At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and oversee operations for Edinburgh College's success.
- Company: Join one of Scotland’s largest colleges, shaping futures for 30,000 students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming education and enhancing student experiences.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in corporate functions and strong financial expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 100800 - 139200 £ per year.
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s largest colleges, offering over 700 courses to 30,000 students across four campuses. With expert teaching, strong industry partnerships, and flexible pathways from access to degree level, we ensure our students are equipped and have opportunities to succeed — with 98% progressing to work or further study within eight months.
As Chief Operating Officer (Depute), you will be a key member of Edinburgh College’s Executive Team, providing strategic leadership across operational excellence, corporate services and organisational performance. You will oversee finance, HR and workforce planning, digital innovation and IT, estates and infrastructure, governance, risk, compliance and business continuity to ensure the College is sustainable, resilient and future-focused. Acting as Depute to the Principal & CEO, you will hold delegated authority for staffing, finance, governance reporting and emergency decision-making as required. You will lead major transformation programmes including digital and estates development, service improvement, financial sustainability and people strategy. Working closely with the Board of Management and senior leaders, you will provide clear, robust governance, performance reporting and strategic insight, while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement and excellence in student experience.
You are an inspiring, strategic leader with proven experience leading multi-disciplinary corporate functions in a complex organisation. You bring strong financial and operational expertise, including managing significant budgets, driving organisational change and delivering large-scale transformation. You have a solid understanding of finance, HR, estates, digital and IT, governance and risk, and are confident working with Boards and senior stakeholders. You are an exceptional communicator and relationship-builder, able to articulate vision, influence at all levels and make sound decisions in complex or high-pressure environments. With a degree or relevant professional qualification (and ideally an accounting or leadership qualification), you demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development, equality and inclusion, and creating high-performing, values-driven cultures.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Donogh O’Brien, Katharine Price or Gillian Blackadder at Aspen People on 0141 212 7555.
Closing date for applications: 11:59 Monday 2nd March 2026
Initial (virtual) Interviews Monday 16th March
Final (in person) interviews: Wednesday 1st April 2026
Chief Operating Officer employer: Aspen People
Aspen People is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in Cumnock, Scotland, where you can make a meaningful impact on housing and community well-being. With a commitment to employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for professional advancement while fostering a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises both organizational success and tenant satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Aspen People.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Aspen People. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Aspen People, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Aspen People, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Aspen People could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Aspen People as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
