Head of Poppy Appeal Planning

ENGINEERINGUK; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK charity is seeking a Head of Poppy Appeal Planning to oversee one of the nation's most impactful fundraising campaigns. This role involves shaping strategy, managing a dedicated team, and coordinating cross-departmental collaboration for the Poppy Appeal. With a focus on performance and ROI, the ideal candidate will have significant experience in campaign management, alongside strong leadership skills. The position is primarily remote, with occasional travel required to London.

Benefits

28 days paid holiday plus bank holidays

Generous pension contributions

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development courses

Opportunities to volunteer

Travel loans and Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in campaign management or fundraising.
• Proven ability to oversee and implement effective strategies.
• Experience in leading and motivating a team.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategy, oversee planning and guide a portfolio of change initiatives.
• Take the lead on planning, reporting, and evaluation.
• Work closely with key departments to ensure smooth operation.
• Manage risk and coordinate resources across the organization.
• Lead and support a small team to deliver quality results.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Performance Evaluation

Relationship Building

Job description

Head of Poppy Appeal Planning

We're looking for a Head of Poppy Appeal Planning to lead one of the UK's most iconic fundraising campaigns. The Poppy Appeal is fast‑moving, high‑profile, and hugely impactful, raising over £50 million in just a few weeks and this role sits at the heart of making it all happen. You'll shape strategy, oversee planning and guide a portfolio of change initiatives to ensure the Appeal hits its targets and continues to evolve year on year. Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

About the role

In this role you will take the lead on planning, reporting and evaluation, turning insight into action to drive better performance and ROI. You will work closely with the Director of Poppy Appeal, the Transformation Office and teams across fundraising, marketing and membership to ensure everything runs like a clockwork. From setting strategic priorities to monitoring KPIs, managing risk and coordinating resources across the organisation, you will be the person who makes sure the pieces fit together while constantly seeking smarter, more effective ways of working.

You will also lead a small but mighty team, coaching, motivating and supporting them to deliver their best work. Strong relationships are key – both internally with colleagues and externally with partners – to keep the campaign running smoothly and efficiently. This role has a real sense of purpose, creativity and fun, where you’ll see the impact of your work in real time and be part of a campaign that people across the country care about deeply.

Work is home‑based; most tasks are carried out remotely, with travel to London for monthly meetings and occasional in‑person sessions as required. Reasonable travel costs will be covered. Candidates must be within a practical travelling distance of London.

Responsibilities

Shape strategy, oversee planning and guide a portfolio of change initiatives.

Take the lead on planning, reporting, and evaluation, turning insight into action to drive better performance and ROI.

Work closely with the Director of Poppy Appeal, the Transformation Office and teams across fundraising, marketing and membership to ensure everything runs like a clockwork.

Set strategic priorities, monitor KPIs, manage risk and coordinate resources across the organisation.

Lead a small but mighty team, coach, motivate and support them to deliver their best work.

Maintain strong relationships internally and externally to keep the campaign running smoothly and efficiently.

Benefits

• 28 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
• Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
• Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
• Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Travel loans, Cycle to Work and more!

EEO Statement

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Dates

16th & 17th February 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role(s). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.