At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and drive impactful change for Deaf communities.
- Company: Deaf Action, a pioneering Deaf-led charity since 1835.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and mental health support.
- Other info: Join a dynamic organisation committed to innovation and accessibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Deaf people while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and strong strategic planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Full time, Permanent
Location: Edinburgh (with some travel within the UK)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 depending on experience
Closing date: 14th July 2026
Interviews: 30th and 31st July
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for delivering meaningful impact? We're looking for an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to help lead Deaf Action through its next stage of growth, ensuring our services, people, and operations are positioned to deliver lasting change for Deaf communities.
Who are we? Deaf Action is a Deaf‑led charity, supporting and celebrating Deaf people since 1835. We work with Deaf people across Scotland and the South of England, empowering individuals to achieve their potential and fully participate in society with equality of rights, access and opportunity. Through a range of charitable and commercial services, Deaf Action provides support, access, education, communication services and opportunities that improve the lives of Deaf people. We are committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering high‑quality services that create lasting impact.
Role purpose: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across Deaf Action, ensuring the organisation delivers high‑quality, integrated services in line with its mission, values, and business plan. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the COO will be responsible for translating strategy into effective operational delivery, driving organisational performance, commercial growth, and long‑term sustainability. The COO provides leadership across service delivery, operational systems, performance management, and organisational development, ensuring Deaf Action operates efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with its strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across Deaf Action, ensuring high‑quality, efficient, and sustainable service delivery.
- Contribute to the growth and development of Deaf Action’s commercial services, helping to maximise income and long‑term sustainability.
- Work closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to translate organisational strategy into effective operational plans and outcomes.
- Lead and develop high‑performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure services and operations align with Deaf Action’s mission, values, and commitment to Deaf‑led practice and accessibility.
- Lead major organisational projects and cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring successful delivery and integration across services.
- Support financial sustainability through effective budgeting, resource management, and oversight of commercial activities.
- Establish robust reporting and accountability frameworks, ensuring clear performance information is available to the CEO and Board.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, funders, stakeholders, and external agencies, representing Deaf Action where required.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation, ensuring that services remain responsive to the needs of Deaf communities.
Person specification:
Essential:
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, leading complex, multi‑service or multi‑department organisations.
- Demonstrable success in commercial income generation, organisational growth or change management.
- Strong strategic planning, operational management, and decision‑making capability.
- Experience developing and managing high‑performing teams.
- Experience implementing performance management systems and reporting frameworks.
- Strong understanding of core organisational functions, including operations, finance, HR, and service delivery.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
- Commitment to Deaf Action’s mission, values, accessibility, and inclusion.
Desirable:
- Experience working within the third sector, public service, or mission‑led organisations.
- Understanding of Deaf communities and Deaf‑led organisations.
- Experience working within the care or support service sector.
- Knowledge of accessible service delivery and inclusive practice.
- British Sign Language (BSL) skills or willingness to develop skills.
What’s on offer?
- Occupational pension scheme with employer contributions of 6%
- 32 days leave pro‑rata (inc bank holidays)
- 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured
- In‑house Mental Health First Aiders
- Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and IT Voucher Scheme
- Ongoing support for learning and development through our PDR process
To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter or a BSL video to recruitment@deafaction.org. PVG checks will be requested. Applications welcome from all sections of the community.
Role: Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Edinburgh employer: Deaf Action
Deaf Action is an exceptional employer, dedicated to empowering Deaf communities through innovative and high-quality services. Located in Edinburgh, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering generous benefits such as a robust pension scheme, extensive leave, and continuous professional development opportunities. Joining Deaf Action means being part of a mission-driven team that values accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Role: 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 Deaf Action.
✨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 Deaf Action.
✨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 Role: 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 Deaf Action.
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 Deaf Action. 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 Deaf Action
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Deaf Action, 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 Deaf Action, 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 Deaf Action 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 Deaf Action as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
