Commercial Lead - IT Sourcing, Procurement & Transition
Part-time, deliverables-based engagement.
Expected duration: 9-12 months .
Start date: ASAP .
Rate: Up to £450 P.D Outside IR35
Anticipated total effort: up to 72 days across the engagement lifecycle.
Flexibility to align effort with programme milestones, key procurement activities, governance requirements, and transition events.
Suitable for an independent consultant or interim commercial specialist seeking a fractional assignment.
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to drive and oversee the commercial aspects of a major IT sourcing and transformation programme. The engagement spans three key phases: IT operating model design, procurement and supplier selection, and transition to a new service delivery arrangement.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the sourcing strategy, leading market engagement and procurement activities, managing commercial risks, and supporting the mobilisation of new services.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the commercial lead across a multi-phase IT transformation and sourcing programme, covering operating model design, supplier procurement, and transition activities.
- Translate the target operating model into a coherent sourcing and commercial strategy, including lot structure, contract design, commercial model, service scope, and pricing approach.
- Lead end-to-end market engagement activities, including:
- Supplier market testing and engagement.
- Development of procurement documentation (RFI, ITT, evaluation materials).
- Definition of output-based service requirements and specifications.
- Evaluation moderation and supplier selection processes.
- Negotiation and contract award support.
- Operate confidently within UK public sector procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023, and utilise appropriate procurement frameworks where required.
- Develop and manage critical commercial documentation and schedules, including:
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Service credit mechanisms.
- Benchmarking and charging models.
- Change control processes.
- Exit management provisions.
- Continuous improvement commitments.
- Lead the commercial aspects of incumbent supplier exit activities, including review of contractual obligations, transition requirements, asset and licence transfer considerations, third-party dependencies, data management, and TUPE implications.
- Collaborate closely with procurement, finance, legal, technology, operational, and senior leadership stakeholders throughout the programme lifecycle.
- Prepare business case inputs, affordability assessments, governance papers, and board-level decision materials.
- Support contract mobilisation and service commencement activities, including obligations tracking, governance establishment, and implementation of ongoing commercial management processes.
- Establish the commercial management framework required to govern supplier performance post-transition.
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience
- Proven experience leading at least one large-scale IT outsourcing procurement, re-procurement, or supplier transition programme.
- Strong commercial and sourcing expertise covering complex IT services and managed service environments.
- Demonstrable experience managing procurement activities from strategy through to contract award and mobilisation.
- Ability to operate effectively at executive, senior leadership, and board level while remaining hands-on with commercial documentation and delivery activities.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across multi-disciplinary teams.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within the NHS or wider UK public sector environment.
- Strong understanding of public sector procurement regulations and framework agreements.
- Familiarity with multi-supplier operating models and SIAM (Service Integration and Management) environments.
- Experience supporting large-scale business and IT transformation initiatives.
Commercial Lead - IT Sourcing, Procurement & Transition in City of London employer: AgileSource Ltd
AgileSource is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and user-centred design are at the forefront of our mission. As a Senior User Researcher, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in London, contributing to impactful public sector projects while enjoying flexible working arrangements and competitive daily rates. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning and support, making AgileSource a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions to digital services.
