Head of Purchase to Pay Operations

On behalf of The Ministry of Justice , we are looking for a Head of P2P Operations (Inside IR35) for a 12 Month contract based in Birmingham . 3 days a week in the Office

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) priorities include improving public safety and reducing reoffending by reforming prisons, probation and youth justice, and building a justice system which makes access to justice swifter and more certain for all citizens whatever their background. Project professionals in the MoJ help to improve the government’s ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending, and to provide a more effective, transparent and responsive criminal justice system for victims and the public.

As a Head of P2P Operations , your main responsibilities will be:

- 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 .

Essential:

- 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.

Desirable:

- Professional qualification in Finance, Procurement, Business Management , or a related discipline (e.g., CIPS, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA).
- Experience working within large public sector, government, or highly regulated environments.
- Knowledge of Shared Services operating models and service management frameworks.
- Experience implementing or optimising ERP and finance systems such as SAP, Oracle, Unit4, or similar platforms.
- Understanding of change management methodologies and organisational design.
- Experience establishing service performance frameworks, KPIs , SLAs , and customer satisfaction measures.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence frameworks.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, MOJ encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, MOJ welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".