COO: Strategic Ops & Data-Driven Growth Leader

FWB; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Crown Estate Scotland is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee day-to-day operations and align strategy across corporate functions. The role reports to the Chief Executive and Board, balancing commercial aims with sustainable stewardship and public value.

As part of the Corporate Leadership Team, the COO will drive effective delivery, data-led improvement, and cross-functional sponsorship of major initiatives, shaping performance and governance across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Candidates should be educated to degree level or have an equivalent level of professional experience and a formal management or leadership qualification.
• Strong combination of senior operational and leadership experience with a track record of improving service delivery and leading organisational change within a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Crown Estate Scotland's corporate operations, ensuring capacity, capability and resilience to deliver the Corporate Plan 2026-31.
• Provide strategic leadership across People, Data and Digital, Business Administration, Planning and Performance Management functions.
• Lead the corporate business planning process, including strategic planning, budgeting, workforce planning, performance measurement and reporting.
• Lead the implementation and development of the People Strategy, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Develop and implement the Data and Digital Strategy, ensuring governance and secure, scalable digital solutions.

Job description

Crown Estate Scotland is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee day-to-day operations and align strategy across corporate functions. The role reports to the Chief Executive and Board, balancing commercial aims with sustainable stewardship and public value.

As part of the Corporate Leadership Team, the COO will drive effective delivery, data-led improvement, and cross-functional sponsorship of major initiatives, shaping performance and governance across the organisation.