Interim COO

Aspen People; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A public heritage organization is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer to lead its Executive Leadership Team and ensure effective governance and operational management. This temporary role is crucial for providing stability and guiding organizational change. Ideal candidates will have extensive leadership experience and a strong ability to influence at the Board level. The position offers competitive compensation for a six-month contract in Edinburgh.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading high-performing teams.
• Experience in complex delivery organisations.
• Ability to influence at Board level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Executive Leadership Team.
• Monitor financial management and adherence to budgets.
• Support the assessment of organisational culture.
• Initiate reviews of the organisational design.
• Ensure effective corporate governance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Strategic level operation

Organisational development

Building partnerships

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Political awareness

Resilience under pressure

Job description

Interim Chief Operating Officer

Historic Environment Scotland

Contract Length: 6-month contract

Salary: £110,000 – £120,000 per annum (pro rata)

Location: Edinburgh

Aspen People are partnering with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to recruit an Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) on a six-month basis.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a temporary role reporting to the Chair/Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland. The COO will provide assurance to the HES Board, Scottish Government, and other key stakeholders that the organisation is adequately positioned to deliver its plans.

The COO will add stability and operational capacity to manage change at an executive level, providing support and direction to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in delivering HES’s strategic and operational objectives.

The role will lead the ELT, which oversees seven directorates: Operations, Cultural Assets, Heritage, Marketing & Engagement, External Relations & Partnerships, Finance & Corporate Services, and People.

The COO is responsible for working with all internal stakeholders to implement and oversee the corporate strategy, support effective financial and operational management, and ensure performance aligns with HES’s values.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Executive Leadership Team and providing stability and unity across the organisation.
• Supporting the assessment of organisational culture and effectiveness.
• Working with the Board, CEO and ELT on the delivery of the Section 22 Report, ensuring effective corporate governance.
• Providing assurance on organisational processes and employee voice.
• Initiating and supporting the review of HES’s organisational design.
• Monitoring and reviewing the Operating Plan to ensure prioritisation and clarity.
• Ensuring effective financial management and adherence to budgets.
• Providing assurance that operational procedures are fit for purpose and support transparency and accountability.
• Overseeing capital investment governance and ensuring lessons learned are implemented.
• Leading in a fast‑paced environment, managing confidential matters and reputational issues as required.

The Candidate

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Excellent leadership skills with experience of leading a high‑performing, collegial culture.
• Experience operating at a senior strategic level within a complex delivery organisation.
• A successful history of organisational development and cultural change.
• Experience working within a governance framework and building effective partnerships.
• Strong leadership and the ability to build, motivate, and support inclusive teams.
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and negotiating skills.
• Confidence influencing at Board level and strong analytical problem‑solving skills.
• Collaborative approach and excellent political awareness.
• Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities, and remain resilient under pressure.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the heritage sector.
• Experience in the NDPB or charity sector.
• Experience as project sponsor for capital investment programmes.
• Experience in a multi‑functional organisation.

You can contact Debbie Shields or Lauryn Pringle at Aspen People for a confidential discussion about the role on 0141 212 7555.

To apply, please upload a CV and cover letter (as one document) via the apply button. If you are unable to combine your documents, then please email your cover letter to [e-mail].

Offers of appointment are subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.