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.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for global impact and career growth.
- 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.
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.
Contact Details:
Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer - COO in Edinburgh
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 Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions.
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 Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions. 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 Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions, 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 Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions, 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 Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions 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 Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.