At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic delivery and ensure effective implementation of organisational goals.
- 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: Flexible home-based role with opportunities for regional travel and career growth.
- 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 - 67462 £ 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.
The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at GBP 4,000 per annum.
Head of Strategic Delivery employer: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
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.
Contact Details:
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Recruitment Team
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, especially those who might know someone at DofE. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DofE's current projects and challenges. Show us you understand their strategy and how you can help deliver it effectively. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities and apply directly. It shows initiative and keeps you in the loop with what we’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple way to remind us of your enthusiasm for the role and keep you top of mind as we make our decisions.
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 your experience in strategic delivery. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and project management expertise!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to translate strategy into effective delivery. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages come through loud and clear. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
✨Know the DofE Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and its strategic goals. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives and how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show that you're the right fit for the Head of Strategic Delivery role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed strategic delivery in previous roles. Highlight your experience in developing project management frameworks and driving performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Be Ready for Governance Questions
Since this role involves reporting to Executive Teams and Trustees, be prepared to discuss your understanding of governance structures. Think about how you've previously navigated complex organisational environments and how you ensured accountability and transparency in your projects.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could include inquiries about the current challenges the organisation faces or how they measure success in strategic delivery. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into the role and the organisation.
