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. The team – Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) is a national team within the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance Directorate. We provide a collaborative fleet management service across the Defra Group, working closely with other teams to define contract needs, procure fleet goods and services, and oversee supplier performance to ensure seamless service delivery. This role reports directly to the Strategic Fleet Manager. Experience/skills Required 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. 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 understand and 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 email address. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. 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. PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Competence 4 – Contracts & Relationship Management Please give an example of where you have developed and managed successful contracts. PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Role specific license requirements Full UK Driving Licence. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Contract Job function Management and Manufacturing Equal Opportunities and Inclusive Recruitment 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. Application Details If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application 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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. 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. The Environment Agency, as a Non‑Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information. #J-18808-Ljbffr