Head of Strategic Delivery

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Head of Strategic Delivery

Application Deadline: 7 June 2026

Department: Strategy Impact & Planning

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Home based / with some regional travel

Compensation: GBP 59,576 - GBP 67,462 / year

Description

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

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. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), 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 GBP 4,000 per annum.