Head of IT Finance & Sourcing

UK Research and Innovation - UKRI Corporate Hub – CIO group

Contract Type: Fixed Term (18 Months)

Hours: Full-time/ Part Time. (minimum 0.8 FTE) (flexible working available)

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire or BGS, Keyworth, Nottingham- Hybrid working available.

About the role

The Head of IT Finance and Sourcing provides operational leadership and oversight of financial planning, commercial management, and procurement activities within the DDaT function. The role ensures that IT investments deliver value for money, comply with government financial and commercial standards, and support organisational priorities. The postholder will lead on budget management, supplier engagement, contract governance, and cost optimisation, working collaboratively across various teams.

Key areas of accountability

• Strategic Financial Management: Lead the development, monitoring, and reporting of the IT budget, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and public sector financial regulations.
• Value for Money and Cost Control: Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency across the IT portfolio, ensuring public funds are used effectively and responsibly.
• Governance and Assurance: Ensure financial and commercial activities meet internal governance standards and external audit requirements, including compliance with Managing Public Money and commercial assurance frameworks.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior leaders, programme teams, and external partners to support wider organisational and government priorities.
• Risk and Resilience: Monitor financial and commercial risks, implementing mitigation strategies and ensuring continuity.
• Team Leadership and Capability Building: Lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Performance Reporting: Establish and maintain KPIs and dashboards to track financial performance, IT procurement progress, and efficiencies, informing decision-making and transparency.

The role includes line management of a small team and reports into the Deputy Director Business Management.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• Proven experience in leading finance and/or commercial functions within a complex organisation. (S)
• Strong understanding of public sector financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting and delivering value for money. (S&I)
• Demonstrable experience in strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation. (S&I)
• Knowledge of public procurement regulations and frameworks (e.g. Procurement Act 2023 - PA2023, CCS frameworks). (S)
• Ability to interpret and apply government financial and commercial guidance (e.g. Managing Public Money). (S&I)
• Excellent ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders, influence decision-making, and communicate complex information clearly. (S&I)
• Leadership and People Management: Ability to lead and inspire teams, manage performance, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. (S&I)
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to public service values. (S)
• Strategic Thinking: Evidence of strategic planning and decision-making in financial and commercial contexts. (I)
• Delivery Focus: Track record of delivering outcomes in complex environments, managing competing priorities, and driving efficiency. (I)

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply via the ‘Apply’ button above.