Senior Contract Manager

Overview At the Environment Agency, we 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, 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, 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 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 & Experience We are looking for an accomplished Contract Manager with a proven track record of delivering commercial value through strategic contract oversight. This role calls for a confident leader who can influence outcomes and drive commercial excellence across complex supply chains. Competences Competence 1 – Focus on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality Please give an example of where you identified the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and systems without compromising quality or accuracy. (This answer will be used for interview selection.) Competence 2 – Influences and Persuades Others Please give an example of where you presented a case in a convincing and attractive way that won people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail. (This answer will be used for interview selection.) Competence 3 – Takes Decisions and Solves Problems Please give an example of where you found and delivered a solution to a problem, by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions. (This answer will be used for interview selection.) Competence 4 – Contracts & Relationship Management Please give an example of where you developed and managed successful contracts. (This answer will be used for interview selection.) Location & Working Patterns The position is full time, but other working patterns will be considered. The role is national in scope; you may be required to work in EA offices, attend national meetings and possibly undertake overnight stays. You will be comfortable with remote working and management. Employment Details Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level Employment type: Contract Job function: Management and Manufacturing Contact & Application Information If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion, please contact Nick Kennedy (Strategic Fleet Manager) via email at: nick.kennedy@environment-agency.gov.uk. We will be running a virtual candidate briefing session for interested applicants on a date to be confirmed. Invitations can be acquired by emailing Nick Kennedy. Legal & Diversity Statements 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. 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. Full UK Driving Licence is required. The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and, unless you are eligible for continuous service under specific regulations, you will not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Artificial Intelligence 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. Please review the relevant guidance on the use of artificial intelligence. #J-18808-Ljbffr