Working Capital & Cash Optimisation

Working Capital & Cash Optimisation Lead

Location: Central London (Hybrid, 3 days in the office / 2 from home)
Day Rate: £700 - £800 (Outside IR35)
Duration: 6 Months

A leading, private equity backed professional services organisation is seeking an experienced Working Capital & Cash Optimisation Lead to design and deliver a high-impact cash performance programme across a complex, global operating model.

This is a highly visible mandate, reporting into senior finance and transformation leadership, with direct exposure to executive stakeholders and board-level sponsors. The role will suit a commercially minded transformation professional with deep expertise in DSO, DPO, cash governance, and working capital optimisation.

The Role

You will establish and lead a global working capital transformation, building robust governance, reporting infrastructure, and performance disciplines to materially improve cash generation and operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing a cash control tower and governance framework, including executive-level cadence and oversight.
• Establishing baseline DSO metrics, validating calculations, historical performance, and tracking methodologies.
• Developing bench marking analysis across business segments and relevant peer groups to define performance ambition.
• Defining near-term cash improvement targets, aligned to commercial terms, customer segmentation, and operational realities.
• Leading vendor payment term extension initiatives and accounts payable payment calendar optimisation.
• Driving and tracking in-flight improvement initiatives across:
  • Accounts receivable and dunning effectiveness
  • Credit and billing policy development
  • Customer terms analysis and segmentation strategies
  • Non-standard terms exception governance and reporting
• Designing and delivering working capital road shows and engagement programmes to align senior stakeholders and operational leaders behind cash discipline and behavioural change.

Ideal Candidate

• Proven track record in working capital transformation, cash optimisation, or finance-led operational improvement.
• Deep expertise across DSO, DPO, AR, AP, billing, credit, and governance frameworks.
• Background in consulting, professional services, PE-backed environments, or complex matrix organisations strongly preferred.
• Strong executive presence with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and operational leaders globally.
• Highly analytical, structured, and delivery-focused, with the ability to translate insight into measurable outcomes.