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- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and strategic initiatives at Edinburgh College.
- 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 102000 - 138000 £ 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 with 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. 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 in Edinburgh employer: Aspen People
Contact Detail:
Aspen People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at Edinburgh College. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could really help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the college's recent initiatives and challenges. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals will show you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Think of examples from your past roles where you've led teams through change or innovation. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can inspire and drive performance at Edinburgh College.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational excellence and strategic leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Chief Operating Officer at Edinburgh College.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven organisational change or managed significant budgets. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value exceptional communicators who can build relationships, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for education and commitment to student success.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Edinburgh College's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals, especially around operational excellence and digital innovation. This will help you align your experience with what they’re looking for and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Chief Operating Officer (Depute), your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams and driven organisational change. Be ready to discuss specific transformation programmes you've managed, focusing on outcomes and how you foster collaboration and innovation within your teams.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about governance, risk management, and financial sustainability. Think about scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the interview, engage actively with the panel. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and future plans. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in leading a large educational institution like Edinburgh College.
