Project overview
Sector: Government / Wider Public Sector
Client type: Independent public body
Service: Commercial Transformation
Focus areas: Commercial assurance, strategy development, procurement governance, contract management, supplier oversight, and digital transformation
Engagement length: 6 months
Key outcome: Stabilised commercial operations, refreshed commercial and digital strategies, strengthened governance, and provided independent commercial assurance during a period of organisational change.
The challenge:
A UK public sector organisation was undergoing a period of organisational transition, creating pressure on existing procurement capacity and increasing the need for experienced commercial leadership and assurance. At the same time, the organisation was progressing a number of important commercial, digital, and operational initiatives that required strategic oversight and clear direction.
With multiple priorities underway, the organisation needed access to senior commercial expertise capable of providing both immediate operational support and longer-term strategic guidance. Alongside maintaining continuity across procurement and supplier management activities, there was a need to refresh key commercial and digital strategies to ensure alignment with wider organisational objectives.
Key commercial and operational challenges included:
- Fluctuating procurement capacity during a period of organisational change
- The need for independent commercial assurance across contracts, suppliers, and spend
- Refreshing commercial and digital strategies to support future organisational goals
- Maintaining governance, oversight, and best practice across procurement activities
- Improving visibility of supplier and contract performance
- Providing trusted strategic advice to support senior leadership decision-making
Without additional commercial expertise and assurance, the organisation risked reduced visibility, inconsistent governance, and missed opportunities to strengthen commercial performance and long-term strategic outcomes. A flexible and experienced advisory partner was therefore required to provide continuity, assurance, and practical support throughout the transition period.
What Mantis achieved:
Mantis delivered a tailored commercial assurance and advisory service, providing senior-level expertise to support the organisation through a period of transition whilst helping shape its future commercial direction. Working closely with leadership teams and key stakeholders, we provided a flexible model of support that combined strategic advisory input with practical commercial oversight.
Key activities included:
- Refreshing the organisation’s Commercial Strategy to align with wider business objectives
- Supporting the development of a Digital Transformation Strategy covering systems, assets, and technology-related spend
- Providing ongoing advice on procurement governance, commercial policies, and operating practices
- Reviewing supplier, contract, and spend activity to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement
- Delivering structured governance through regular reviews, reporting, risk management, and stakeholder engagement
- Providing embedded Director-level commercial support with access to additional specialist expertise where required
Key success: Mantis provided the continuity, assurance, and strategic commercial leadership needed to stabilise operations during a period of change, while helping establish a clearer commercial direction for the future.
Results and impact:
The engagement provided the organisation with immediate access to senior commercial expertise, helping to stabilise procurement operations and strengthen commercial oversight during a period of organisational change. Through a combination of strategic advisory support and practical assurance activities, Mantis helped create greater clarity, consistency, and confidence across commercial decision-making.
Key outcomes included the successful refresh of both the Commercial Strategy and Digital Transformation Strategy, providing a clearer framework to guide future investment, procurement activity, and organisational priorities.
Beyond strategic development, the engagement helped the organisation:
- Strengthen procurement governance and commercial assurance practices
- Improve visibility across supplier, contract, and spend activity
- Identify risks, opportunities, and best-value pathways across procurement operations
- Enhance supplier and contract management oversight
- Support senior leadership with independent commercial advice and decision-making support
- Establish stronger foundations for future commercial and digital transformation initiatives
Mantis also provided a trusted and flexible advisory partnership throughout the engagement, ensuring continuity, stability, and expert guidance whilst positioning the organisation for stronger commercial outcomes and improved governance in the years ahead.
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