Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh

Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead teams to turn ambitious visions into actionable strategies and drive operational excellence.
  • Company: High-growth scale-up focused on sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Remote-first culture, flexible working, and recognition for your impact.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in climate tech.
  • Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in SaaS or climate tech, with strong strategic execution skills.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for global impact and career growth.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Our partner is a high-growth scale-up at a pivotal moment and they are looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help take them to the next level. As COO you will partner closely with the CEO to operationalise their ambitious vision: turning complexity into commercial clarity, accelerating the sustainability transition, and scaling their platform globally. You will ensure that their strategy becomes execution, that teams are aligned, that their platform is delivered reliably, and that they operate with discipline, accountability, and agility.

Some of your key responsibilities:

  • Overall leadership responsibility for all teams.
  • Turn vision into execution by setting and refining quarterly priorities (Rocks) aligned to company-wide goals.
  • Own delivery against plan and budget, ensuring performance targets are met.
  • Drive operational excellence and discipline by leading the senior team to embed effective meeting rhythms and performance scorecards.
  • Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and reporting to support growth.
  • Proactively remove obstacles and unblock teams to enable consistent execution and success.

Skills and experience:

  • Senior leadership experience in SaaS, geospatial, or climate tech sectors.
  • Comfortable with technical products, including data pipelines, cloud architecture, and engineering practices.
  • Expert in process discipline, capable of structuring and scaling fast-moving teams.
  • Exceptional communicator, able to bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proven success in scaling operations and systems within growth-stage companies.
  • Strategic execution skills, turning vision into actionable goals and building scalable systems for long-term growth.
  • Strong financial acumen, including modelling, budgeting, and forecasting, with the ability to link financial insights to operational strategy.
  • Background in Earth observation, remote sensing, or environmental science.
  • Familiarity with environmental regulatory frameworks (TNFD, CSRD, EUDR).
  • Experience with ISO/security certifications and data compliance.
  • Experience with financial institutions or regulated clients.
  • Global or multi-region operational experience.

Who you are:

  • High integrity, proactive, and able to deliver fast without compromising quality.
  • Thrives in ambiguity and rapid change, with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative leader with an ownership mindset, keeping teams aligned and focused.
  • Acts with trust, transparency, and as a true partner to the CEO.
  • Passionate about sustainability, climate, and technology for impact.
  • Skilled at prioritising effectively and simplifying complex issues.

What they offer:

  • Remote-first/flexible working - must be able to come to Edinburgh twice a month.
  • Occasional travel (UK/EU/global).
  • Full-time leadership role; high growth environment with fast-moving priorities.
  • Collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on environmental impact and innovation.
  • Benefits aligned with culture: flexibility, autonomy, and recognition for impact.

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion at Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions: We are committed to championing diversity, equality, and inclusion in every step of the recruitment process. We believe that diverse talent drives innovation and success, and we strive to connect employers with candidates from all backgrounds, fostering inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are based on merit, skills, and potential, ensuring equal opportunities for all. If you require adjustments during the application process, please let us know we are here to support you. Let's build a more inclusive workforce together!

Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh employer: Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions

As a high-growth scale-up, our company offers an exceptional opportunity for the Chief Operating Officer to lead in a dynamic and mission-driven environment focused on sustainability and innovation. With a remote-first approach and flexible working arrangements, we prioritise employee autonomy while fostering a collaborative culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in turning ambitious visions into impactful realities, with ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to making a difference in the world.
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Contact Detail:

Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SaaS, geospatial, or climate tech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers or collaborators.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in scaling operations and systems. This will help you stand out when discussing how you can turn vision into execution.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your background in Earth observation or environmental science aligns with the company’s mission. A clear, confident delivery can make all the difference in interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’re all about making connections that matter. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining a mission-driven culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh

Senior Leadership Experience
SaaS Knowledge
Geospatial Expertise
Climate Tech Understanding
Technical Product Familiarity
Data Pipelines Knowledge
Cloud Architecture Skills
Engineering Practices Awareness
Process Discipline
Strategic Execution Skills
Financial Acumen
Budgeting and Forecasting
Environmental Regulatory Frameworks Familiarity
ISO/Security Certifications Experience
Global Operational Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in SaaS, geospatial, or climate tech. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific responsibilities of the COO role.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a COO, you'll be leading teams and driving operational excellence. Use your application to demonstrate your senior leadership experience and how you've successfully scaled operations in previous roles. We love seeing real examples!

Communicate Clearly: Exceptional communication is key for this role. Ensure your application is clear and concise, bridging any technical jargon with straightforward language. We want to understand your thought process and how you can connect with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions

✨Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their focus on sustainability and technology will help you align your answers with their goals, showing that you're genuinely interested in their vision.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic execution skills. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've turned complex visions into actionable plans. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

Since the role requires strong financial skills, prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and linking financial insights to operational strategies. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles to illustrate your expertise.

✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Leadership Style

Highlight your ability to work closely with teams and stakeholders. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and alignment in fast-paced environments, especially in scaling operations. This will resonate well with their emphasis on teamwork and partnership.

Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh
Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions
Location: Edinburgh

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