At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-impact projects that transform our charity's operations and deliver real value.
- Company: Join a mission-driven charity focused on making a difference in families' lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your leadership and project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, contract negotiation, and leading cross-functional teams.
We’re looking for an experienced project manager to lead our most significant, "high-reward" strategic initiatives. These are the projects that change the way we operate as an organisation. This isn't just about moving cards on a Trello board; it’s about interpersonal leadership. You will be leading cross-functional teams of people who don't report to you, requiring a masterclass in "soft power," diplomacy, and drive. You’ll also be our lead on high-level procurement, negotiating contracts with external partners and ensuring our technologists deliver exactly what the charity needs. You will provide the professional framework and leadership necessary to move projects from conception to completion. You will act as the "bridge" between our strategic goals and operational reality, ensuring that every project delivers maximum value to the families we serve and the donors who support us.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Leadership & Governance
- End-to-End Delivery: Own the project lifecycle for high-stakes initiatives, applying Prince 2 principles to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to budget.
- Strategic Risk Management: Identify potential "roadblocks"—whether cultural, financial, or technical—and develop robust mitigation plans to keep the organisation protected.
- Outcome Focus: Ensure that project success is measured not just by "completion," but by the long-term positive impact on the charity’s efficiency and mission.
- Budgetary Oversight: Manage project budgets effectively, ensuring financial transparency and value for money in a charity context.
- Collaboration & "Soft Power" Leadership
- Matrix Management: Lead multi-disciplinary project teams (Fundraising, Marketing, Operations, etc.) where you do not have direct line-management authority. You will be an expert at building rapport and securing commitment from busy colleagues.
- Stakeholder Influence: Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and departmental managers to maintain alignment and navigate competing priorities.
- Change Management: Recognise that new systems or processes require a shift in culture. You will lead the "people" side of change, ensuring staff are supported and engaged throughout the transition.
- External Partnerships & Resource Management
- Strategic Procurement: Lead the selection and onboarding of external service providers or consultants. This includes defining requirements, evaluating tenders, and conducting high-level contract negotiations.
- Vendor Accountability: Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, ensuring they meet their contractual obligations and provide value for money.
- Expert Liaison: Work confidently with subject-matter experts (SMEs)—whether they are technologists, legal consultants, or financial experts. You will translate complex "expert-speak" into clear, actionable insights for the wider team.
The Working Environment
Our projects often involve updating the "engine room" of the charity. While this is not an IT role, you will frequently lead projects involving:
- Complex software integrations (CRM, Finance, and Web/Digital).
- Data-driven transformations to improve fundraising and marketing.
- Operational process re-engineering to improve service delivery to families.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Prince 2 Practitioner (or equivalent project management framework)
- Significant experience leading cross-functional projects in a mid-to-large organisation
- Proven ability to influence and lead teams without direct line authority
- Demonstrable experience in contract negotiation, budgeting, and procurement
- Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences
- Ability to remain calm and focused when leading high-pressure, time-sensitive projects
- Ability to take a pragmatic approach, knowing when to stick to the "rulebook" and when to adapt your approach to suit the charity’s unique culture
- Ability to think critically, not being fazed by technical jargon or expert complexity; you ask the right questions to get to the heart of a challenge
Desirable:
- Experience in organisational design or change management
- Experience managing high-value capital expenditure
- Experience presenting at a board or executive level
- Experience in the charity or non-profit sector
Additional Information:
Due to the nature of the role and the organisation, we believe that this post is subject to an occupational requirement that the holder be a practising Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. The role holder will additionally need to confirm that they affirm the Statement of Faith of Care for the Family.
Terms and Conditions:
This is a full-time, permanent position. The salary will be up to £39,500 per annum, depending upon experience. This position is 37 hours per week. The position is offered subject to the satisfactory completion of a three-month probationary period. Holiday entitlement is five weeks per annum, rising to six weeks after two years’ continuous service, plus statutory holidays. CFF operates a group personal pension scheme and will contribute to an employee’s plan, within the scheme, a monthly payment equivalent to 10% of their gross monthly salary once conditions for entry to the scheme have been met.
Strategic Project Manager in Harwell employer: Care for the Family
At our charity, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. Our supportive work culture fosters a sense of community, where employees are empowered to lead impactful projects that directly benefit families in need. With competitive benefits, including generous holiday entitlement and a robust pension scheme, we offer a fulfilling environment for those looking to make a meaningful difference while advancing their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Project Manager in Harwell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Strategic Project Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising your 'soft power' skills. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority. Use real-life examples to show how you've influenced others and navigated competing priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It’s a great way to keep yourself top of mind and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for job openings and apply directly through us! We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. Plus, it gives you a better chance to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Project Manager in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading cross-functional projects. We want to see how your skills align with our strategic goals, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Soft Power:Since this role is all about interpersonal leadership, give us examples of how you've influenced teams without direct authority. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to build rapport and navigate competing priorities—this will really make you stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain complex concepts, as we appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care for the Family
✨Master the Project Lifecycle
Make sure you’re well-versed in Prince 2 principles and can discuss how you've applied them in past projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve managed project lifecycles, from conception to completion, and how you ensured they were delivered on time and within budget.
✨Showcase Your Soft Power Skills
Since this role requires leading cross-functional teams without direct authority, prepare to demonstrate your interpersonal leadership skills. Think of examples where you’ve built rapport and secured commitment from colleagues across different departments, and be ready to discuss how you navigated competing priorities.
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios
Brush up on your negotiation skills and be prepared to discuss your experience with procurement and vendor management. Have a few stories ready that highlight your ability to negotiate contracts effectively and ensure value for money, especially in a charity context.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
You’ll need to translate complex concepts into clear insights for diverse audiences. Practice explaining technical jargon or expert-speak in simple terms. Think about times when you successfully communicated complicated ideas to non-experts and how that impacted project outcomes.
