Senior Contract Manager

Senior Contract Manager - 32388 Join the Environment Agency to lead contract management across the Defra Group Fleet Services. We are proud to foster an inclusive workplace where equal opportunities and flexible working arrangements are encouraged and supported. Overview 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, DGFS plays a critical role in leading our transition to a more sustainable fleet. As a leadership role, you will manage a team of specialists overseeing a diverse portfolio of purchase and service contracts for the Environment Agency and its Defra partners. 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, 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 and Experience We are looking for an accomplished Contract Manager with a proven track record of delivering commercial value through strategic contract oversight. This role requires a confident leader who can manage full contract lifecycles, maintain supplier relationships, and ensure compliance with environmental, legal, and health & safety standards. Experience in fleet management and a background in procurement will be highly valued. Competence 1 – Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality Describe an example where you identified an opportunity to create, introduce and implement a new or improved method, process or system that enhanced quality or accuracy whilst maintaining or improving efficiency. Competence 2 – Influences and Persuades Others Describe an example where you presented a case in a convincing and attractive way that persuaded others to follow a plan, often succeeding where logic and reason alone would have failed. Competence 3 – Takes Decisions and Solves Problems Describe an example where you delivered a solution to a problem by analysing all relevant information, generating alternatives and making timely decisions. Competence 4 – Contracts & Relationship Management Describe an example where you developed and managed a successful contract, ensuring fulfilment of objectives and stakeholder satisfaction. License Requirements Full UK Driving Licence. Location & Working Arrangements The role is fully flexible and may require occasional travel to Environment Agency offices and national meetings. Remote working is expected and supported. The position is full‑time, with other working patterns considered upon discussion. Contact Information Please contact Nick Kennedy (Strategic Fleet Manager) via email at nick.kennedy@environment-agency.gov.uk for further information or an informal discussion. A virtual candidate briefing session will be arranged for interested applicants. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Flexible working, including job shares, is welcomed. A Guaranteed Interview Policy supports applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the Post. Artificial Intelligence and Application Guidance 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. Plagiarism or deceptive use of AI may result in withdrawal of your application or disciplinary action. #J-18808-Ljbffr