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Job Description
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.
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.
You will work collaboratively across departments to identify business requirements, shape contract strategies, and lead procurement processes through to contract award. As part of the contract management leadership team, you will be responsible for building and maintaining strong supplier relationships, managing full contract lifecycles, and ensuring compliance with environmental, legal, and health & safety standards.
As with all roles across the Environment Agency, incident response forms a vital part of our work. Training and participation will be required, and further details are outlined in the candidate pack.
The team: Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) is a national team within the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance Directorate. We provide a collaborative fleet management service across the Defra Group, working closely with other teams to define contract needs, procure fleet goods and services, and oversee supplier performance to ensure seamless service delivery.
This role reports directly to the Strategic Fleet Manager.
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 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.
Requirements
* Proven experience managing commercial contracts and driving contractual value.
* Strong knowledge of procurement policy, supplier relationship management, and contract lifecycle processes.
* Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
* Ability to provide evidence‑based advice to senior leadership.
* Full UK driving licence.
Contact Information
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.
Please contact Nick Kennedy (Strategic Fleet Manager) via email at nick.kennedy@environment-agency.gov.uk for more information or an informal discussion. A virtual candidate briefing session will be scheduled for interested applicants.
Legal and Equality Statements
The Environment Agency is fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, and welcomes flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability.
Artificial Intelligence Notice
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful and taken directly from your own experience. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in withdrawal of applications.
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