Location: Birmingham (Hybrid - minimum 1 day per week on-site)
Day Rate: £500-£575 (dependent on experience)
Duration: 8-10 weeks per assignment (~40-50 days)
Engagement: Interim / Consultancy
Overview
We are supporting a leading infrastructure consultancy engaged by a major UK local authority to deliver two strategic review programmes across a high-value capital infrastructure portfolio (circa £50m-£75m annually).
These engagements are designed to assess, challenge and enhance both pre-procurement and post-contract processes, ultimately improving governance, consistency and commercial outcomes across a complex programme of works, services and resource-based contracts.
This is a high-impact assignment where the successful consultant will play a key role in shaping future operating models, processes and standards.
Scope of Services
The appointed consultant will be responsible for delivering structured reviews and recommendations across one or both of the following areas:
1. Pre-Procurement & Tender Preparation Review
Assess current approaches to pre-procurement activities, including scope development, requirements definition and tender documentation
Identify weaknesses in process, governance alignment and quality assurance
Evaluate consistency of approach across teams and programmes
Review the effectiveness of evaluation criteria, including quality questions and scoring mechanisms
Provide recommendations to enhance robustness, standardisation and clarity of tender documentation
Suggest improvements to governance compliance, peer review processes and pre-procurement workflows
2. Post-Contract Award / Contract Management Review
Review existing contract administration processes across works and professional services contracts
Assess consistency and effectiveness of change control, risk management and reporting procedures
Identify areas of commercial exposure, inefficiencies or inconsistency across teams
Evaluate current practices against industry standards and best practice (including NEC-aligned environments)
Recommend improvements to contract governance, controls, oversight and performance monitoring
Support development of more structured, repeatable approaches to contract management
Key Deliverables
End-to-end review of current-state processes and operating practices
Identification and documentation of key risks, gaps and inefficiencies
Development of clear, actionable recommendations aligned to best practice
Formal written report outlining findings and proposed improvements
Presentation of findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders
Operating Environment
Large-scale infrastructure and highways delivery programme
Mix of professional services, civil engineering works and contingent resource contracts
Delivery via regulated public sector frameworks
Alignment to Procurement Act 2023 governance
Predominantly NEC contract forms in use
Multi-stakeholder environment with varying levels of commercial maturity
Candidate Profile
We are seeking experienced consultants with a strong track record in delivering similar review, audit or transformation assignments.
Essential experience:
Proven background in procurement, commercial or contract management roles
Experience delivering process reviews, audits or transformation programmes
Strong understanding of public sector procurement governance and frameworks
Knowledge of NEC contracts and their practical application
Experience within infrastructure, highways, transport or capital projects environmentsKey skills:
Ability to rapidly assess and understand complex operating environments
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
Analytical mindset with a focus on identifying practical, implementable improvements
High-quality report writing and presentation capabilities
Commercial awareness and attention to risk, governance and compliance
Working Arrangements
Hybrid model with minimum 1 day per week on-site in Birmingham (flexible but subject to programme needs)
Remaining time can be delivered remotely
Flexibility required to engage with stakeholders and attend key sessions in person where needed
Additional Information
Opportunity to deliver one or both review programmes depending on experience
Immediate start preferred
Potential for further phases of work depending on outcomes
Summary
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement or commercial consultant to deliver meaningful, high-value work within a major public sector organisation. The assignment offers the chance to influence future best practice across both procurement and contract delivery, leaving a lasting impact beyond the duration of the engagement
Salary description
£500.00 - £575.00 per day