Job Description

We’re fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.

The Environment Agency strategy is to protect and enhance nature and leave the nation’s natural environment in a better state than we inherited it. We have committed to being a net zero organisation and Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) is responsible for leading the fleet transition to achieving this.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team of fleet specialists to support the delivery of these ambitious fleet targets and drive tangible change. You will work within a team of contract professionals, delivering a varied work programme of purchase and service contracts on behalf of the Environment Agency and our Defra Partners. You will work with colleagues across the organisation identifying business needs, setting contract strategy, and leading tender processes including award of contracts.

As a member of the Contracts, Performance & Risk Team, you will work with contract managers overseeing the contracts through the whole lifecycle, working with suppliers to reduce their environmental footprint, maintain a cost-effective fleet and deliver our legal and health & safety responsibilities. Excellent relationship management and influencing skills are critical to the role.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Each new team member is required to undertake training and participate. Please refer to the candidate pack for more on how you will support with this.

Defra Group Fleet Services (DGFS) is a national team providing a collaborative fleet service across the Defra group. The Contracts, Performance & Risk Team collaborates with other parts of the fleet team to develop the contract requirement, determine and award the required contracts and manage supplier performance to ensure operational delivery of services. The role will report to the Fleet Manager (Contract Performance).

Responsibilities

• Identify business needs and develop contract strategy.
• Lead tender processes, including award of contracts.
• Oversee contract lifecycle and manage supplier performance.
• Reduce suppliers’ environmental footprint and maintain cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with legal, health & safety and environmental responsibilities.
• Respond to incidents and support training participation.

Qualifications & Skills

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across the organisation and with suppliers.
• Strong influencing and persuasion skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Forward-thinking, able to identify opportunities and risks.
• Experience of procurement processes within Defra desirable.

Contact

As part of a national team the location is flexible. You may be required to work in Environment Agency offices and attend national meetings, possibly with some overnight stays. The post is Full Time but requests for other work patterns will be considered.

Interviews are expected to take place via MS Teams week during mid to late November 2025.

Please contact Jacqui Date (Fleet Manager) via email on Jacqui.date@environment-agency.gov.uk (Monday to Thursday) for more information or to arrange an informal discussion.

Competences

Efficiency, Innovation and Quality

In no more than 250 words, please give an example of where you have identified the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods and processes but without compromising quality or accuracy.

Influences and Persuades Others

In no more than 250 words, please give an example of where you have presented a case in a convincing and attractive way that has won people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly.

Takes Decisions and Solves Problems

In no more than 250 words, please give an example of where you have found and delivered a solution to a problem, by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Role Specific Requirements

Full UK Driving Licence.

Equal Opportunities

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. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.

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.

Artificial intelligence can support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from your own experience. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal of the application.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Contract

Job Function

Management and Manufacturing