Third Party Spend Programme Implementation Lead

Job Title: Interim Third Party Spend Programme Implementation Lead
Location: Hybrid Working

Role Purpose

A public sector organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Third Party Spend Programme Implementation Lead to deliver a key workstream within its wider transformation programme.

This newly created role has been established following an independent review that identified opportunities to reduce third-party spend and improve value for money. The successful candidate will lead a programme of spend reviews, identify savings opportunities, and work with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver measurable financial benefits.

The role requires a senior transformation professional with strong commercial and procurement knowledge, capable of advising on the resources, governance, and organisational changes needed to ensure successful delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of a Third Party Spend Reduction Programme.
• Develop and manage a rolling programme of spend reviews across key expenditure categories.
• Analyse spend data and identify opportunities for savings and efficiencies.
• Translate recommendations from an external review into deliverable actions and outcomes.
• Engage with service areas, finance teams, procurement colleagues, and suppliers to implement cost reduction initiatives.
• Establish programme governance, reporting, and benefits tracking.
• Provide advice and challenge to senior stakeholders on commercial and spend management opportunities.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience leading large-scale transformation, efficiency, or cost reduction programmes.
• Experience operating at Head of Service, Head of Transformation, Director, or equivalent senior level.
• Strong commercial and financial analysis skills.
• Experience delivering measurable savings and benefits realisation.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to interpret complex spend data and translate findings into practical actions.

Desirable Experience

• Public sector procurement and contract management experience.
• Knowledge of public sector governance and financial management.
• Relevant programme, transformation, procurement, or finance qualifications.

Working Arrangements

This is an initial six-month contract, funded through the transformation programme, with the potential for extension based on programme success. Hybrid working is available.