Senior Contract Manager

Senior Contract Manager – 32388 Environment Agency – Join to apply for the Senior Contract Manager – 32388 role. At the Environment Agency, we are proud to foster an inclusive workplace where equal opportunities and flexible working arrangements (including job shares) are encouraged and supported. Our mission is to protect and enhance the natural environment and to lead our transition to a more sustainable fleet. Role Overview We are offering an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced contract professional to drive meaningful change and help deliver on our ambitious fleet strategy. You will manage a team of specialists overseeing a diverse portfolio of purchase and service contracts for the Environment Agency and our Defra partners. You will work collaboratively across departments to identify business requirements, shape contract strategies, and lead procurement processes through to contract award. As part of the contract management leadership team, you will be responsible for building and maintaining strong supplier relationships, managing full contract lifecycles, and ensuring compliance with environmental, legal, and health & safety standards. Incident response forms a vital part of our work. Training and participation will be required, with further details outlined in the candidate pack. The role reports directly to the Strategic Fleet Manager. Key Responsibilities Act as the principal advisor on fleet contract matters, offering expert guidance and developing solutions within policy frameworks and best practice standards. Shape and influence fleet policy at both national and local levels, while ensuring consistent contract‑aligned implementation and compliance. Design and implement performance monitoring systems, interpreting supplier data and operational insights to provide evidence‑based recommendations to senior leadership. Build strong partnerships with both internal stakeholders and external providers to influence outcomes, enhance service delivery, and uphold the Environment Agency’s reputation. Lead and manage a geographically dispersed team, ensuring efficient planning, resource allocation, and delivery against objectives in a dynamic working environment. Qualifications & Experience Proven track record of delivering commercial value through strategic contract oversight. Strong leadership and people‑management skills, particularly in remote or geographically dispersed teams. Deep knowledge of procurement, contract law, environmental, health & safety, and compliance. Experience shaping policy and influencing senior stakeholders. Full UK driving licence. Competency Examples (for interview) Efficiency, Innovation and Quality – provide an example where you introduced new methods or processes without compromising quality. Influence and Persuasion – give an example of a convincing presentation that won stakeholder support. Decision‑making and Problem‑solving – describe a situation where you analysed information, developed alternatives and made timely decisions. Contracts & Relationship Management – explain where you developed and managed successful contracts. Location & Working Arrangements As part of a national team, the location is flexible. You may be required to work in EA offices and attend national meetings, possibly with overnight stays. The post is full‑time; requests for other work patterns will be considered. How to Apply Please contact Nick Kennedy (Strategic Fleet Manager) via email at nick.kennedy@environment-agency.gov.uk for more information or an informal discussion. A virtual candidate briefing session will be scheduled for interested applicants. Invitations can be acquired by emailing Nick Kennedy. Equal Opportunities & AI Statement We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, and we have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with disability. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism or misrepresentation of AI‑generated content will result in withdrawal of applications. Please review the Environment Agency’s guidance on AI for more information. #J-18808-Ljbffr