IT Project Manager

Job summary

While predominantly known for the role Cafcass takes in supporting almost 140,000+ children and young people in family court cases, what may be less well known is that our targeted use of technology is a key factor in ensuring we are at the forefront of our sector.

A digital organisation rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2024, our IT team, in collaboration with our private sector partners, provides the technology that is a critical enabler for our diverse, flexible, mobile workforce. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with colleagues to provide the tools and services that ultimately benefit children and families.

Whilst technical expertise is important, what really sets us apart, and what we’re looking for each and every member of our team, is personal values and qualities that align with the important work Cafcass does.

Job description

About the role

We are seeking an IT Project Manager to support the successful delivery of a portfolio of IT projects and programmes across Cafcass.

Working closely with the IT team, our partners and stakeholders from the wider business, you will lead the delivery of a number of IT projects, provide leadership to project teams, and ensure that agreed outcomes and benefits are delivered to time, cost and quality. Whilst we already achieve a 95% staff satisfaction with our technology, we have an ambitious programme in place to make it even better.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage IT projects from initiation through to implementation.
• Provide visible leadership to project teams.
• Plan and manage multiple projects concurrently within agreed governance.
• Select and apply appropriate delivery methodologies (e.g. Agile, Waterfall)
• Manage project budgets, risks, issues and dependencies.
• Ensure project benefits are clearly defined, tracked and realised.
• Challenge assumptions and provide assurance on plans, delivery and outcomes.
• Report progress, risks and finances to sponsor boards and senior leaders.
• Build strong partnerships with business stakeholders, Project Management Office and suppliers.

Person specification

About you

You will be a confident and experienced IT Project Manager with strong leadership capability and a track record of delivering change in demanding environments.

You will have:

• Substantial IT project management experience, including risk, issue and budget management.
• Experience of leading project teams and working with external suppliers.
• Distinctive blend of business, IT, financial and communication skills, because this is a highly visible position with substantial impact.
• In depth theoretical and hands-on experience of project management methodologies e.g. agile, waterfall.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Experience working with sensitive and confidential data.
• A strong desire to have a positive impact on the support we offer Children and Families.

Desirable:

• Practitioner‑level project management qualification.
• Degree‑level qualification (preferably IT‑related).

Benefits

What we offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer generous annual leave (28 days rising to 33 days with 5 years’ continuous service, and it may be possible to recognise your current service), a Local Government Pension Scheme with significant employer contribution and a range of other financial and non-financial benefits to support your financial, physical and mental wellbeing.

Where you will work

If you join us, whilst your contractual office base will be one of the 30+ offices we have across England, it is highly likely you will work remotely as you will be part of a team based around the country. However, you can expect some level of national travel for things like meetings with your team, project stakeholders and key suppliers.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Timeline

Here is an indicative timeline for the recruitment process:

Meet the team and find out more

12th October 2026

Closing date

14th October 2026 *

Initial interview (remote via Teams)

21st to 23rd October

Final interview (in-person, Coventry)

3rd November

* If you commence your application by no later than 18:00 on the closing date, you can then complete, review and submit your application until 23:59 the same day.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo an enhanced (or equivalent) criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Alex Thompson
• Email : alex.thompson@cafcass.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : hrresourcing@cafcass.gov.uk

Further information

www.cafcass.gov.uk