Interim Programme Lead / Programme Director - Workforce Management Transformation
South / South East preferred
3 Month Contract initially
Day rate competitive via Umbrella Company
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My client specialises in the delivery of essential public services, with over 50,000 people working in defence, transport, justice, immigration, healthcare, and other citizen services across our four regions: UK & Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Middle East.
We are recruiting for a senior Interim Programme Lead / Programme Director to oversee a major Workforce Management (WFM) Review and RFP Programme. This is a strategically important role requiring strong leadership, disciplined delivery, and the ability to manage a high‑profile transformation with significant operational, technical and commercial impact. You will join on an initial 3-month contract with the potential to extend for a further 3 months. The position is 80% homebased with 20% travel to sites across the UK with travel expenses paid.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will lead the full lifecycle of the WFM transformation, from initial discovery through to options appraisal, commercial modelling, and the development of a market‑ready RFP. The role requires close collaboration with senior stakeholders, robust governance, and the ability to integrate cross‑functional insights into clear, evidence‑based recommendations.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the end‑to‑end delivery of the WFM Review and RFP Programme, ensuring outputs are delivered to agreed timelines, standards and scope.
Establish and maintain programme governance, scope definition, critical‑path plans and risk/issue management.
Oversee current‑state assessment activities including process mapping, baselining and user research across multiple business areas.
Develop a comprehensive and prioritised requirements set covering functional, technical and integration needs.
Conduct structured options appraisal based on operational, financial, technical and risk considerations.
Direct commercial modelling and ROI analysis in partnership with Finance and Procurement teams.
Lead market engagement, including supplier scanning and development of high‑quality RFI/RFP documentation.
Provide senior leadership with clear, decision‑ready outputs and programme recommendations.
Essential Skills and Experience
Extensive experience leading complex, multi‑phase business and technology programmes, ideally in WFM, enterprise systems or large operational environments.
Strong capability in programme governance, planning, delivery management and assurance.
Proven ability to communicate effectively and influence senior and executive‑level stakeholders.
Demonstrable experience in requirements development, business case creation, commercial modelling and procurement preparation.
Programme management certification (e.g., MSP Practitioner) or comparable experience.
Desirable Experience
Background in government outsourcing or similarly complex operational environments.
Experience delivering programmes in high‑pressure settings with competing demands.
Strong leadership behaviours including collaboration, coaching, and supporting organisational change.
Location and Mobility
South / South East base preferred, with flexibility to travel to multiple UK sites as required.
The role requires regular on‑site presence at key stages of the programme.
Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered.
Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you.
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