Overview
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone. At the Environment Agency there’s so much more to our work than building flood risk management schemes or regulating industry. We strive to ensure that everything we do counts towards leaving a legacy to be proud of for people, communities, and the environment – for all of us to enjoy and for future generations.
This role is all about supporting the team overseeing the commercial governance of our contracts with key consultancies and contractors – a vital role in the success of our projects, and our ability to maximise returns on our budget and demonstrate value for money. You'll also help set up and manage pathfinder programmes that embed best practice and develop long-term collaborative partnership arrangements that deliver for both of us, and society.
You won’t be alone. The Commercial Assurance and Framework Management Team provides country-wide support to our Integrated Delivery Management teams and wider Project Management community, championing effective governance and commercial assurance, to achieve the very best value for money.
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises. Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.
The team is the Commercial and Framework Management (CAFM) team, part of Portfolio Management, Assurance & Commercial (PMAC), supporting our Programme and Contract Management Service to create a better place and build resilient communities through excellent commercial risk management. You will be an integrated part of our national team and will support your local delivery hub leadership ensuring we deliver the most sustainable outcomes on our delivery programmes.
Experience / Skills Required
* A-Level Qualifications, Level 3 Qualifications Or Equivalent.
* Skilled communicator with strong interpersonal/influencing skills.
* Stakeholder management experience.
* Strong data and document management skills.
* Commercial acumen – the ability to understand and analyse business situations, take proportionate risks, make informed decisions and deliver the most advantageous solution. Demonstrate curiosity and drive to achieve value for money.
* Administration skills – strong organisation skills, ability to write minutes and draft reports.
* Willingness to shadow, undertake long-term professional qualifications (such as NEC training, CIPS) and the confidence to ask questions to drive development.
* Interests in infrastructure, construction or environmental programmes.
Desirable Education / Professional Requirements
* Degree or equivalent professional qualification or experience.
* Working towards status with a recognised professional body such as ICE, CIWEM, APM, CIPS, or RICS.
* Formal training in contract management (e.g. NEC, Contract Management Capability Programme).
Please note, when completing your application please tell us why you think you would be suitable for the role and what skills & experience you would bring to the role.
Contact and Additional Information
Please note, this role does NOT qualify for sponsorship, so you should contact UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration, where you can seek professional advice based on your personal circumstances in regard to options for obtaining right to work in the UK.
Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development.
The team is nationally dispersed across the country. Some travel required with occasional overnight stays. The role can be fulfilled via hybrid working.
A virtual open evening will be held on 23/10/25 at 18:00.
For further information, email: Kerrie.Pitson@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interviews w/c 17/11/25
Competencies
Competence 1
Influences and Persuades Others
Presenting 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.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question: Describe a situation where you have been instrumental in persuading a senior leader to pursue a specific challenging course of action in a commercial environment, explaining the techniques you used to influence their decision. Please note: your answer will be used for interview selection - draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
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.
Competence 2
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses. When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question: Describe a situation where you have needed to balance the needs of a variety of stakeholders with differing drivers to reach a successful outcome. How did you manage relationships throughout?
Please note: your answer will be used for interview selection - draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Competence 3
Data and Information Management
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes. When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question: Can you describe a time when you had to collect, validate, and manage complex commercial data from multiple sources? What systems or processes did you use to ensure the data was accurate, securely stored, and compliant with relevant standards?
Please note: your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
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 the Crown Commercial Service information page for more details.
Artificial intelligence note: AI can be a useful tool to support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of the application. The Environment Agency aligns with Civil Service guidance on the use of AI.
Location and Status
Penrith, England, United Kingdom; Kendal, England, United Kingdom; Cumbria, England, United Kingdom. Employment type: Full-time; Seniority level: Associate. The team is nationally dispersed with some travel and hybrid working options.
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