Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
Please find and review all information for this role on our dedicated microsite: https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/microsite/st-giles/
About St Giles' Cathedral
Our Cathedral is a place of faith, heritage, community and welcome, with a rich history and an important role at the heart of public life. Alongside worship and ministry, we care for a significant historic building, welcome visitors and deliver public benefit activities. We are developing our operations and commercial activities to strengthen the Cathedral's long-term sustainability while preserving its distinctive character and mission.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead the Cathedral's non-ministerial operations and support the delivery of its strategic priorities.
Working closely with the Minister, Head of Staff and senior colleagues, you will oversee a broad portfolio including people, finance, governance, property, visitor operations, retail, events and commercial activity. You will drive operational effectiveness, support income generation and ensure strong organisational systems, effective governance and sustainable delivery.
This is a varied and influential role, balancing commercial development and operational excellence with the Cathedral's purpose as an active place of worship and a significant heritage institution.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the Cathedral's non-ministerial operations and supporting its strategic priorities.
- Overseeing people, finance, governance, property, visitor operations, retail, events and commercial activity.
- Driving operational effectiveness and supporting income generation.
- Ensuring strong organisational systems, effective governance and sustainable delivery.
- Balancing commercial development and operational excellence with the Cathedral's purpose and heritage.
About You
You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of translating strategy into action, leading teams and delivering organisational improvement. You will bring commercial awareness, financial acumen and experience of governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement.
You will be collaborative, pragmatic and an excellent communicator, able to balance strategic priorities with operational detail and build effective relationships across diverse teams and communities.
Experience in a charity, heritage, cultural, visitor attraction or faith-based organisation would be advantageous, although we welcome applications from candidates with relevant experience in other sectors.
This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the sustainability and future of one of Scotland’s most historic and important institutions.
Additional information and the full job description can be viewed on our dedicated microsite: https://www.aspenpeople.co.uk/microsite/st-giles/
Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: Midnight on Monday 9th November 2026
First-stage interviews: w/c 23 November 2026 (date to be confirmed)
Final interviews: w/c 30 November 2026 (date to be confirmed)
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Chief Operating Officer employer: St Giles’ Cathedral
St. Giles’ Cathedral offers a unique and rewarding work environment where you can contribute to the financial stewardship of a historic landmark in Edinburgh. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while enjoying a supportive and collaborative culture. The Cathedral's commitment to excellence in governance and finance ensures that you will play a vital role in preserving its legacy for future generations.
