At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for the Edinburgh International Book Festival and manage year-round programmes.
- Company: Join a vibrant charity dedicated to promoting books, writing, and ideas.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary of £50,000 per annum.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic influence in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the literary world while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience and strong event management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Contract Full-time, permanent (We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)
Salary £50,000 per annum
The Director of Operations for Edinburgh International Book Festival [EIBF] sits at the intersection of programme delivery, organisational management and operational leadership. The role combines events delivery with charity-wide management. This ensures that EIBF runs smoothly, festivals and events happen effectively, and all activity aligns with our charitable objectives and purpose.
The Director of Operations will lead all operational and logistical aspects of the annual Book Festival and year-round programmes. They will ensure effective governance, efficient systems, safe and compliant event delivery, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the charity's mission to promote engagement with, and enjoyment of, books, writing and ideas. They will manage relationships and contracts with site and production teams, and a range of other key stakeholders and partners. They will own and actively manage policy and systems management in the organisation, including oversight of digital infrastructure, as well as lead the HR function in a busy organisation.
Success in the role will balance the following elements:
- Leading the operational delivery of the Festival and programmes including effective stewarding of key relationships and contractors
- Optimising the culture of EIBF through effective management of HR and internal processes
- Effective management of EIBF planning, systems and processes, including digital transformation.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Strategic operations
- Strategic contribution
- Festival delivery
- People and resource management
- Governance and compliance
- Systems and process improvement
- Leadership and team management
Essential Person specification:
- Significant senior operational leadership experience within a complex, fast paced organisation
- Proven experience translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, systems and processes
- Experience leading organisational change, growth or transformation while maintaining operational resilience
- Strong experience delivering complex live events or public programmes, including logistics, production, venues, and supplier management
- Experience managing contracts, procurement processes, and strategic operational partnerships
- Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and health and safety
- Experience leading HR processes, people management, and organisational culture development
- Experience delivering systems development, digital transformation, or process improvement projects
- Strong understanding of organisational infrastructure including IT, CRM, ticketing, and data governance
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work strategically while remaining practical and hands-on in a small, agile organisation
For more information on key responsibilities and person specifications please see full Job Description on EIBF website.
Key Dates:
- Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026.
- Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.
Operational Innovations Director/Senior Manager in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh International Book Festival
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. Our culture prioritises engagement with literature and ideas, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about the arts and community impact.
Contact Details:
Edinburgh International Book Festival Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Innovations Director/Senior Manager in Edinburgh
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Show Up Prepared
When you land that interview, make sure you know the ins and outs of the organisation. Research their mission, values, and recent projects. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals right from the get-go.
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After your interview, don’t just sit back and wait! Send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job. It streamlines the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining our amazing team!
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Innovations Director/Senior Manager 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 leadership and event management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at EIBF!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve successfully led projects or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can fit into our culture, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what you’re passionate about.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh International Book Festival
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Edinburgh International Book Festival's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their past events and operational strategies. This will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects in fast-paced environments. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially in event delivery and HR management, to show you can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges or changes. Think about potential scenarios related to logistics, stakeholder management, or compliance, and prepare your responses to showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, or their approach to digital transformation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
