At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-impact projects that transform our charity's operations and drive meaningful change.
- Company: Join a mission-driven charity focused on making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to professional development.
- Why this job: Be the bridge between strategy and action, ensuring projects deliver maximum value to families and donors.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management, strong leadership skills, and ability to influence without authority.
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 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 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 nurturing environment that champions both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic 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 power skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your ability to lead without authority. Share stories about how you've influenced teams and navigated challenges—this is what they want to hear!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for those tricky questions! Prepare for interviews by thinking about how you'd handle project roadblocks or manage stakeholder expectations. Practise your answers so you can communicate clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our mission. Tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with our strategic goals, and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Project Manager in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Strategic Project 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 Power Skills:Since this role requires a masterclass in 'soft power', don’t forget to include examples of how you've influenced and led teams without direct authority. We want to see your interpersonal leadership skills shine through!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex concepts, as we value clarity in communication. Remember, you’ll need to translate expert-speak into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
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 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.
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios
Brush up on your negotiation skills and be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve led contract negotiations. Think about the challenges you faced and how you ensured value for money while maintaining strong relationships with external partners.
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the charity’s goals and how your projects can align with their mission. Be prepared to articulate how your strategic initiatives can create long-term positive impacts, not just in terms of completion but also in enhancing efficiency and service delivery.
