At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic delivery and ensure effective execution of the DofE's organisational strategy.
- Company: Join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a charity dedicated to empowering young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous pension contributions, healthcare plans, and 25 days holiday plus extra leave.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impact in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in youth development while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in strategy delivery and project management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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
How to apply and interview dates
If you feel excited by this role and believe you have the necessary skills and experience to become a valued team member, please go to our website and apply. The deadline for applying for this role is: Sunday 7th June at Midnight. 1st interviews will take place on: Week commencing 22nd June to be held via Teams. 2nd interviews will take place on: Week commencing 29th June - to be held in person in London SE1.
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if you would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us by email recruitment@dofe.org
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 (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
Head of Strategic Delivery in London employer: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and high-performance culture, making it an ideal place for strategic leaders to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the DofE offers generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, and ample holiday leave, all while working in the vibrant setting of London. Join us to make a meaningful impact on young people's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment that values your contributions.
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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the DofE inside out! Research their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. It’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to strategic delivery and leadership. Think about your past experiences and how they align with what DofE is looking for. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at DofE. Good luck!
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 application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Strategic Delivery role. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've successfully translated strategy into delivery in previous roles.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve led teams, improved performance, or managed complex projects. This will help us see the impact you've made in your previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to understand your experience and vision without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember 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 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's mission, values, and strategic goals. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives and how they align with the role of Head of Strategic Delivery. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show how your experience can contribute to their objectives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a critical leadership role, it's essential to articulate your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering a high-performance culture. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in managing project managers and embedding governance frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you can build delivery and change capability across the charity.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to translate strategy into effective delivery. Think about specific challenges you've faced in portfolio planning and prioritisation, and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves using data and insights for prioritisation and decision-making, be prepared to discuss how you've used data in previous roles. Bring examples of performance measures or benchmarks you've established and how they led to improvements. This will highlight your analytical skills and your ability to drive accountability within the organisation.
