Strategy Implementation Lead

The strategy implementation lead will be responsible for turning IMO's strategic vision into a practical, sequenced and deliverable operating plan. With the multi-year strategy already developed, you will play a key role in shaping how that strategy is delivered in the coming years, bringing structure, momentum and accountability to the implantation process.

You will act as a strategic partner to the CEO, contributing to Board level thinking while also driving practical delivery on the ground. This role requires someone who is comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.

You will have significant autonomy and influence in shaping how IMO evolves over the coming years., Strategic Implementation

Partner with the CEO to translate IMO's strategic plan into a clear organisational roadmap with defined milestones, priorities and success measures. You will work collaboratively with the CEO to agree the order in which elements of the strategy should be prioritised, before turning this into the roadmap, milestones and delivery framework.

Work with the CEO and trustees to:

• Define strategic workstreams
• Establish measurable organisational KPIs
• Identify capability gaps and development needs
• Develop a structured strategy implementation framework that enables effective delivery across the organisation.

Operating Model Design

Partner with the CEO to co-design IMO's future operating model. This is a collaborative process, you will work closely with the CEO from the outset to shape the vision, ensuring the model reflects organisational priorities and is set up for successful implementation.

This will include:

• Programme structure and service architecture
• Governance and decision-making frameworks
• Internal processes and ways of working
• Data, reporting and impact measurement systems
• Team structures and capability requirements

Ensure the model supports sustainable growth, stronger partnerships and improved impact outcomes.

Business Planning and Financial Modelling

Develop a clear strategic business case underpinning the new strategy. This will include:

• Financial projections
• Income pipeline modelling
• Investment requirements
• Scenario planning for growth and risk

Provide analysis and recommendations to support board-level decision making.

Programme & Transformation Management

Act as programme lead for key strategic initiatives, including:

• Scaling of youth employability programmes
• Strengthening organisational infrastructure
• Development of a standalone mental health service

Develop and manage a comprehensive implementation plan, ensuring:

• Clear timelines
• Resource alignment
• Risk management
• Delivery accountability

Maintain a live transformation risk register and ensure issues are addressed proactively.

Stakeholder Engagement & Organisational Change

Work closely with the CEO to support organisational alignment around the new strategy. Responsibilities include:

• Facilitating internal workshops and planning sessions
• Supporting senior staff to translate strategy into operational delivery
• Communicating progress to trustees and key partners
• Managing organisational change and maintaining momentum

Act as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the CEO throughout the transformation process.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience leading strategy implementation, organisational transformation or operating model design.
• Experience working in growing or evolving organisations where structures, systems or programmes needed to be developed or scaled.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and limited resources.
• Experience developing business cases, strategic plans or financial models to support organisational decision making.
• Strong track record of delivering initiatives from concept through to implementation.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability to translate high-level strategy into practical operational delivery.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Comfortable operating with high levels of autonomy and responsibility.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset.

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity, social enterprise or public sector environment.
• Experience working closely with CEOs, boards or senior leadership teams.
• Formal project management qualification (PRINCE2, Agile or equivalent).
• Understanding of youth services, employability, public health or community development sectors.