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- Tasks: Lead the iconic Poppy Appeal, shaping strategy and overseeing impactful fundraising initiatives.
- Company: Join a leading Armed Forces charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, generous pension, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-energy campaign that truly matters and see your impact in real time.
- Qualifications: Strong planning, reporting, and team leadership skills required.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel to London for meetings.
The predicted salary is between 53007 - 54366 £ per year.
Location: Homebased (within reasonable travelling distance of London)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Salary: £53,007 to £54,366 per annum
We’re looking for a Head of Poppy Appeal Planning to lead one of the UK’s most iconic fundraising campaigns. The Poppy Appeal is fast-moving, high-profile, and hugely impactful raising over £50 million in just a few weeks and this role is at the heart of making it all happen. You’ll be shaping the strategy, overseeing planning, and guiding a portfolio of change initiatives that ensure the Appeal not only hits its targets but continues to evolve and improve year on year. If you thrive in a busy, high energy environment where every decision matters, this could be the role for you.
Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.
In this role, you’ll take the lead on planning, reporting, and evaluation, turning insight into action to drive better performance and ROI. You’ll work closely with the Director of Poppy Appeal, the Transformation Office, and teams across fundraising, marketing, and membership to ensure everything runs like clockwork. From setting strategic priorities to monitoring KPIs, managing risk, and coordinating resources across the organisation, you’ll be the person who makes sure the pieces fit together while always looking for smarter, more effective ways of working.
You’ll also be leading a small but mighty team, coaching, motivating, and supporting them to deliver their best work. Strong relationships are key, both internally with colleagues and externally with partners, to keep the campaign running smoothly and efficiently. It’s a role with a real sense of purpose, creativity, and fun where you’ll see the impact of your work in real time and be part of a campaign that people across the country care about deeply.
This role is home-based, with most work carried out remotely. You’ll be expected to travel into London for monthly meetings and occasional in-person sessions; reasonable travel costs will be covered. For this reason, we’re looking for candidates who are within a practical travelling distance of London.
Employee benefits include:
- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!
For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.
RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.
Interview Date(s): 16th & 17th February 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.
Head of Planning employer: Royal British Legion
Contact Detail:
Royal British Legion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Poppy Appeal or similar campaigns. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the Poppy Appeal, its impact, and recent changes. Show us you’re passionate about the cause and ready to lead with innovative ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Head of Poppy Appeal Planning role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership style and successes in your written application. Share examples of how you've motivated and supported teams in the past – we love to see that passion for coaching others!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively, so show us your best writing skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal British Legion
✨Know the Poppy Appeal Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Poppy Appeal's history, its impact, and current strategies. Understanding the campaign's goals and challenges will help you demonstrate your passion and readiness to lead.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples of how you've shaped strategies in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you would approach planning and evaluation for the Poppy Appeal, focusing on turning insights into actionable plans.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a small team, think of specific instances where you've motivated and coached others. Share how you foster collaboration and build strong relationships, both internally and externally.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Craft thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the culture aligns with your values, especially regarding diversity and inclusion.
