Contract Manager

About the role

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. This senior contract specialist role will support the Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) effort to shift the organisation to a net‑zero carbon fleet by 2030. You will work with a team of fleet specialists, shaping contract strategies, and leading procurement and supplier management to deliver ambitious sustainability goals.

• Identify business needs, shape contract strategies and lead the full procurement process from tender through to contract award.
• Take ownership of key supplier relationships, managing contracts throughout their lifecycle; set clear performance measures, monitor delivery and work with suppliers to reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety, compliance and cost effectiveness.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and ensure their needs are understood and supported in the delivery of 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 national and local levels, promoting consistency with environmental goals.
• Use systems and tools to monitor service delivery, analyse performance and compliance, identify issues or improvement opportunities and escalade where necessary.
• Manage contracts on a daily basis, ensuring suppliers meet agreed service levels, quality standards and contractual commitments.

• Minimum of two years’ experience in contract management, supporting supplier performance and delivery.
• Demonstrated awareness of public sector procurement processes; experience within Defra or similar organisations is advantageous.
• Exhibits strong relationship‑building, influencing and collaborative skills with a proven ability to deliver results.
• Organised, proactive and capable of managing workload effectively with a strong sense of initiative.

This national role is based at the EA office but offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements. You will primarily work remotely using digital tools, with occasional travel to EA offices and national meetings that may include overnight stays.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies and support applicants with disabilities by providing a guaranteed interview if your application meets the minimum criteria. Defra Group Fleet Services is not part of the HM Civil Service and therefore does not offer continuous service, but applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government) (Modification) Order 1999 may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment.