Interim Commercial Lead - Transport Procurement

About the role

A major UK transport organisation needs an Interim Commercial Lead urgently to join its Procurement and Commercial function. The post leads a team on programmes and renewal programmes, taking ownership of pre-contract procurement and sourcing from defining requirements and sourcing strategy through to tender, negotiation and contract award. It suits candidates with people management or team leadership experience, and public sector, rail or transport industry experience.

The role is temporary, lasting 3 to 6 months, with a rate up to £520 per day. Working is hybrid, about 50% office-based (2-3 days per week), and the client is outside IR35.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and procurement from initial requirement through to contract execution
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies
• Manage a small team of commercial staff
• Run competitive tenders and single-source procurements
• Lead supplier negotiations on price, rates, terms and conditions
• Identify opportunities to deliver value for money
• Draft contracts and help develop contract templates
• Manage procurement governance and approval processes
• Manage several procurement projects at once in a fast-paced environment

Required profile

• Public sector experience, or rail or transport experience
• Proven end-to-end procurement and sourcing experience
• Strong people management, team leadership or mentoring experience
• Ability to negotiate with suppliers on commercial terms
• Valid UK right to work

Required skills

• Tendering, procurement processes and governance
• Stakeholder management and communication
• Managing multiple sourcing projects and priorities