.

Location: Primarily split between the Headington Campus and the boathouse in Cholsey.
Reporting to: Head of Rowing
Staff Line Managed: N/A

Evening and weekend work should be expected regularly in line with training and competition calendars. The post holder will be required to work during periods of high activity in the rowing season.
The role involves physical activity, including the manoeuvring of boats, safety launches, and the loading/unloading of boat trailers.

Oxford Brookes University (OBU) is a leading modern university with a strong reputation for excellence in teaching, research and student experience. Sport & Active Wellness (SAW) is the newly formed Directorate responsible for delivering an outstanding and inclusive sporting experience for students, staff and the wider community. SAW brings together performance, participation, wellbeing and facility services to support all levels of sport and physical activity at Brookes.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To act as the hands-on technical lead for the maintenance, repair, and logistical management of OBU’s world-class rowing fleet and equipment. This role is responsible for ensuring all high-value assets—including boats, safety launches, outboards and towing vehicles—are maintained to elite standards and are fully compliant with insurance and safety regulations. The role will lead the complex transport logistics for domestic and international training camps and competitions, serving as the programme’s primary driver and designated Safety Officer.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills/Qualifications:

  • Full driving licence with vast experience of towing fleet
  • Hold the RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate
  • Expertise in minor boat repairs (carbon / composite)
  • Experience in managing inventories and equipment
  • Experience of telemetry systems and equipment (how to set up and fix)
  • Experience in logistical planning and coordination at competitions
  • Excellent verbal and communication skills

Desirable Skills/Qualifications:

  • First Aid at Work certificate
  • Experience of using operational management software
  • Background in marine engine maintenance
  • Experience in university club settings with a High Performance Academy.
  • Knowledge of risk management and insurance protocols.

For further information or to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ali Brown, Head of Rowing, at [email protected]

How to Apply

To apply for the role, please visit: https://my.corehr.com/pls/oburecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.jobspec?p_id=194886 or go online to Oxford Brookes University Jobs webpage, and search for the role using Vacancy ID 194886.

Salary: £28,778

Type: Permanent, full time (37 hours per week)

Application Dates: From Friday 24th July 2026 to Sunday 9th August 2026