At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting IT projects that make a real difference for children and families.
- Company: Join Cafcass, a digital organisation rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a great pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Work remotely with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that uses technology to support over 140,000 children annually.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT project management and strong leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
While predominantly known for the role Cafcass takes in supporting almost 140,000+ children and young people in family court cases, our targeted use of technology is a key factor in ensuring we are at the forefront of our sector. A digital organisation rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024, our IT team, in collaboration with our private sector partners, provides the technology that is a critical enabler for our diverse, flexible, mobile workforce.
We are seeking an IT Project Manager to support the successful delivery of a portfolio of IT projects and programmes across Cafcass. Working closely with the IT team, our partners and stakeholders from the wider business, you will lead the delivery of a number of IT projects, provide leadership to project teams, and ensure that agreed outcomes and benefits are delivered to time, cost and quality.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead and manage IT projects from initiation through to implementation.
- Provide visible leadership to project teams.
- Plan and manage multiple projects concurrently within agreed governance.
- Select and apply appropriate delivery methodologies (e.g. Agile, Waterfall).
- Manage project budgets, risks, issues and dependencies.
- Ensure project benefits are clearly defined, tracked and realised.
- Challenge assumptions and provide assurance on plans, delivery and outcomes.
- Report progress, risks and finances to sponsor boards and senior leaders.
- Build strong partnerships with business stakeholders, PMO and suppliers.
About you:
You will be a confident and experienced IT Project Manager with strong leadership capability and a track record of delivering change in demanding environments. You will have:
- Substantial IT project management experience, including risk, issue and budget management.
- Experience of leading project teams and working with external suppliers.
- Distinctive blend of business, IT, financial and communication skills.
- In depth theoretical and hands-on experience of project management methodologies e.g. agile, waterfall.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
- Experience working with sensitive and confidential data.
- A strong desire to have a positive impact on the support we offer Children and Families.
Desirable:
- Practitioner‑level project management qualification.
- Degree‑level qualification (preferably IT‑related).
What we offer:
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer generous annual leave (28 days rising to 33 days with 5 years’ continuous service), a Local Government Pension Scheme with significant employer contribution and a range of other financial and non-financial benefits to support your financial, physical and mental wellbeing.
Where you will work:
If you join us, whilst your contractual office base will be one of the 30+ offices we have across England, it is highly likely you will work remotely as you will be part of a team based around the country. However, you can expect some level of national travel for things like meetings with your team, project stakeholders and key suppliers.
We look forward to hearing from you.
IT Project Manager employer: Cafcass
As a leading organisation in the Hampshire & Dorset area, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels supported and empowered. Our commitment to professional growth is reflected in our extensive wellbeing support and excellent benefits package, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery for children and families. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative and inspiring work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Project Manager
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Cafcass values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Cafcass might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Cafcass!
✨Direct Apply to Cafcass
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Cafcass website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace IT Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Cafcass.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Cafcass. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cafcass
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
