Are you a strategic leader with a passion for driving organisational impact? We're looking for an experienced professional to join us as Head of Strategy Implementation (Interim). This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in delivering our current Strategy and Theory of Change, ensuring momentum and alignment across the charity.

This role is fixed term until September 2026, working 29 hours per week. The successful candidate will be required to attend meetings at least once a week as needed in central London and to attend meetings in other locations across the UK with reasonable notice.

Interviews will be held either in person in central London or virtually on Monday 22nd December. We appreciate this is a busy time of year and not all candidates will be able to travel. There may be a second, in person, interview in the New Year as part of the process.

What you'll do:

· Lead the implementation of our Strategy and Theory of Change, embedding cross-departmental collaboration through Thematic Oversight Groups.

· Oversee progress on strategic priorities, on behalf of the Chief Executive.

· Undertake engagement in preparation for a limited review and refresh of the Theory of Change which is due to take place in Q3-Q4 2026-2027.

· Provide senior leadership oversight of our Policy & Public Affairs function and support integrated working across the Strategy & External Affairs Department.

· Prepare reports for the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.

· Oversee data-led quarterly reporting via a dashboard, driving quality assurance and continual improvement.

What we're looking for:

· A seasoned leader with at least 10 years' professional experience, including 5+ years working in a leadership role at a large organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive.

· At least 5 years' experience working on strategy implementation.

· Expertise in policy/public affairs.

· Experience of matrix programme management.

· Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to influence at all levels.

· Strategic thinker with creativity, adaptability, and a collaborative approach.

Why join us?

This is a chance to make a real difference at a critical time for our charity. You'll work alongside senior leaders, shape strategic priorities, and help prepare for the next phase of our journey.

Our Purpose is Changing Childhoods. Changing Lives. Working with children and young people to be safe, happy, healthy and hopeful.

Apply now and help us deliver lasting impact for the next generation.

At Barnardo's, we are focused on striving for excellence on behalf of children and young people. We also seek to create an environment where everyone can belong, grow, and thrive, and welcome applications from all individuals who meet the criteria.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, in the community, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or depending on the role any combination of these. Please read through the advert carefully to understand the remits of hybrid working that will be specific to the role.

• Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our HolidayPlus scheme
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

• Reference number:22205
• Job Title:Head of Strategy Implementation (Interim)
• Location:Workplace offer: Hybrid working, Barnardo's hub/office or home address
• Contract type:Fixed term
• End date:September 2026
• Hours:29
• Salary:£66,561.22 - £80,355.60
• Closing Date:18 December 2025
• Interview Date:Monday 22nd December. Interviews will be held either in person in central London or virtually.