'Change Doesn’t Stick Without Buy-In': Insights From An Interim Programme Lead
19 Jun, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- The role of a Programme Lead in the end-to-end redesign of procurement structures.
- What attracted this professional to interim work.
- Advice for approaching the first 30 days in a new assignment.
- Where the latest interim jobs are and how to apply for them.
After a successful career in the private sector, it was the opportunity to lead change and deliver value that inspired this Programme Lead to explore the interim market.
In a sector where professionals frequently move from contract to contract, making a positive change to a local authority or public sector organisation is crucial and success relies on effective teamwork and clear communication.
In our latest insights piece, we’ve been speaking to an interim Programme Lead to discover why ‘even the most well-designed strategy or policy can fail if people don’t understand the rationale or feel included in its development.’
Can you walk me through your career journey and how it led you to interim work?
I began my career in the private sector, progressing through senior commercial and procurement roles across a wide range of industries delivering goods, services and complex solutions. Over time, I moved into more transformation-focused roles, supporting organisations to restructure procurement functions, implement governance and improve commercial outcomes.
Interim work offered the opportunity to focus on high-impact delivery, with the agility to lead change where it’s needed most. I’ve also advised both UK based and international companies on how to enter and grow within the UK public sector market, helping them win contracts, align to public procurement expectations and expand strategically. This dual perspective is key in roles that require both internal transformation and informed supplier engagement.
What attracts you to interim work in the public sector specifically?
Interim public sector roles allow me to apply commercial expertise in complex environments where the need for structure, compliance and delivery is immediate. Each assignment presents unique challenges, whether it’s embedding the Procurement Act, driving cost control, or reshaping procurement governance. The variety and scale of the work keeps it engaging and I value the ability to deliver tangible outcomes in a short space of time.
Tell us about your most recent interim role — what was your brief and what impact did you deliver?
In my most recent assignment, I was brought in as Programme Lead for the implementation of the Procurement Act and the wider procurement transformation that underpins it. The role included end-to-end redesign of procurement structures, policies and governance, alongside the development of contract management oversight and compliance frameworks. I led the introduction of centralised reporting, delivered Act-aligned training across departments and supported system change to embed transparency and pipeline discipline. The focus was on long-term, sustainable change ensuring the organisation could meet its statutory obligations while improving commercial outcomes.
How do you typically approach your first 30 days in a new assignment?
I start by establishing the current state through data, stakeholder interviews and document reviews. I quickly identify where risks, gaps or duplication exist, while mapping opportunities for improvement.
I prioritise building trust with senior stakeholders and delivery teams and aim to implement at least one visible change early, whether that’s spend analysis, a governance checkpoint, or a process reset, to demonstrate momentum.
What's the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Change doesn’t stick without buy-in. Even the most well-designed strategy or policy can fail if people don’t understand the rationale or feel included in its development. The ability to listen, adapt and communicate clearly is just as important as subject matter expertise.
Describe a time when you led a change programme in a public sector organisation. What were the key challenges and outcomes?
I led a council-wide procurement transformation programme aligned to the Procurement Act, covering both commercial governance and capability uplift. The key challenge was changing embedded practices in a large, operationally stretched environment.
Through structured training, redesigned processes and visible senior engagement, we introduced new controls, improved contract visibility and enabled directorates to plan ahead more effectively. The result was a more coordinated, compliant and confident procurement function, ready to meet future regulatory requirements.
What makes a great interim leader, in your view?
A great interim brings clarity, momentum and balance. They need to get to grips with the detail quickly, but without overwhelming the organisation. They know how to challenge constructively, deliver early value and leave behind something embedded, not just completed.
How do you manage uncertainty or gaps between contracts?
I stay connected to the sector through advisory work and research, particularly around the evolving public procurement landscape. I also use that time to support suppliers navigating public sector entry, which keeps me commercially sharp and engaged with developments on both the buying and bidding sides.
What’s your proudest career achievement so far?
One of my proudest achievements has been shaping and delivering a cross-organisational procurement transformation aligned to new legislation, in a high-pressure setting. Establishing centralised governance, embedding capability and introducing sustainable tools and reporting, while keeping delivery on track, has shown what’s possible when interim leadership is strategic, visible and hands-on.
Interim jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Interim recruitment services
As interim recruitment specialists, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary and interim recruitment needs.
We operate across a number of specialisms including Health & Social Care, Nursing, IT and Corporate Functions.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Lead Consultant, John Shorrock on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Share your experience
Every individual brings a unique set of experiences, thoughts and insights to the table. We believe in giving a voice to a community of professionals to inspire positive change and champion reform in the interim sector.
If you work in the interim sector and would like to share your own personal and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Perhaps you have a different perspective, could offer a fresh angle, or want to challenge assumptions.
Simply reach out to our Head of Content, Nicole Sherwood, to discuss a collaboration which makes your voice count.
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
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