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 personal development.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 39500 - 39500 £ per year.
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 Planning and Projects Manager in Newport employer: Care for the Family
At Care for the Family, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values interpersonal leadership and collaboration. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through meaningful projects that directly impact families and communities, while our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive holiday entitlement, and a robust pension scheme. Join us in a role where your strategic vision can truly make a difference in the charity sector, all within a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Planning and Projects Manager in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your soft skills! In interviews, highlight your ability to lead without authority and your knack for building rapport. Share stories that demonstrate your diplomacy and how you've successfully navigated complex team dynamics.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about potential roadblocks you might face in the role and how you'd tackle them. Being ready with solid examples will show you're not just a planner but a doer who can think on their feet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Planning and Projects Manager in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Planning and Projects Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing high-stakes projects, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Showcase Your Soft Skills:Since this role requires a masterclass in soft power and diplomacy, don’t forget to include examples of how you've influenced and led teams without direct authority. We want to see your interpersonal skills shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your project management experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care for the Family
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the projects you've led in the past. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you applied Prince 2 principles and how you navigated challenges. This will show your potential employer that you have the experience and knowledge to lead high-stakes initiatives.
✨Master the Art of Soft Power
Since this role requires leading cross-functional teams without direct authority, practice how you'll build rapport and influence others. Think of examples where you've successfully motivated colleagues or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will be key to demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Procurement Questions
Expect questions about your experience with contract negotiations and vendor management. Brush up on your procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how you've ensured value for money in previous roles. This will showcase your ability to manage external partnerships effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
You’ll need to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences, so practice explaining technical jargon in simple terms. During the interview, focus on clarity and confidence in your communication. This will help demonstrate your ability to liaise with subject-matter experts and keep everyone aligned.
