Deputy Head of Operations in Edinburgh

Deputy Head of Operations in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 44100 - 53900 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
M

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational management and service improvement in a dynamic healthcare environment.
  • Company: Join the Marie Curie team, dedicated to delivering exceptional patient-centred care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, competitive parental leave, and industry-leading training programmes.
  • Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive work culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing teams, budget management, and service design required.

The predicted salary is between 44100 - 53900 £ per year.

We are looking for an inspiring and experienced leader with strong operational expertise, commercial awareness and the ability to build high-performing teams while delivering exceptional outcomes. Joining our Place-Based Leadership Team in Edinburgh as Deputy Head of Operations, this pivotal role sits within the senior management group and carries significant responsibility for the operational delivery of a broad portfolio of clinical and non-clinical services, including facilities, administration, performance, and compliance.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and gravitas, with the ability to manage stakeholder relationships, including consultants, clinical nurse managers, and commissioners. With a wide scope and budgetary accountability, you will lead service improvement, attend key strategic meetings, and act as a primary point of contact for the hospice. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is ready to take ownership of delivering high-quality, patient-centred services across multiple locations.

What you will be doing:

  • Lead the day-to-day operational management of designated service areas, ensuring delivery against key performance indicators.
  • Support service improvement and redesign projects, working closely with the Place-Based Leadership Team to modernise practices and integrate new services.
  • Monitor service performance and capacity planning, producing timely reports to inform decision-making and maintain high standards.
  • Manage stakeholder relationships, acting as a key point of contact for commissioners and external partners.
  • Provide effective line management, supporting staff development, recruitment, and performance in line with organisational policies.
  • Oversee financial performance, ensuring services operate within budget and contribute to cost improvement plans.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and patient-centred care across multidisciplinary teams.

What we’re looking for:

  • Proven experience in managing high-performing teams and groups of staff.
  • A strong understanding of service design and effective delivery models.
  • Ability to analyse issues, solve problems, and propose practical solutions.
  • Demonstrable experience in budget management and resource allocation.
  • Ability to work independently while building effective relationships and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Educated to degree level or able to demonstrate equivalent skills and experience.
  • A recognised management qualification or equivalent leadership experience.
  • Experience in developing new ways of working, including transformational service redesign.
  • Well-developed leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to enthuse, motivate and engage individuals and teams.

What’s in it for me?

  • Contract: Permanent 37.5 hours per week.
  • Base: Onsite 5 Days a week at Marie Curie Edinburgh Hospice Frogston Road West EH10 7DR.
  • Benefits You’ll Love:
    • Annual leave allowance 27 days plus 10 public holidays.
    • Competitive Policy for parental/sick Leave.
    • Industry leading training programmes.
    • Season ticket loan for travelling to and from work.
    • Defined contribution schemes for Pension.
    • Loan schemes for bikes; computers and satellite navigation systems.
    • Introduce a friend scheme.
    • Help with eyecare cost.
    • Entitled to Marie Curie Blue Light Card.
    • Entitled to Benefit-Hub Discount Scheme.
    • Life assurance – for all employees.

Application Process:

  • Close date for applications: 10th September 2026.
  • Interview Date: W/C 17th September 2026 in person.
  • We reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

Deputy Head of Operations in Edinburgh employer: Marie Curie UK

Marie Curie is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values the contributions of every team member. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have access to meaningful training opportunities while working in a hybrid model that promotes work-life balance. Joining our dedicated team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that makes a real difference in the lives of those facing end-of-life challenges.

M

Contact Details:

Marie Curie UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Operations in Edinburgh

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Deputy Head of Operations at Marie Curie UK!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Marie Curie UK or be willing to refer you for that Deputy Head of Operations position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Marie Curie UK who’s on the lookout for their next Deputy Head of Operations star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Deputy Head of Operations role at Marie Curie UK!

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Operations in Edinburgh

Operational Management
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Management
Service Improvement
Budget Management
Performance Monitoring
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Marie Curie UK. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Marie Curie UK

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Marie Curie UK. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!