At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance development for a major procurement transformation programme.
- 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: Ideal for outgoing finance professionals seeking strategic and hands-on roles.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on high-visibility projects with substantial financial implications.
- Qualifications: Professional finance qualification and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
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
Essential Requirements
- Finance qualification (AAT, CIMA, or equivalent)
- Strong communication skills and collaborative leadership style
- Finance Management
- Finance Policy
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
Contact Detail:
1st Executive Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Commercial Finance Lead - £650-700pd in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's recent projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their transformation programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in finance management and stakeholder engagement can directly benefit their procurement initiatives. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
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 reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your finance management experience and any relevant qualifications like AAT or CIMA. We want to see how you can contribute to our major transformation programme!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Interim Commercial Finance Lead role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance and stakeholder engagement that align with what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your strong communication and collaborative leadership skills. We love candidates who can influence senior audiences and build solid relationships across different departments.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around finance management and policy. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed finance and economic cases in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, think about past experiences where you've successfully influenced senior audiences. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your strong communication skills and collaborative leadership style.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Programme
Research the major transformation programme and understand its goals. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to improving efficiency and governance will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle fast-paced transformation environments. Think of scenarios where you've managed risks or operational impacts effectively, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.