Contract Project Manager - Finance & Service Transition (Local Government) £500 per day, Inside IR35 Contract Until October 2025 Largely Remote (Some On-Site Meetings Required) Salt Recruitment's Local Government Team is pleased to offer an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Finance Project Manager to lead a vital service transition project with a Local Government body in the South West of England. This contract role is finance-intensive, focusing on the end-to-end transition of crucial revenue-based services currently managed by an external vendor under the 5Cs (5 Councils) contract back to internal council control. Role Overview In this Finance Project Manager position, you will be responsible for managing the successful transfer of services, including Revenues and Benefits, Contact Centre support, and Land Charges. This high-profile role demands substantial experience in public sector finance, particularly within local government, as well as expertise in stakeholder engagement, financial compliance, and risk management. Your role will be to ensure financial integrity and continuity throughout the transition, handling sensitive data and maintaining essential frontline services. Key Responsibilities Project Leadership : Drive the transition, ensuring all elements of the project align with timelines, financial objectives, and regulatory standards. Financial Oversight : Monitor budget and financial performance throughout the project, overseeing compliance and mitigating financial risks. Stakeholder Engagement : Act as the primary liaison between the current external vendor, internal finance and council teams, and other key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and timely issue resolution. Risk & Compliance Management : Identify, manage, and escalate risks as needed to ensure data security, regulatory compliance, and uninterrupted service delivery. Remote Flexibility : This role is predominantly remote, with some on-site meetings required to support team collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Who We're Looking For Local Government Experience : Candidates must have previous experience in local government. While applicants from a broader public sector background may be considered, they must demonstrate experience in similar finance-focused project transitions within public bodies. Finance-Centric Project Management : Strong background in finance-driven project management, particularly within areas involving revenues, benefits, and customer-facing services, as well as regulatory finance and compliance. Excellent Communication & Stakeholder Skills : Proven ability to manage diverse stakeholders, ensuring collaborative and effective project outcomes. Risk & Compliance Acumen : Demonstrated expertise in risk assessment, financial tracking, and compliance is essential.