Value for Money Senior Manager in England

We’re recruiting for Value for Money Senior Managers to join our national team. These roles are ideal for individuals with strong analytical and communication skills, experience in project and people management, and a talent for producing impactful reports. As a Senior Manager, you’ll lead or support the delivery of VFM reviews from planning through to client fieldwork and reporting. You’ll apply both quantitative and qualitative analysis, work closely with sector specialists and financial statement teams, and communicate complex findings clearly to a wide range of audiences.

Role Purpose

Lead the delivery of high-quality Value for Money reviews, ensuring projects are scoped, planned, and executed effectively. Manage stakeholder relationships, oversee team performance, and ensure deliverables meet internal standards and client expectations. Coach and develop team members, promote inclusive leadership.

A look into the role

• Project Leadership & Delivery
  • Lead assigned VFM audits, taking full responsibility for quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.
  • Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain individual project plans, proactively identifying risks and managing overruns effectively.
  • Ensure documentation and reporting are completed to a high standard with minimal review points.
  • Prepare and present internal moderation submissions and AARs, including to client Audit Committees when required.
• Team Management & Development
  • Drive team performance, promote a collaborative culture, and ensure that the team pulls together to deliver impactful outcomes.
  • Lead and support graduate and assistant manager work, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities.
  • Coach and mentor team members, providing development opportunities and managing performance.
  • Model team behaviours and foster an inclusive, collaborative working environment.
  • Lead initial scoping meetings with audit teams, escalating key issues appropriately.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Manage complex scheduling across multiple stakeholders, ensuring smooth engagement and timely meetings.
  • Lead client interviews and support team members in their delivery.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide regular updates to the Portfolio Holder and Audit Team throughout the review.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Deliver VFM work to time and budget, managing own workload and overseeing others for efficiency, cost control, and quality outcomes.
  • Review work completed by others, ensuring integrity of documentation, key findings, and evidence.
  • Address review points to a satisfactory standard and ensure team contributions are cohesive and impactful.
  • Ensure compliance with internal deadlines, mandatory training, and time recording policies, achieving quality grading each year and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strategic Contribution
  • Understand the pipeline of work to meet goals and identify opportunities for additional capacity.
  • Support Directors in identifying and mitigating portfolio and team risks.
  • Promote the VFM team internally and externally, identifying opportunities for growth and additional services.
  • Drive continuous improvement through efficiencies, best practices, and thought leadership.
• Inclusion & Culture
  • Lead inclusively, ensuring all team members have a voice and contribute meaningfully.
  • Champion the firm’s Inclusion policy and lead initiatives that foster a diverse and respectful workplace.
  • Address inappropriate behaviour in line with the firm’s policy.
  • Model inclusive and collaborative behaviours, contributing to a positive team culture.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Proven recent experience in leading audit or assurance projects, ideally within a VFM or public sector context.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to coach, develop, and manage performance within a team.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Familiarity with audit methodologies and Microsoft Office tools, including documentation and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, taking ownership of project delivery and leading others with clarity and purpose.