Third Party Spend Programme Implementation Lead in Leicester

You will be joining a complex and forward-thinking organisation undertaking a significant transformation programme, with a clear focus on driving efficiency, strengthening financial governance, and delivering sustainable cost savings. As part of this strategic initiative, a dedicated programme has been established to optimise third-party spend and enhance supplier management practices across the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping how third-party spend is managed at scale, working at the heart of a high-profile transformation.

As the Third Party Spend Programme Implementation Lead, you will take ownership of a newly created interim role, established to deliver a critical work stream within a wider transformation programme. Your core remit will be to design and implement a programme aimed at reducing third-party spend, building on recommendations from an external consultancy review. You will lead a rolling programme of spend reviews across multiple categories, identifying cost reduction opportunities and driving tangible savings. You will interpret complex spend data, engage internal stakeholders, and negotiate with suppliers to optimise commercial outcomes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the end-to-end implementation of the third-party spend reduction programme
• Developing and delivering a rolling plan to review key spend categories
• Analysing spend data to identify savings opportunities and efficiencies
• Engaging with internal services and senior stakeholders to drive change
• Negotiating with suppliers to deliver measurable cost reductions
• Advising on resource requirements, operating models, and structural improvements to support delivery
• Embedding robust governance, public procurement best practice, and commercial controls
• Reporting on programme progress, risks, and realised benefits

This is a highly visible leadership role, requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on delivery within a complex environment.

To excel in this role, you will bring extensive experience operating at a senior transformation level, with a track record of delivering large-scale programmes and commercial outcomes. You will demonstrate:

• In-depth working knowledge of public procurement processes and governance frameworks is essential with demonstrable experience required
• Proven experience in a transformation role, leading complex, large-scale programmes within the public sector is a prerequisite
• Strong expertise in third-party spend management, procurement, and cost optimisation is essential
• The ability to interpret and leverage spend data to drive strategic decision-making
• Excellent commercial acumen and strong supplier negotiation skills
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the confidence to influence at senior level
• Experience advising on organisational design, resource planning, and structural change
• A delivery-focused mindset with the ability to operate effectively in an interim capacity

This is a unique opportunity to take on a high-impact interim leadership role within a major transformation programme, where your work will directly influence organisational performance. In return, you will benefit from:

• A 6-month initial contract, with strong potential for extension based on programme success
• The opportunity to shape and lead a high-profile cost optimisation initiative
• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making
• The chance to make a measurable and lasting business impact
• Competitive daily rate and flexible working arrangements

Funding for this role has already been secured, highlighting the organisation's commitment to delivering this programme successfully.

If you are an experienced transformation leader with the expertise to drive third-party spend optimisation and deliver meaningful cost savings, we want to hear from you. Apply now to be considered, or get in touch for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.