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 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. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. Please see the candidate pack for more on how you will support with this.

Team

• 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 contract management of supplier performance to ensure operational delivery of services.
• The role will report to the Fleet Manager (Contract Performance).

Experience / Skills Required

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

Working Conditions

• Location: flexible national; may require office visits and national meetings, possibly including overnight stays.
• Full time; alternative work patterns considered.
• Interviews via MS Teams mid to late November 2025.
• Contact: Jacqui Date, Fleet Manager, email Jacqui.date@environment-agency.gov.uk Monday to Thursday.

Competence 1 – Focus on 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.

Competence 2 – 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; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Competence 3 – 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.

License Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

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, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

No continuous service eligibility; see HR for continuous service for local government or other bodies as applicable.

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

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified applications may be withdrawn.