City/Town
All
Region
National
Vacancies
1
Salary Minimum
£54,940 Pro-rata
Post Type
Fixed Term
Job ID
35917
Closing date
14 Sep 2026
Published date
16 Aug 2026
Grade
Staff Grade 6
Role type
Commercial, Risk Management
Security check
Basic Check
Job description
The Commercial Contract and Risk Manager is a NEC4 Subject Matter Expert, within the Environment Agency leading on the development and assurance of commercial frameworks. The post holder:
Shapes future frameworks, supports the delivery of high-value and high-risk live frameworks, and ensures strong governance, consistency, and alignment with commercial strategy.
Provides expert advice on complex contractual matters, drives continuous improvement of commercial tools and guidance, and strengthens capability across the organisation through leadership, engagement, and knowledge sharing.
Some of the key activities in this role are:
Acting as the subject matter expert for NEC and commercial matters, providing expert advice on complex contractual issues.
Developing, maintaining, and improving framework contract documentation, including Z Clauses, schedules, and supporting guidance.
Providing commercial and NEC technical support to live frameworks, identifying and mitigating risks.
Developing and delivering commercial guidance, templates, and tools.
Overseeing digital platforms, improving access to commercial resources and increasing user engagement.
Facilitating commercial training sessions, surgeries, and knowledge‑sharing activities to build organisational capability.
Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including professional bodies, to influence and share best practice.
Defining and implement processes for when NEC and commercial technical expertise is required, including escalation routes.
Ensuring governance and assurance processes are in place for high‑risk or complex commercial scenarios.
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.
This job sits within the Commercial Centre of Excellence, part of the Commercial and Framework Management Team. This team builds capability, sets standards, and provides expert support to ensure consistent, compliant, and high-performing commercial practices across the business.
The team operates as a second line of support, providing expert guidance, knowledge, and assurance across the Commercial and Framework Management Team.
To secure Chartered membership of a recognised professional body such as ICE,IMechE,CIWEM, MAPM,CIPS or MRICS within a reasonable time frame.
GCF:CMCP Foundation Accreditation.
Certificated training in the NEC4 suite of contracts including the ECC,PSC,and TSC.
Essential experience:
Commercial experience in framework and/or contract management, ideally within infrastructure, construction, flood and coastal risk management, or environmental programmes.
Experience leading teams and able to mentor staff.
Ability to identify and monitor risks,escalate appropriately and provide clear, evidence-based information.
Experience gathering and analysing feedback to support improvements.
Strong organisational/time management skills, ability to manage own workload, balance competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work to deadlines.
Effective communication/relationship building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and the supply chain.
Good written communication skills, experience preparing clear reports, briefs, and documentation.
Proficiency in MSOffice, with the ability to produce accurate reports,presentations,and analysis that support project tracking and decision making.
Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development
A virtual open evening will be held on Tuesday 1st September - 17:30 - 18:30 - register here to join the call: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/842b7401-a7bd-45ea-8378-751f3fcad263@770a2450-0227-4c62-90c7-4e38537f1102?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog
Base location can be flexible but with an expectation of co-locating (usually in Birmingham or Leeds) and National travel to meetings.
For further information please contact: [email protected]
Interviews due to take place w/c: 21/09/2026
#LI-DNI
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
Please give us an example of how you have led a team to deliver a technically challenging commercial project. What was the result and how did you motivate the team?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
Provide an example of how you translated a new policy, industry best practice approach or standard into successful operation within your team, function, or business area. How did capacity, capability and maturity inform your approach and what forums did you need to attend to obtain approval?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
Describe a situation where you have been instrumental in persuading a critical stakeholder to pursue a specific challenging course of action, explaining the techniques you used to influence their decision.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
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.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
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. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please 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 for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.