Interim Associate Director – Procurement & Cost Improvement (NHS)
📍 NHS Provider Setting | Hybrid Working
💷 £480 per day - Outside IR35
📆 6–12 Month Contract
The NHS is navigating one of its most financially and operationally challenging periods. With increasing pressure to deliver sustainable savings while protecting frontline services, experienced commercial leaders are needed to drive meaningful impact at pace.
We are seeking a seasoned Interim Associate Director to lead procurement and contract spend optimisation within a complex NHS provider environment. This is a high-profile consultancy assignment requiring visible leadership, sharp commercial acumen and the ability to deliver measurable, recurrent savings.
The Opportunity
You will operate at senior level, partnering with executive teams and clinical leaders to unlock value across third-party spend. This is not a back-office role – you will be front and centre, leading teams, influencing stakeholders and delivering tangible financial results in a fast-moving, often turnaround-focused setting.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and develop high-performing procurement and commercial teams
* Deliver material cost improvement savings, particularly across contract and non-pay spend
* Identify, quantify and prioritise savings opportunities with clear ROI
* Apply robust commercial strategies including contract renegotiation, demand management, benchmarking and price review
* Provide assurance around governance, compliance and procurement best practice
* Build strong, credible relationships with Directors of Finance and senior operational stakeholders
* Ensure disciplined, end-to-end procurement delivery across complex categories
What We’re Looking For
* Proven track record of delivering significant, quantifiable NHS savings (c.£2m+ recurrent)
* Extensive experience within acute/provider-side procurement and commercial roles
* Strong background in contract review, negotiation and commercial optimisation
* Demonstrable leadership of teams in high-pressure environments
* Confidence operating autonomously while remaining aligned to wider programme delivery
* MCIPS desirable (or equivalent depth of procurement experience)
* Commercially astute, analytical and outcome-driven
You’ll be resilient, delivery-focused and comfortable being held accountable for financial impact. Most importantly, you’ll bring the credibility and gravitas to influence at Executive level and drive change that genuinely improves services.
WHY WORK WITH PRACTICUS?
We’ve been supporting the NHS with the provision of senior interims since 2004. We care about what we do as much as you care about what you do. If you feel you could help my client and the many people whose lives would be improved and enriched by the successful delivery of this portfolio, then I’d absolutely love to hear from you
Apply now if you have the required experience