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 collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your leadership and project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
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
- 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 Project 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 holiday entitlements 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 Project 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! When you're in interviews or networking situations, highlight your ability to lead and influence without authority. Share stories that demonstrate your interpersonal skills and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for those tricky questions! Brush up on your project management knowledge, especially around Prince 2 principles and strategic risk management. You want to show that you can think critically and adapt to challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission. Tailor your approach to show how your experience aligns with our goals, and don’t forget to follow up after applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Planning Project Manager in Newport
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 mission and the specific requirements of the Strategic Planning Project Manager role.
Showcase Your Soft Power Skills:Since this role is all about interpersonal leadership, don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've influenced teams without direct authority. We love seeing how you’ve built rapport and secured commitment from colleagues in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain complex concepts, especially around project management and procurement. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
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 gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care for the Family
✨Know Your Project Management Framework
Make sure you’re well-versed in Prince 2 principles or any equivalent project management framework. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past projects, especially in high-stakes environments. This will show your potential employer that you can deliver projects on time and within budget.
✨Showcase Your Soft Power Skills
Since this role requires leading cross-functional teams without direct authority, prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced and motivated colleagues in the past. Highlight your ability to build rapport and navigate competing priorities, as this will be crucial for success in the position.
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios
Brush up on your negotiation skills and be ready to discuss specific instances where you've negotiated contracts or managed vendor relationships. Think about the challenges you faced and how you ensured value for money, as this will demonstrate your capability in strategic procurement.
✨Communicate Complex Ideas Simply
Practice explaining complex concepts in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to translate technical jargon into actionable insights during the interview, so being able to communicate clearly with diverse audiences is key. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your communication skills.
