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.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension contributions, healthcare plan, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for regional travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in youth development while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in strategy 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
- Embed consistent portfolio and programme management frameworks
- Oversee delivery quality, pace, risks, dependencies, and benefits
- Lead and develop the Project Management team
- Establish performance measures, benchmarks, and improvement targets
- Use data and insight to inform prioritisation and decision-making
- Deliver clear reporting to the Executive Team and Trustees
- Ensure visibility and ownership of risks, issues, and decisions
- Support or chair programme boards
- 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 in London 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 work culture that values collaboration and high performance. With generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, and ample holiday leave, DofE fosters an environment where strategic leaders can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. The flexibility of home-based work combined with regional travel allows for a balanced work-life dynamic, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking to lead in a purpose-driven organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Delivery in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who have experience with DofE or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into DofE's mission and values. Show us how your leadership style aligns with our goals. Bring examples of how you've successfully translated strategy into delivery in your past roles – we love a good story!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop us a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Tailor your application to highlight your strategic delivery experience and how you can contribute to our mission. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Delivery in London
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. We want to see how you can translate strategy into effective delivery, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:This role is all about leadership, so be sure to emphasise your senior leadership experience. Share examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and influenced decision-making in complex organisations. We love a good story that demonstrates your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at DofE!
How to prepare for a job interview at The-Duke-of-Edinburgh
✨Know the DofE Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award's mission, values, and strategic goals. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives and how your role as Head of Strategic Delivery can align with and enhance these efforts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered a high-performance culture and driven accountability within your teams, especially in complex organisational settings.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would translate strategy into actionable plans. Be prepared to discuss your experience with portfolio governance and how you've managed prioritisation and capacity in previous roles. Use data-driven insights to illustrate your decision-making process.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. Inquire about the current challenges the organisation faces in strategic delivery or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.