At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects for a global animal welfare charity and drive positive change.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest international animal welfare charities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, wellbeing support, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Project management qualification and experience in delivering complex projects.
These are exciting times for the charity, and we have an excellent opportunity for a Project Manager with experience of successful delivery in systems implementations to join the busy Business Strategy & Programmes Team.
Position: Project Manager
Location: East Devon/Hybrid (site attendance currently estimated to be one day per week)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday
Salary: £44,886 per annum
Contract: 2-year fixed term contract starting as soon as possible
Closing Date: Monday 7 September 2026
Please note this role may close earlier than advertised so apply as soon as possible.
Interview Date: Via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 September.
About the Role
As Project Manager, you will oversee and lead the planning, communication, implementation and delivery of projects of significant strategic benefit to the charity, involving operational teams and management at all levels. These projects sit within a global Technology Transformation Programme of work reporting to the Senior PM.
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:
- Taking an active part in designing, adapting and delivering plans necessary to meet the aims and objectives of each project.
- Leading in implementation management and monitoring/evaluation of delivered projects through relevant phases of an end-to-end project lifecycle.
- Managing, escalating and communicating project progress and issues to senior management in relevant project/programme meetings.
- Providing Project Management expertise to Project sponsor(s) and Senior Project Manager to ensure projects are delivered on time, to quality and within agreed budget for achievement of benefits realisation.
- Active management of related risk, issue, decision, action and benefits tracking tools to regularly report on progress and areas of escalation.
- Working closely with the Change Manager and wider project team to ensure stakeholders have sufficient engagement and support opportunities to enable adoption success.
- Actively encouraging the generation of new ideas and opportunities across the organisation, gathering lessons learned, to improve structures, processes and adoption of different ways of working.
About You
You will have:
- Holder of a recognised formal project management qualification (APM/Prince2/PMD Pro or equivalent).
- Proven success in the management and delivery of multiple complex, concurrent projects in a busy environment with varying priorities, budgets and time frames.
- Evidence of delivering successful system implementation projects through a typical project lifecycle, ideally with experience of organisation wide ERP implementations.
- Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrable experience of establishing, building and maintaining successful stakeholder relationships.
- Able to lead and motivate project teams.
- Demonstrable evidence of creating and implementing new processes.
- A good understanding of the principles of good change management associated with large scale system implementations.
Benefits include:
- Competitive pension.
- Life assurance – 2 x annual salary.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan.
- Free parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
About the Organisation
Join one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.
The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
You may also have experience in areas such as Project Manager, Project Lead, Project Officer, Project Deputy Manager, Lead Project Manager.
Project Manager employer: Donkey Sanctuary
As a leading international animal welfare charity, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment in Devon, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including 31 days of holiday, a competitive pension, and access to wellness programmes. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal growth, ensuring you thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Project Manager at Donkey Sanctuary!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Donkey Sanctuary or be willing to refer you for that Project Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Donkey Sanctuary who’s on the lookout for their next Project Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Project Manager role at Donkey Sanctuary!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Donkey Sanctuary. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Donkey Sanctuary
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Donkey Sanctuary. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
