Project Manager – Children’s Residential Home (Procurement and Opening)
At Sandwell Children’s Trust, we firmly believe that the voice of the child should be at the centre of everything we do. We are on an ambitious journey to ensure that children and families in Sandwell are safe and empowered to thrive.
The Sandwell Deal brings together our improved offering and sets out our expectations of you as a member of staff.
What we can offer you:
* Generous annual leave of up to 31 days, plus 5 additional days for long service recognition.
* Your birthday off paid in addition to annual leave entitlement and 8 Bank Holidays, plus a concessionary day at Christmas.
* You will receive a generous local government career average pension scheme with employer contributions of 21.6%.
* We recognise individual loyalty with service awards from 2, 5, 10 and every 5 years onwards.
* Flexible working patterns that suit you and all of our roles have well‑defined career progression.
* We provide competitive expenses for mileage and subsistence, plus access to a comprehensive employee benefits scheme.
Fixed Term Contract until 31st December 2026.
We are seeking a skilled and proactive Project Manager to lead this high‑impact programme from concept to completion, managing the full project lifecycle—including procurement, development, stakeholder engagement, and operational launch—ensuring delivery by 31 December 2026, on time, within scope and budget.
Key responsibilities:
* Develop and manage a comprehensive project plan, ensuring alignment with the Trust’s strategic goals and integration with wider transformation programmes.
* Lead the design and implementation of a new service model by early Summer 2026, ensuring compliance with SMBC, SCT, DfE, Ofsted, and relevant legislation.
* Proactively manage risks, issues, and budgets, operating within governance frameworks and reporting regularly to senior stakeholders.
* Collaborate with internal and external partners to agree and monitor service delivery targets and performance outcomes.
* Oversee procurement processes, including specification development, tendering, contract negotiation, and supplier management. Monitor service quality throughout development and construction phases.
* Support the creation of operational policies, procedures, and training plans for the homes’ opening, and assist the Programme Manager in delivering the Sufficiency Strategy.
Person Specification
Essential
* Proven experience leading complex, multi‑stakeholder projects in public sector, health, education, housing, or social care settings.
* Understanding of regulated environments, with the ability to apply frameworks such as Ofsted or equivalents (e.g., CQC, education inspection bodies).
* Comfortable working within governance structures and reporting to senior stakeholders. Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
* Experience managing risks, budgets, and resources to deliver projects successfully.
Desirable
* Direct experience in Children’s Services or Residential Care is beneficial but not essential.
* Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, APM, MSP) or equivalent experience.
* Experience in procurement and contract management or supporting procurement processes.
Sandwell Children’s Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups including children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS is required for this position.
To apply please click on the link below to complete an application form and view the Sandwell Deal:
https://sandwelldeal.co.uk/apply/
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