Overview

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 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, to 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. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate.

Responsibilities

• Set contract strategy and lead tender processes, including award of contracts.

• Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle and optimise supplier performance.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to identify business needs and opportunities.

• Influence and persuade internal and external stakeholders.

• Deliver legal, health & safety and environmental responsibilities.

Qualifications

Experience or skills required:

• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues across the organisation and our suppliers.
• Be able to influence and persuade both internal and external stakeholders.
• Forward thinker and able to identify both opportunities and risks.
• Experience of the procurement processes within Defra would be desirable.

Contact

Interviews are expected to take place via MS Teams 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.

Competence Assessment

Applicants will provide written responses (250 words each) for the following competencies:

• Efficiency, Innovation and Quality: Give an example of where you have identified an opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods and processes without compromising quality or accuracy.
• Influences and Persuades Others: Provide an example where you presented a case convincingly that won people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly.
• Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Provide an example where you found and delivered a solution to a problem, analysing alternatives and making sound timely decisions.

Other Information

Full UK driving licence required. The role is full‑time, but requests for other work patterns will be considered. The location is flexible, with occasional travel to EA offices and national meetings.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. We also offer a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with a disability.

For more information on frameworks and supplier opportunities visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know.