Environment Agency
Senior Contract Manager - 35399
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Senior Contract Manager - 35399
Job Description
The Environment Agency (EA) works to create a better place for people and wildlife. We protect and improve the environment, support sustainable growth, and help communities adapt to a changing climate. Our EA2030 strategy sets out how we will go further, including our commitment to become a net zero organisation by 2030. Defra Group Fleet Services has a key role in this, leading the move to a net zero carbon fleet.
This is a great opportunity to take on a senior role where you can make a real impact. You will join a team of fleet and commercial specialists and help deliver ambitious sustainability goals, supporting positive change across the organisation.
In this role, you will lead on high value and complex procurements and service contracts for the Environment Agency and our Defra partners. You will work with senior colleagues to understand business needs, develop commercial approaches, and manage the full procurement process from tender through to contract award.
You will also manage important supplier relationships to make sure contracts deliver strong performance and good value over time. This includes setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and working with suppliers to reduce environmental impact while keeping services safe, compliant, and cost effective.
We are looking for someone who can lead with confidence, build strong relationships, and influence others.
You will need to be organised, able to handle competing priorities, and motivated to deliver results in a busy and purpose driven environment.
The team
Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) delivers a coordinated fleet service across the Defra group, driving consistency, efficiency and innovation as part of the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance Directorate.
The Contracts team leads procurement, shapes requirements and manages suppliers to ensure effective, value-driven services.
This senior role reports to the Strategic Fleet Manager for Contracts, offering significant autonomy, ownership and the opportunity to influence key decisions and improve fleet service delivery.
Experience/skills Required
Build and maintain strategic relationships with senior internal/external stakeholders to influence decisions, support organisational priorities, and enhance the EA’s reputation. Act as the fleet commercial authority, providing expert contract advice and delivering innovative, compliant solutions aligned with government standards, policy, and best practice. Lead policy and governance by developing and improving frameworks, processes, and standards at national and local levels. Generate meaningful insight by overseeing systems that monitor contract performance, compliance, and risk, translating data into clear recommendations for senior leaders. Drive supplier performance through effective contract management, ensuring delivery against service, quality, and contractual commitments while achieving value for money. Bring over five years’ experience managing complex or high-value contracts, with a proven track record of improving supplier outcomes.
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-Apply strong commercial acumen and knowledge of public sector procurement; -
Defra experience is advantageous. Lead confidently, managing competing priorities, delivering results with autonomy and pace.
Contact and additional information
This is a national role with an EA office base; however, working arrangements are flexible and hybrid. You’ll be comfortable being part of dispersed team leading and supporting others. You’ll be working largely remotely using digital tools, with occasional travel to EA offices and national meetings, which may include overnight stays.
You will have an inclusive incident management objective within your development plan, and we will support you in finding a role that suits your needs. Appropriate training will be provided. Please refer to the candidate pack for further details.
A Teams drop-in session will be held from 1–2pm on 22 June 2026 to provide more information and answer questions. Please email to tony.stevens@environment-agency.gov.uk to attend.
Interviews are scheduled for 28 and 29 July.
Competence 1
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
Description: Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.
Question: In no more than 250 words, please give an example of how you drove innovation in contract or commercial management practices.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Competence 2
Develops People
Description
Description: Makes sure team members have the skills, knowledge and experience to successfully carry out their current role and to develop into future roles.
Question: In no more than 250 words, please tell us about a time you built or led a high-performing team.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Competence 3
Contracts & Relationship Management
Description
Description: Develops, delivers and manages successful contracts with Environment Agency policy and procedures.
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Question: In no more than 250 words, please tell us about a time you managed a significant commercial risk, dispute, or contract failure.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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