Interim Head of Policy and Governance Public Sector 12 months

1st Executive; England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Executive is recruiting an experienced Interim Head of Commercial Governance for a major UK organisation. Based near Reading, the role is hybrid with three days on-site per week and a 12-month contract.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of around 20 professionals, embedding new governance structures and strengthening assurance frameworks. You will drive improvements across a nationally significant programme, build stakeholder relationships, and challenge senior

Qualifications

• Significant public sector experience is essential
• Extensive experience leading commercial governance within a complex organisation
• Proven leadership of substantial, multidisciplinary teams in governance environments
• Experience delivering organisational change and embedding new operating structures
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills
• Hands-on governance experience combined with strategic leadership capability
• Active SC security clearance with eligibility to obtain DV clearance

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across commercial governance, assurance, risk and policy
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 professionals
• Support recruitment and onboarding during workforce transition
• Embed new organisational structure and establish effective working practices
• Review and improve governance frameworks, processes and assurance arrangements
• Ensure governance supports effective decision-making without bureaucracy
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across functions
• Influence senior leaders to secure engagement with governance standards
• Drive continuous improvement and increase operational efficiency

Skills

Public sector leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic leadership

Governance frameworks

Change management

Communication and influencing

Senior stakeholder engagement

Hands-on governance

Job description

Interim Head of Commercial Governance

Location: Reading, Berkshire

Working Pattern: Hybrid - 3 days onsite per week

Contract: 12 months

Security Clearance: Active SC required; DV sponsorship available

The Opportunity

1st Executive is recruiting an experienced Head of Commercial Governance for a major UK organisation operating within a highly regulated and complex environment.

This is an opportunity to lead and develop a substantial commercial governance function, embedding new operating structures, strengthening assurance frameworks and driving improvements across a strategically important programme.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 professionals, working closely with senior commercial leaders and stakeholders to ensure governance is effective, proportionate and aligned with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across commercial governance, assurance, risk and policy.
• Lead, develop and integrate a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 professionals.
• Support recruitment and onboarding as the organisation transitions towards a permanent workforce.
• Embed a newly implemented organisational structure and establish effective working practices.
• Review and improve commercial governance frameworks, processes and assurance arrangements.
• Ensure governance requirements support effective commercial decision-making without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across multiple business functions.
• Influence and challenge senior leaders to secure engagement and adoption of governance standards.
• Drive continuous improvement and increase operational efficiency.

Essential Experience

• Significant public sector experience - essential.
• Extensive experience leading commercial governance within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of governance frameworks, assurance processes and commercial controls.
• Demonstrable experience developing, implementing and improving governance models.
• Proven leadership of substantial, multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience delivering organisational change and embedding new operating structures.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to engage confidently with senior leaders and challenge established practices.
• Hands-on governance experience combined with strategic leadership capability.
• Active SC security clearance, with eligibility to obtain DV clearance.

Experience within defence, nuclear, infrastructure or other highly regulated public sector environments would be advantageous.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

This is not simply a governance maintenance position.

The organisation has recently introduced a new governance model and undergone significant structural change.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Shape and improve a newly established governance function.
• Build and develop a high-performing team.
• Influence how commercial governance operates across a complex organisation.
• Deliver meaningful improvements within the first 90 days.
• Work on programmes of national significance.

Working Arrangements

The position is based near Reading, with a requirement to attend site three days per week.

Candidates based further afield will be considered, provided they can accommodate the onsite requirement.

****Due to the sensitive nature of the organisation's activities, applicants must hold active SC clearance and satisfy the necessary security and nationality requirements.****