Project Specialist

TESOL International Association; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A strategic programme management organisation is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the planning and execution of a local youth transformation pilot. The successful candidate will work in a fast-paced environment, coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Key skills include agile methodology, risk management, and strong communication abilities. This position offers a contract of up to 7 months with a flexible work arrangement.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading project management roles, particularly in fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency in project planning and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, managing, and reporting of the project.
• Coordinate with external and internal providers for timely delivery.
• Manage risks and ensure compliance with project reporting requirements.

Skills

Project management using agile methodology

Collaboration

Risk management

Stakeholder communication

Critical thinking

Organisational skills

Job description

Project Manager

Location: Southwark

Contract: 7‑month secondment or fixed‑term contract within the Programmes and Change team of the Climate Change and Strategic Support division. Salary: £26.73 per hour or £34.93 per hour, paid via umbrella company inside IR35. 50% of the time each month should be office/WFH.

Our client is looking for an experienced Project Manager with a background in delivering projects using agile methodology.

About the role

The Programmes and Change team works across ESG to provide programme and project management support to strategic priorities, including Streets for People, Southwark 360, Southwark Stands Together, and Leisure Strategy development. The team also delivers change and transformation through service reviews with colleagues, covering processes such as noise complaints, sports pitch bookings, No Recourse to Public Funds, Health and Safety, and more. It is a fast‑paced Programme Management Office (PMO) environment where collaboration and iteration are encouraged.

In September 2025 the Southwark Youth and Play Service secured status as a Department of Media, Culture and Sport’s Local Youth Transformation Pilot—an intensive 10‑month programme to transform the local youth offer. The successful candidate will lead the project management of this pilot.

About you

You will be responsible for leading the planning, managing, coordinating and reporting of the pilot, including detailed project planning with external providers; managing risks; and ensuring project and budget reporting requirements are met. You will coordinate and manage external and internal providers to guarantee delivery of their workstreams on time, on budget and to a high standard. You are a natural collaborator who works well with stakeholders at all levels, has a can‑do attitude, excellent communication skills, is highly organised, and thinks critically and innovatively. You hold a track record of delivering results and tangible benefits aligned with strategic objectives and are skilled at coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

Equal Opportunity

Colbern Limited along with its clients are equal opportunities employers.