Project manager jobs in Cardiff

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.

Global Programs Project Manager (Contractor)
Overview
The Maclellan Giving Together Foundation (MGTF) is a UK Christian charity connected to the longstanding international Maclellan Foundation, who describe their focus as: “establishing and strengthening the local church, promoting discipleship and leadership development, sparking community transformation, promoting the power of prayer, advocating for generosity, and increasing access to Scripture”.
Based in the UK, MGTF rolls out key global initiatives that focus on equipping local Christian ministries and releasing local resources to foster sustainable Kingdom growth.
This is a dynamic, high-impact role, ideal for someone who is highly organised, relational and passionate about seeing the Kingdom flourish globally.

Job Summary
Working alongside the Global Programs Team, the Project Manager is responsible for coordinating the planning and delivery of projects from concept through to execution. The role involves managing logistics, supporting stakeholder engagement, and ensuring initiatives are delivered on time and to a high standard. The postholder will manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, with the ability to prioritise effectively, must thrive in a fast-paced environment, and apply creative problem-solving to deliver successful events. Remote working, with the ability to attend on-site meetings in Milton Keynes (MK19) ideally once a month.

Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Logistics

• Manage the planning and delivery of multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and achievement of key milestones.
• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of events, from initial concept, registration, and contracting through to delivery and post-event evaluation.
• Work with the Global Programs team to ensure events are delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Accountable for overseeing end-to-end project delivery, coordinating across a wider team with defined responsibilities to ensure successful delivery within the project workstream.
• Build and manage strong stakeholder relationships, providing professional, timely support and acting as a key point of contact.
• Ensure data integrity on the information we hold.
• Provider effective reporting as needed.
• Manage and optimise delegate registration and booking systems, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and a seamless participant experience.
• Manage the logistical event delivery (remote or in-person), including setup, logistics, and real-time issue resolution, ensuring a high-quality delegate experience throughout the event.
• Coordinate complex scheduling, calendars, and travel arrangements.
• Any other task in relation to the charity’s needs.

Communication & Content

• Coordinate pre-event production, collaborating with external designers and stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of all assets and documentation.
• Manage cross-functional coordination for event delivery, ensuring effective communication across stakeholders, including localisation and translation requirements for regional relevance.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timely updates of all event-related content across online platforms.
• Provide administrative and practical support to event personnel in global locations as they deliver our programs.
• Follow established brand guidelines to maintain consistency in tone, messaging, and visual identity across all content.

Research, Reporting & Finance

• Ensure relevant reporting and documentation are supplied to stakeholders.
• Manage expense processing and support budget oversight, ensuring accurate tracking, forecasting, and alignment with programme objectives in collaboration with senior leadership.

Cultural Adaptation & Coordination

• Contribute to the development of our programs globally, from ideation through to delivery.
• Assist with the localisation of content to ensure materials are culturally appropriate,supporting communication with translators and stakeholders to help adapt resourcesfor different cultural contexts.

Occupational Requirement
The candidate must have an active Christian faith. By virtue of the job’s involvement in faith-sensitive work under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, the post-holder must be an active Christian with a genuine personal faith in Jesus, grounded in Scripture and reflected in their everyday life.

Experience (Essential)

• Have experience in a church/charity or professional environment.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to the Foundation’s mission with an understanding of the Church scene.
• A genuine passion for advancing the gospel through the global Church, with a commitment to supporting both Christian givers and churches and charities.
• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, with the ability to prioritise effectively, owning and delivering end to end events from planning through to execution and evaluation.
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Proven track record of managing and controlling project or event budgets including forecasting and cost management.
• Negotiating and managing external suppliers and partners.
• Working across different regions, cultures, or time zones demonstrating cultural awareness and adaptability.
• Professional in appearance with a proactive approach and a desire to constantly improve and grow.
• Willingness to be flexible in working hours with occasional travel and overnight stays.
• Knowledge of standard office administrative practices and procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience (Desirable but not required)

• Experience delivering a programme of learning (content and structure).
• Understanding of generous giving and experience of working with donors.
• Knowledge of copywriting for different platforms (e.g. digital, presentations, printed materials).
• Additional language skills.
• Working knowledge of Asana, Beacon, Canva, Mailchimp and Survey/ticketing Apps.

Contract Terms
Working hours and hourly rate will be agreed in advance.