Interim Head Of Purchase To Pay Operations

Michael Page; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 102,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page in the West Midlands is seeking a senior leader to drive the transformation of Purchase to Pay services in the public sector.

You will design and implement policies, oversee governance, and ensure controls while guiding large teams through change, with a focus on performance metrics and continuous improvement.

This temporary contract offers leadership of a key function and exposure to senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a Purchase to Pay (P2P), Accounts Payable, Shared Services, Finance Operations, or Procure-to-Pay environment.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operational transformation and change programmes.
• Experience implementing policies, processes, and controls within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end P2P processes, governance, risk, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrable experience leading and integrating teams through periods of organisational change.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior leaders across multiple business areas.
• Experience developing high-performing teams, driving service excellence, and delivering continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience using performance data and management information to drive decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex operational and policy requirements into clear business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Purchase to Pay policies, processes, communications, and engagement activities to support the transformation of P2P services.
• Work with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop, agree, and implement new policies and operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with P2P policies through governance frameworks, controls, and performance monitoring.
• Lead process improvements and change initiatives, ensuring business readiness and adoption across the organisation.
• Oversee the integration of existing P2P Support, Transactions, and Shared Services into a single high-performing function.
• Develop capability, expertise, and leadership within the team, fostering continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
• Drive operational performance through service metrics, insight, and effective resource management.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders for efficient service delivery.
• Champion innovation, process optimisation, and best practice across the P2P operating model.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the role.

Skills

P2P leadership

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Policy implementation

Team leadership

Data analysis

Job description

Client Details

This role is within the public sector, based in the West Midlands.

Description

• Lead the implementation of Purchase to Pay policies, processes, communications, and engagement activities to support the successful transformation of P2P services.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop, agree, and implement new policies and operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with P2P policies through effective controls, governance frameworks, and performance monitoring.
• Lead and manage process improvements and operational change initiatives, ensuring business readiness and successful adoption across the organisation.
• Oversee the integration of existing P2P Support, Transactions, and Shared Services teams into a single high-performing function.
• Develop capability, expertise, and leadership within the team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
• Drive operational performance through the use of service metrics, insight, and effective resource management.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Champion innovation, process optimisation, and best practice across the P2P operating model.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the role.

Profile

• Significant leadership experience within a Purchase to Pay (P2P), Accounts Payable, Shared Services, Finance Operations, or Procure-to-Pay environment.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operational transformation and change programmes.
• Experience implementing policies, processes, and controls within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end P2P processes, governance, risk, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrable experience leading and integrating teams through periods of organisational change.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior leaders across multiple business areas.
• Experience developing high-performing teams, driving service excellence, and delivering continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience using performance data and management information to drive decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating complex operational and policy requirements into clear business outcomes.

Job Offer

• Daily rate: £650 (umbrella)
• Temporary contract offering flexibility and a focused remit.
• Opportunity to lead a key function within a public sector organisation.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best