Special Projects Manager

Special Projects Manager

Location: Hybrid (UK-based)

Salary: £46,561 - £49,500 (DOE)

Contract: FTC until Mar 2027

About the Opportunity:

My client is seeking an experienced and highly organised Special Projects Manager to play a pivotal role in delivering a nationally recognised business support programme.

Working on a flagship programme funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), you will help drive initiatives that support thousands of SMEs across the UK. Delivered in partnership with more than 60 leading business schools, the programme equips business leaders with the skills, knowledge and networks needed to achieve sustainable growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced project professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing multiple stakeholders and is passionate about delivering programmes that make a real impact on UK businesses.

The Role:

Reporting to the Director of Programmes, you will lead the operational delivery of several key workstreams across a nationally recognised management development programme.

Working across areas including curriculum development, governance, data capture, finance, scheduling and alumni engagement, you'll ensure projects are delivered efficiently, stakeholders remain engaged, and programme objectives are achieved.

This is a varied role combining project management, stakeholder engagement, contract management and operational improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

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• Lead the planning and delivery of multiple programme workstreams from initiation through to completion.
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• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, milestones and resource schedules.
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• Monitor project progress, identifying risks, issues and dependencies while implementing effective mitigation plans.
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• Coordinate cross-functional teams and third-party suppliers to ensure deliverables are completed on time and within scope.
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• Support budget management where appropriate.
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• Translate strategic priorities into practical operational delivery plans.
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• Prepare reports, dashboards and updates for senior stakeholders.
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• Manage relationships with over 60 university business school delivery partners.
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• Coordinate contract administration from issue through to execution.
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• Liaise with external legal advisers to facilitate contract amendments where required.
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• Work collaboratively with internal programme teams to ensure third-party contracts meet Government requirements.
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• Maintain accurate contract documentation and records within SharePoint.
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• Build strong relationships with suppliers, delivery partners and key external stakeholders.
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• Coordinate programme meetings, agendas, actions and follow-up activities.
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• Produce high-quality reports, presentations and briefing papers.
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• Maintain accurate programme documentation and governance records.
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• Support programme inboxes and stakeholder enquiries following training.
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• Ensure all programme documentation meets quality, compliance and governance standards.
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• Identify opportunities to improve programme processes and operational efficiency.
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• Support the development of programme resources and stakeholder communications.
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About You:

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• Proven experience managing complex projects and operational workstreams.
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• Strong project planning, scheduling and delivery management skills.
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• Experience working with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
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• Experience supporting or managing contracts with third-party organisations.
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• Confidence working alongside legal teams during contract negotiations.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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• Experience producing reports, presentations and briefing papers for senior audiences.
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• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
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• Excellent problem-solving skills with a proactive approach.
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• Experience using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
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• Experience using project management software such as Monday.com (or similar).
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• Knowledge of SharePoint document management.
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• Experience supporting governance processes, including meeting coordination and action tracking.
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Desirable Experience:

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• Experience within higher education, business schools or professional membership organisations.
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• Understanding of Government-funded programmes and compliance requirements.
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• Knowledge of the SME, entrepreneurship or business support landscape.
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• Experience with CRM systems and data management.
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• Experience coordinating marketing assets, presentations or video production.
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• Knowledge of programme content development and stakeholder communications.
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