Head of Strategic Delivery

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 PlanningLead organisation-wide delivery planning aligned to DofE strategyManage annual and multi-year planning, balancing priorities, demand, and capacityMaintain a clear, realistic pipeline of strategic initiativesPortfolio & Programme Governance (PMO)Embed consistent portfolio and programme management frameworksOversee delivery quality, pace, risks, dependencies, and benefitsLead and develop the Project Management teamPerformance & EffectivenessEstablish performance measures, benchmarks, and improvement targetsUse data and insight to inform prioritisation and decision-makingGovernance & ReportingDeliver clear reporting to the Executive Team and TrusteesEnsure visibility and ownership of risks, issues, and decisionsSupport or chair programme boards Leadership & CapabilityBuild delivery and change capability across the charityFoster a collaborative, high-performance cultureRole model DofE values and leadership behavioursWhat 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 organisationsHow 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.orgBenefitsWe 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 £4,000 per annum.Originally posted on Himalayas