领头 is a separable verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to take the lead' or 'to be the first to do something'. The verb 领 and the object 头 can split when you add aspect markers (了, 过), measure words, or durations between them — for example, 领了头 ('took the lead'), 领过几次头 ('has taken the lead several times'). You can also use it with a complement: 领个头 ('take the lead for a bit'). It's colloquial and often used in group contexts like projects, movements, or competitions.