At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic delivery and ensure effective implementation of organisational strategy.
- Company: Join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a charity making a difference for young people.
- Benefits: Generous pension, healthcare plan, 25 days holiday, and additional leave options.
- Other info: Home-based role with some travel; excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by translating strategy into action and leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in strategic delivery and project management.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Strategic Delivery to ensure our organisational strategy is translated into clear, prioritised, and effective delivery across the charity. This is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing strategic planning, portfolio governance, and delivery performance. Working closely with senior leaders and Trustees, you will bring structure, clarity, and pace to delivery. You will lead and develop a team of Project Managers, embed consistent programme and portfolio management frameworks, and drive high standards of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organisation.
Strategy & Portfolio Planning
- Lead organisation-wide delivery planning aligned to DofE strategy
- Manage annual and multi-year planning, balancing priorities, demand, and capacity
- Maintain a clear, realistic pipeline of strategic initiatives
Portfolio & Programme Governance (PMO)
- Embed consistent portfolio and programme management frameworks
- Oversee delivery quality, pace, risks, dependencies, and benefits
- Lead and develop the Project Management team
Performance & Effectiveness
- Establish performance measures, benchmarks, and improvement targets
- Use data and insight to inform prioritisation and decision-making
Governance & Reporting
- Deliver clear reporting to the Executive Team and Trustees
- Ensure visibility and ownership of risks, issues, and decisions
- Support or chair programme boards
Leadership & Capability
- Build delivery and change capability across the charity
- Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture
- Role model DofE values and leadership behaviours
What we are looking for:
- Significant senior leadership experience in translating strategy into delivery
- Can demonstrate a proven track record of leading portfolio-level planning and prioritisation
- Extensive knowledge of managing and developing programme/project management teams
- Strong understanding of governance, with experience reporting to Executive Teams and/or Trustees
- Strong understanding of working alongside financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes
- Ability to influence and operate confidently within complex organisations
Benefits
We offer excellent staff benefits including a generous pension contribution, an employee assistance programme, healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave. Also, 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year. Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 x salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
Head of Strategic Delivery employer: The-Duke-of-Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a supportive home-based work environment with opportunities for regional travel. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture, DofE provides generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, and ample holiday leave, ensuring that employees can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Delivery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the DofE's current projects and strategic goals. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, making a great impression when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Delivery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Strategic Delivery. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a senior leadership position, emphasise your past experiences in leading teams and managing strategic initiatives. We want to see how you've driven performance and accountability in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This will help us quickly see your potential fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The-Duke-of-Edinburgh
✨Know the DofE Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your senior leadership experience, particularly in translating strategy into delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements in leading teams and managing portfolios.
✨Be Ready for Governance Questions
Since this role involves reporting to Executive Teams and Trustees, be prepared to discuss your understanding of governance frameworks. Think about how you've previously managed risks, dependencies, and benefits in your projects, and be ready to share insights on how you would approach these in the context of DofE.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaborative Spirit
The DofE values a collaborative, high-performance culture. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered teamwork and collaboration in your previous roles. Share examples of how you've built delivery and change capability within your teams, and how you plan to do the same at DofE.
