Permanent Chief Operating Officer in Edinburgh
Permanent Chief Operating Officer

Permanent Chief Operating Officer in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
SeeByte

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational performance and ensure efficient execution across teams.
  • Company: SeeByte, a global leader in smart software for uncrewed maritime systems.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, strong financial position, and opportunities for growth.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team shaping the future of maritime technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience in high-performing tech or engineering organisations required.
  • Other info: Role requires British nationality and Security Clearance.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

Our client, SeeByte, is the global market leader in the development of smart software for uncrewed maritime systems. We are advising the business on the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its executive leadership team, based in Edinburgh. Originally spun out of Heriot-Watt University, SeeByte develops advanced autonomy and mission‑planning software for maritime and underwater robotics, supporting complex operations across defence, energy, and research. Acquired by Battelle in 2013, the company operates as a stand‑alone business with a strong financial position, long‑term contracts, and an international client base. With over 100 employees across Edinburgh and Bristol, SeeByte continues to scale.

The Chief Operating Officer exists to ensure the organisation runs efficiently, reliably, and with discipline. The role translates strategic intent into consistent execution, creating the structures, rhythms, and controls that enable people and teams to deliver effectively. Through strong operational leadership and high-quality insight, the COO provides stability and clarity as the organisation grows and changes. The role is central to ensuring that strategic decisions are executable in practice and that leaders have the information they need to act decisively and with confidence. This is a senior operational leadership role suited to someone with experience driving execution in complex, high‑performing technology or engineering‑led organisations.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead operational performance across people, finance, and delivery
  • Establish and maintain clear operating cadence, governance, and execution discipline
  • Take ownership of programme readiness and delivery confidence as work moves into execution
  • Ensure delivery commitments are achievable, appropriately resourced, and well controlled
  • Provide concise, decision-ready insight on operational health, financial performance, and delivery risk
  • Enable effective cross-functional working by integrating priorities across the organisation
  • Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, throughput, and execution quality

Due to the nature of the work, this role is restricted to British nationals and is subject to Security Clearance (SC).

Permanent Chief Operating Officer in Edinburgh employer: SeeByte

SeeByte is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh, where innovation meets operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative culture that encourages continuous improvement and high performance. As part of a leading organisation in smart software for uncrewed maritime systems, employees benefit from long-term contracts, a stable financial position, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects across defence, energy, and research sectors.
SeeByte

Contact Detail:

SeeByte Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at SeeByte. Building relationships can give us insider info and might even lead to a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching SeeByte's projects and values. We want to show that we understand their mission and how our experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect their needs!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our responses. The more comfortable we are talking about our achievements and experiences, the better we'll perform.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep us on their radar and show our enthusiasm for the role. Let’s make sure they remember us for all the right reasons!

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

Operational Leadership
Strategic Execution
Governance
Programme Management
Financial Performance Analysis
Risk Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Continuous Improvement
Efficiency Optimisation
Decision-Making
Resource Management
Insight Generation
Adaptability to Change
High-Performance Team Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the COO role at SeeByte. Highlight your experience in operational leadership and any relevant achievements in technology or engineering-led organisations. We want to see how you can drive execution and improve efficiency!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for operational excellence and how you can translate strategic intent into action. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality shine through!

Showcase Relevant Experience: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to showcase your experience with programme readiness and delivery confidence. We’re looking for someone who can ensure commitments are achievable and well-controlled, so give us examples of how you've done this before.

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 don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join the SeeByte team!

How to prepare for a job interview at SeeByte

✨Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into SeeByte's history, mission, and recent projects. Understanding their smart software for uncrewed maritime systems will help you connect your experience to their needs and show genuine interest.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a COO, operational leadership is key. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've driven execution in complex environments. Highlight how you've established governance and improved efficiency, as these are crucial for SeeByte's growth.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them. This will demonstrate your ability to provide decision-ready insights and manage delivery risks.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about SeeByte's future projects or how they measure operational success. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in contributing to their long-term vision.

Permanent Chief Operating Officer in Edinburgh
SeeByte
Location: Edinburgh

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