Project Lead – Cost Optimization Initiative

About the role

Save the Children International is seeking a Project Lead to drive its Cost Optimisation Initiative, a global transformation program aimed at delivering 30‑40% structural cost efficiency by 2030 while safeguarding program quality and impact. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across global teams and country offices.

Key responsibilities

• Design, plan and deliver the Cost Optimisation Project, creating a multi‑year roadmap with clear milestones and capacity alignment.
• Lead change management, stakeholder adoption and continuous improvement to embed sustainable efficiencies.
• Identify, prioritise and implement enterprise‑wide efficiency opportunities across all support functions.
• Establish cost baselines, track benefits realisation and report results to senior leadership.
• Govern programme workstreams, manage dependencies and ensure timely delivery of outcomes.
• Promote AI, automation, analytics and digital solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.

Required profile

• Extensive experience leading large‑scale organisational transformation in complex global NGOs or multinational matrix environments.
• Proven ability to influence senior executives and align diverse stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong background in operating model design, shared services, finance transformation and organisational effectiveness.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and executive communication skills.

Required skills

• AI
• Automation
• Analytics
• Digital transformation
• Lean Six Sigma
• ERP