Senior Project Lead – Cost Optimization Initiative

About the role

Save the Children International is seeking a Senior Project Lead to head its Cost Optimisation Initiative, a global transformation programme aimed at delivering 30‑40% structural cost efficiency by 2030 while safeguarding program quality and impact. The role will provide strategic and operational leadership across global teams and country offices, driving organisational redesign and innovative, data‑driven solutions.

Key responsibilities

• Design, plan and deliver the Cost Optimisation Project, creating a phased multi‑year roadmap with clear milestones and alignment to organisational capacity.
• Lead change‑management activities, secure senior stakeholder buy‑in and promote continuous improvement across all support functions.
• Identify and implement sustainable efficiency opportunities, leveraging digital enablement and AI‑driven operational intelligence.
• Coordinate a matrixed environment of global and country‑level teams, managing a direct team of four staff.
• Oversee organisational redesign efforts, ensuring resilience, beneficiary impact and program quality are maintained.
• Travel up to 10% internationally to support implementation and stakeholder engagement.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading enterprise‑wide transformation or cost‑optimisation programmes in a complex, multi‑regional organisation.
• Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management and ability to influence senior leaders.
• Excellent communication skills in English and the right to work in the country of assignment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and deliver results in a matrixed setting.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid/remote working with flexible arrangements.
• Opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact global mission improving children’s lives.
• Exposure to innovative digital and AI‑enabled operational practices.