Senior Contract Manager

Job Description 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, ensuring we leave the world in a better state than we found it. As part of our journey to becoming a net‑zero organisation, Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) plays a critical role in leading our transition to a more sustainable fleet. 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. As with all roles across the Environment Agency, incident response forms a vital part of our work. Training and participation will be required, and further details are outlined in the candidate pack. 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. Report directly to the Strategic Fleet Manager and participate in the national strategy for fleet management across the Defra Group. Contact and additional information 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 some overnight stays. You will be comfortable with the challenges of remote working and management. The post is Full Time but requests for other work patterns will be considered. Please contact Nick Kennedy (Strategic Fleet Manager) via email at nick.kennedy@environment‑agency.gov.uk for more information or an informal discussion. We will be running a virtual candidate briefing session for those interested in applying for the role on a date to be confirmed. Invitations can be acquired by emailing Nick Kennedy at the above address. Competencies Competence 1: Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality Please give an example of where you have identified the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without compromising quality or accuracy. Your answer will be used for interview selection. Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others Please give an example of where you have presented a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail. Your answer will be used for interview selection. Competence 3: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems Please give an example of where you have found and delivered a solution to a problem, by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions. Your answer will be used for interview selection. Competence 4: Contracts & Relationship Management Please give an example of where you have developed and managed successful contracts. Your answer will be used for interview selection. License requirements Full UK Driving Licence. Equal Opportunity Statement We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. Artificial Intelligence Usage Statement Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non‑departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Job Details Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Contract Job function: Management and Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr