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- Tasks: Lead finance development for a major procurement transformation programme in a defence environment.
- Company: Join a major public sector organisation with a focus on efficiency and governance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and enhance your career in a dynamic, collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on high-visibility projects with substantial financial implications.
- Qualifications: Proven finance management experience and professional finance qualification required.
Interim Commercial Finance Lead - Major Transformation Programme
Please note this will be working in a defence environment therefore active UK SC clearance is required for this role.
Location: Hybrid - Bristol or Scotland (1-2 days onsite)
Rate: £650 - £700 per day (Umbrella, inside IR35)
Duration: Initial 3-Month Contract (likely 6 months +)
A major public sector organisation is seeking a Commercial Finance Lead to support a nationally significant procurement transformation programme focused on improving efficiency, governance, and financial control across high-volume, low-complexity commercial activity. This is a high-visibility role working alongside senior commercial, finance, and external advisory teams to help shape and deliver a large-scale business case with spend expected to reach hundreds of millions.
The Opportunity
You'll play a central role in developing the finance and economic case for a flagship procurement initiative designed to simplify routes to market, improve assurance, and reduce operational burden across the organisation. Working within a collaborative programme team, you'll engage across finance, commercial, governance, and operational stakeholders to provide confidence around controls, policy, financial flows, and risk management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead development of the Finance and Economic Case within the programme business case
- Review financial assumptions, modelling, and expenditure flows with external advisers
- Support governance, assurance, and control frameworks across the programme
- Work closely with finance, VAT, and commercial specialists to identify operational impacts and risks
- Maintain and enhance commercial and financial risk registers and mitigation plans
- Build strong stakeholder relationships across finance, accounting, and operational teams
- Oversee monthly MI and reporting packs for programme leadership
- Engage with external financial partners and suppliers to support delivery activity
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in finance management and finance policy
- Professional finance qualification (AAT, CIMA, or equivalent)
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the confidence to influence senior audiences
- Experience contributing to large-scale business cases, governance, or assurance activity
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced transformation or procurement environments
- Familiarity with ERP systems and ability to quickly adapt to new finance platforms
- Public sector or defence experience beneficial but not essential
- Strong communication skills and collaborative leadership style
This role would suit an outgoing and commercially aware finance professional who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on programme delivery in a complex stakeholder environment.
Please note: Due to the sensitivity of the role, candidate must have, or be able to gain and maintain, SC Clearance.
Interim Commercial Finance Lead - £650-700pd employer: 1st Executive Ltd
Contact Detail:
1st Executive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Commercial Finance Lead - £650-700pd
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance and procurement sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in finance management and governance. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to large-scale business cases or improved financial controls.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every role is unique, so tailor your conversations to align with the specific needs of the organisation. Research their current projects and challenges, and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also allows us to support you throughout the process. Let’s land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Commercial Finance Lead - £650-700pd
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Commercial Finance Lead. Highlight your experience in finance management and any relevant qualifications like AAT or CIMA. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with large-scale business cases and stakeholder engagement, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for working in a defence environment.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead finance initiatives and improve efficiency. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better! This will help us see the impact you've made in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial modelling and economic case development skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully led similar initiatives, especially in high-volume environments.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Prepare to showcase your stakeholder engagement skills. Think of instances where you've influenced senior audiences or collaborated with cross-functional teams. Having a few anecdotes ready will help demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships.
✨Understand the Defence Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and regulations of the defence environment. Even if you don't have direct experience, showing that you've done your homework will impress interviewers and show your commitment to the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in fast-paced transformation settings. Prepare by thinking through potential risks and mitigation strategies related to finance management and governance, as these will likely come up during the interview.