Senior Contract Manager

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. 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, working collaboratively across departments to identify business requirements, shape contract strategies, and lead procurement processes through to contract award. 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 Accomplished Contract Manager with a proven track record of delivering commercial value through strategic contract oversight. Confident leader who can inspire and guide teams towards achieving contract goals. Deep understanding of environmental, legal, and health & safety standards relevant to fleet management. Experience managing full contract lifecycles and building and maintaining strong supplier relationships. 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 tools without compromising quality or accuracy. 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. 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. Competence 4: Contracts & Relationship Management Please give an example of where you have developed and managed successful contracts. Role specific license requirements Full UK Driving Licence. Employment Details Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Contract Job function: Management and Manufacturing Location and Working Patterns 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. Application Details 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. Inclusivity 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 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr