Contract manager - 35499

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 work with a team of fleet specialists and play a key role in delivering ambitious sustainability goals and driving real change. You will join a group of contract specialists working across a wide range of procurement and service contracts for the Environment Agency and our Defra partners.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will help identify business needs, shape contract strategies, and lead the full procurement process from tender through to contract award.

You will also take ownership of key supplier relationships, managing contracts throughout their lifecycle. This includes setting clear performance measures, monitoring delivery, and working with suppliers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining a safe, compliant, and cost-effective fleet.

Strong relationship building and influencing skills will be key to success in this role, alongside the ability to work collaboratively and deliver results.

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 strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring their needs are understood and supporting delivery of the EA’s objectives.
• Provide clear, practical advice on fleet contracts, ensuring solutions are compliant with organisational policies and industry best practice.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of policies and processes at both national and local levels, promoting consistency and alignment with environmental goals.
• Use systems and tools to monitor service delivery, analyse performance and compliance, identifying issues or opportunities for improvement, escalating where necessary.
• Manage contracts on a daily basis, ensuring suppliers meet agreed service levels, quality standards and contractual commitments.
• Bring at least two years’ experience in contract management, supporting supplier performance and delivery.
• Demonstrate awareness of public sector procurement processes; experience within Defra or similar organisations is advantageous.
• Be organised, proactive, and capable of managing workload effectively with a strong sense of initiative.

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.

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.