Contract Officer – Environment Agency

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 these ambitions.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team of fleet specialists to support delivery of 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 collaborate across the organisation to identify business needs, set contract strategy, and lead tender processes including award of contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver purchase and service contracts for the Environment Agency and Defra Partners.
• Lead tender processes and award of contracts.
• Work with contract managers to oversee contracts through the supply‑chain lifecycle.
• Engage suppliers to reduce their environmental footprint and maintain a cost‑effective fleet.
• Ensure delivery of legal and health & safety responsibilities.
• Respond to incidents and provide required training and support.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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 with ability to identify opportunities and risks.
• Experience of procurement processes within Defra is desirable.

Competencies

Applicants should provide brief written examples (≤250 words) for the following:

• Efficiency, Innovation and Quality: an example where you identified, introduced and implemented a new or improved method or process without compromising quality or accuracy.
• Influences and Persuades Others: an example where you presented a convincing case that won people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly.
• Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: an example where you delivered a solution to a problem, analysing information, developing alternatives and taking sound, timely decisions.

Employment Details

• Full‑time role with flexible location; may require work in EA offices and national meetings, including occasional overnight stays.
• Proposals for other work patterns will be considered.
• Interviews expected to take place via MS Teams during mid‑to‑late November 2025.

Contact Information

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

Legal Statements

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Driving Licence

Full UK Driving Licence is required.