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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 in London 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 in London
✨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. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream role!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've led finance initiatives or improved processes. This is your time to shine and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every role is unique, so make sure you tailor your pitch to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs. Research the company’s current projects and challenges, and be ready to discuss how you can help tackle them.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also shows your commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Commercial Finance Lead - £650-700pd in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Commercial Finance Lead. Highlight your finance management experience and any relevant qualifications like AAT or CIMA. We want to see how your skills align with 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 in procurement transformation and stakeholder engagement, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any previous work in public sector or defence environments. Even if it's not essential, it can give you an edge. We love seeing candidates who understand the unique challenges of these sectors!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss key metrics relevant to the role. Understand the financial assumptions and modelling techniques that are likely to come up, as well as how they apply to procurement transformation.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence senior audiences and build strong relationships across finance and operational teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Defence Sector
Even if you don’t have direct experience in defence, it’s crucial to understand the unique challenges and regulations of the sector. Research recent developments in public sector procurement and be ready to discuss how they might impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be prepared to talk about times when you’ve worked effectively within a team. Highlight your leadership style and how you’ve contributed to successful programme delivery in fast-paced environments.