At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects that save lives and improve operational excellence.
- Company: Join Samaritans, a values-driven organisation dedicated to suicide prevention.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, 28 days leave, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture where your voice matters.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while developing your project management skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex projects and strong communication skills required.
Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.
We're looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to join our Quality and Service Improvement team. This role is responsible for leading the successful delivery of operational projects from inception through to implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and achieve their intended outcomes.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced project professional to play a core role in delivering meaningful operational development. Working within a collaborative and purpose-driven team, you'll lead key projects that help improve quality, effectiveness and impact across the organisation.
Contract terms:
- Fixed term contract until end of May 2028
- 35 hours per week (full-time)
- We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
- Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
- We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
What you'll be doing:
You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, volunteer leaders, subject matter experts and external suppliers, bringing people together to deliver multifaceted, cross-functional projects that support operational excellence and continuous improvement.
As part of the Quality and Service Improvement team, you’ll help embed strong project management practices, provide clear governance and reporting, and ensure stakeholders remain engaged and informed throughout the project lifecycle.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading operational projects from planning through to successful delivery.
- Developing and managing project plans, budgets, risks and dependencies.
- Coordinating colleagues, volunteer leaders and external partners to achieve project outcomes.
- Monitoring progress, resolving issues and providing clear reporting to stakeholders and governance groups.
- Ensuring projects meet agreed objectives, quality standards and deliver lasting improvements.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience delivering complex projects from start to finish.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
- Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, e.g. Agile and Waterfall.
- The ability to manage risks, budgets and competing priorities effectively.
- Strong analytical skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
- Experience working within a volunteer-led environment (desirable)
For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.
Applications close: midnight Tuesday 11th August 2026
Online Interviews: w/c 24th August
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.
Project Manager - Operations in Ewell employer: Samaritans
At Samaritans, we pride ourselves on being a values-led organisation dedicated to saving lives through compassionate support and exceptional stewardship. As a Fundraising Assistant in our Ewell office, you'll enjoy a flexible hybrid working environment, generous annual leave, and the opportunity to grow your skills in fundraising and supporter care while making a meaningful impact in suicide prevention. Join a collaborative team where your contributions are valued, and help us create a culture of inclusivity and support for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager - Operations in Ewell
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Samaritans. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Samaritans.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Samaritans.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager - Operations in Ewell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Samaritans and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Samaritans
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Samaritans will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Samaritans.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Samaritans.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Samaritans. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
