Senior Contract Manager

Senior Contract Manager – 32388 Environment Agency 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. Responsibility Expectations 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. Experience / Skills Required Proven track record of delivering commercial value through strategic contract oversight. Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Deep understanding of procurement processes and contract lifecycle management. Experience with supplier performance monitoring and compliance. Contact & 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. 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. Eligibility & Licensing Full UK Driving Licence. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr