Strategic Project Manager

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.

3. 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.