Interim Procurement / Cost Optimisation Lead

  • Butler Rose
  • Exeter, Devon
  • Apr 25, 2026
Seasonal

Job Description

Interim Cost Optimisation / Procurement Lead (Contract)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on cost optimisation / procurement lead to deliver a short-term efficiency project reviewing and optimising our clients indirect spend cost base (c. £25M annually).

This role will initially focus on identifying, and prioritising where efficiencies can be made and then delivering tangible cost savings across indirect spend categories.

The role is set to last 2-3 months

Scope of Spend

The review will cover indirect cost areas including, but not limited to:

  • HR
  • IT and technology
  • Marketing
  • Property and facilities
  • Travel and expenses
  • Telecoms
  • Operational overheads

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct a rapid, end-to-end review of the cost base to identify savings opportunities and areas for efficiency improvement
  • Prioritise key categories for immediate impact
  • Analyse supplier contracts, spend data, and usage patterns
  • Identify inefficiencies and areas for re-analysis or consolidation
  • Develop a clear savings road map with actionable initiatives
  • Lead supplier negotiations and contract renegotiation
  • Work closely with internal stakeholders to implement changes
  • Drive delivery of savings through to execution

Objectives

  • Primary: Identify measurable cost savings and areas for efficiency improvement across indirect spend
  • Secondary: Improve overall efficiency and procurement discipline across the business
  • No fixed savings target defined, but strong expectation of meaningful, deliverable impact

Success Criteria

  • Clear diagnostic of key cost drivers and savings opportunities
  • Prioritised savings plan with quantified impact
  • Supplier negotiations initiated and/or completed in key areas
  • Implementation of agreed cost-saving measures underway
  • Tangible savings identified and early wins delivered

Candidate Profile

  • Senior procurement, cost optimisation, of efficiency transformation specialist
  • Proven experience delivering savings across indirect spend categories
  • Comfortable operating both strategically and "in the detail"
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
  • Experience running end-to-end cost reduction or efficiency programmes
  • Able to work independently and "hit the ground running"

Engagement Details

  • Duration: Approx. 2-3 months (initial engagement)
  • Location: Flexible
  • Nature: Hands-on delivery role with accountability for outcomes

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.