Commercial Services Manager – Environment Agency
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. It’s something that will see you quickly develop excellent relationships internally and externally and become an expert on contractual and commercial interpretations within a high performing team.
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.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Commercial Assurance and Framework Management Team in overseeing the commercial governance of contracts with key consultancies and contractors.
* Maximise budget returns and demonstrate value for money across the delivery programmes.
* Set up and manage pathfinder programmes that embed best practice and develop long‑term collaborative partnership arrangements.
* Champion effective governance and commercial assurance for Integrated Delivery Management teams and wider Project Management community.
* Build and maintain relationships internally and externally, becoming an expert on contractual and commercial interpretations.
* Undertake incident response duties as required, participating in training and response activities.
Qualifications and Experience
* A‑Level qualifications, Level 3 qualifications or equivalent.
* Skilled communicator with strong interpersonal and 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 (e.g. NEC training, CIPS) and the confidence to ask questions to drive development.
* Interests in infrastructure, construction or environmental programmes.
* Desired: 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).
Competencies
Influence 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.
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.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.
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?
Data and Information Management
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
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?
Application Process
When completing your application please tell us why you think you would be suitable for the role & what skills & experience you would bring to the role.
Competence 1–3 will be assessed through the questions above.
Competitive candidates may be invited to an initial sift, full assessment and interview.
Interviews w/c 17/11/25.
Contact
Email: Kerrie.Pitson@environment-agency.gov.uk
Benefits
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.
Some travel required with occasional overnight stays. The role can be fulfilled via hybrid working.
Seniority Level
Associate
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Function
Management and Manufacturing
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