Delivery Manager (Maternity Cover)

Location: Our team has the option to work 60% of the time on-site and 40% from home. Office based in Central London (WC1B).

Contract type: 12-14 month fixed-term contract as maternity cover.

Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), Monday to Friday.

Deadline for applications: 6th July 2026.

Role Purpose

We are seeking a dynamic and results‑driven Delivery Manager to lead a programme of work designed to support practitioners and services working with babies, young children and their families. This opportunity comes as we transition from scoping to delivery. The successful candidate will shape the success of the programme and ensure tangible impact.

Core Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Develop clear, actionable plans for the programme, ensuring a well‑defined scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables that keep the project moving forward smoothly.
• Project Management: Lead program management, ensuring key milestones are achieved on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, keeping everyone engaged and informed. Manage expectations and ensure alignment across all parties.
• Resource Management: Oversee efficient allocation of resources. Escalate concerns or tensions around resourcing and ensure they are resolved. Ensure work stays within the agreed budget and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Reporting & Communication: Collect data as required to monitor and demonstrate progress. Provide regular, transparent updates to senior management and stakeholders, sharing project progress, challenges, and results.
• Risk & Issue Management: Identify and address potential risks and issues early on, implementing proactive solutions to keep the project on track and prevent delays or disruptions.
• Quality Control: Maintain a sharp eye for detail and ensure the highest quality standards are met throughout the project. Continuously assess project outputs and refine processes to drive the best possible results.

Relevant Knowledge, Experience and Personal Qualities

• Proven experience in delivering large, complex, and high‑profile projects within a fast‑paced environment.
• A passion for keeping projects on track.
• Solid understanding of project management methodologies and the ability to tailor approaches to fit the project’s needs.
• The ability to respond confidently and positively to changing scenarios, and to a proactive, solution‑oriented mindset.
• A commitment to the Centre for Early Childhood’s vision to build a happier, healthier, more nurturing world transformed by our approach to early childhood.
• Experience working in policy, commissioning or service delivery for babies, children and families: a good understanding of the early childhood ecosystem.
• Excellent communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate and build relationships with a diverse range of internal and external partners.
• Proven ability to engage effectively with senior leaders.
• An optimistic and energetic outlook, keen to maximise the positive change you and the team can deliver.
• The ability to work under pressure, handle competing priorities, and make decisions in high‑stakes environments.
• It would be helpful to have an interest in nature‑based early years provision.

Employee Benefits

• 25 days of holiday per year, plus UK bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time employees).
• Your birthday off to celebrate.
• Two volunteering days per year.
• 8% employer pension contribution, with the option to contribute to this yourself too.
• Life Assurance.
• Access to wellbeing support via our Employee Assistance Programme and online platform.
• Private medical insurance (available after probation).
• Healthcare cash plan (available after probation).