Project & Delivery Manager

National Foundation for Educational Research; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

42 days annual leave

10% employer pension contributions

Hybrid working: 2-3 days in office

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

NFER is seeking a Project and Delivery Manager for a 12-month FTC to lead operational delivery across education-focused projects. The role focuses on coordinating surveys, trials, data collection, and client engagement, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and to quality standards.

You will manage schedules with project leads, develop staff briefings, and oversee data handling, reporting and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of project delivery principles and techniques, including planning, scheduling, risk management and progress monitoring.
• Understanding of data protection, information security and quality assurance requirements when managing project and participant data.
• Experience of coordinating or delivering projects, programmes or operational activities within a structured environment.
• Experience of managing stakeholder communications and responding to enquiries from customers or clients.
• Experience of maintaining project documentation, schedules, reports and records.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of project logistics including training events, data collection activities and assessment administration.
• Prepare and provide regular project status updates and reports to project leaders, stakeholders and clients.
• Monitor and track project data throughout delivery activities.
• Develop knowledge of assessment products, delivery models and operational requirements.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding and coordination of temporary project staff including coders, markers and test administrators.

Skills

Project delivery planning

Scheduling & risk management

Stakeholder communications

Data protection awareness

Education sector experience

Job description

Shape the future: Project and Delivery Manager (FTC, 12 months)

Do you have a background in co-ordinating and delivering a range of projects within the education industry? If so, grow your career with NFER as a Project and Delivery Manager and make a positive, lasting impact in a leading independent charity with a worldwide reputation.

Salary: £37,000 - £39,000 per annum (DOE) (non-negotiable)

Annual Leave: Enjoy 42 days off each year: 30 days' annual leave, 4 paid closure days and 8 bank holidays.

Pension Contributions: 10% employer contributions

Family Support: Enhanced maternity/parental leave and paid compassionate leave

Flexible Working: Hybrid setup with 2-3 day a week in our office at The Mere, Upton, with easy access to Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading, the Elizabeth Line and the M4. During business critical times, office attendance is mandatory. Full-time (35 hours).

JOB DESCIPTION

As a Project and Delivery Manager, you’ll join our operations team working to develop, plan and implement the operational delivery processes of various projects, including; surveys, randomised controlled trials, assessments and test trials with a key focus on project delivery, school relationship management, data collection, and supporting internal and external clients.

Typically, you’ll be working to engage with schools to collect data, organise survey and assessment completion including the preparation and delivery of materials, and the training and deployment of administrators and markers. Projects may include supporting the improvement and development of customer facing platforms.

You will work with Project leads to agree and monitor schedules, ensuring projects are delivered to time, budget and quality expectations and key changes are escalated as appropriate for the whole end-to-end process.

Key responsibilities:

• Support the planning and delivery of project logistics including training events, data collection activities and assessment administration.
• Prepare and provide regular project status updates and reports to project leaders, stakeholders and clients.
• Monitor and track project data throughout delivery activities.
• Develop knowledge of assessment products, delivery models and operational requirements.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding and coordination of temporary project staff including coders, markers and test administrators.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential skills and experience:

• Knowledge of project delivery principles and techniques, including planning, scheduling, risk management and progress monitoring.
• Understanding of data protection, information security and quality assurance requirements when managing project and participant data.
• Experience of coordinating or delivering projects, programmes or operational activities within a structured environment.
• Experience of managing stakeholder communications and responding to enquiries from customers or clients.
• Experience of maintaining project documentation, schedules, reports and records.

Other roles you may have experience of include: project co-ordinator, service delivery manager or project manager.

WHY NFER?

At NFER, we are recognised globally for providing trusted research, resources and insights that drive meaningful change. By joining us, you’ll contribute to a mission that prioritises impact over profit, working in an environment where collaboration, flexibility, and inclusion are valued.

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career.
• Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance from day 1.
• The chance to make a real difference in the education sector.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early. Shortlisting will commence from 11 November 2026.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, alternative document formats or accommodations at any stage, please do not hesitate to contact us at [e-mail]. Further details can also be found in the Job Information Pack.

If you’re ready to bring your skills and passion to a role that makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.