Strategic COO & Data-Driven Change Leader

UK Agri-Tech Centre; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Crown Estate Scotland is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to align day-to-day operations with the strategic direction of the organisation. You will lead corporate functions including People, Data and Digital, Business Administration, Planning and Performance Management, and continuous improvement.

You will report to the Chief Executive and Accountable Officer, guiding strategic decisions to balance commercial success with sustainable development and public-benefit objectives.

Qualifications

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
• Formal management/leadership qualification.
• Strong senior operational and leadership experience with service delivery improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.
• Lead corporate business planning: budgeting, workforce planning, performance reporting and continuous improvement.
• Lead implementation of the People Strategy to foster an inclusive, high-performing culture.
• Develop and implement the Data and Digital Strategy with governed data and scalable digital solutions.
• Strengthen organisational resilience for informed decision-making and priority delivery.
• Embed a culture of innovation, efficiency and data-led improvement across operations.
• Act as Senior Responsible Officer for major projects and sponsor cross-functional initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic leadership

People management

Performance management

Education

Degree-level education

Management qualification

Job description

Crown Estate Scotland is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to align day-to-day operations with the strategic direction of the organisation. You will lead corporate functions including People, Data and Digital, Business Administration, Planning and Performance Management, and continuous improvement.

You will report to the Chief Executive and Accountable Officer, guiding strategic decisions to balance commercial success with sustainable development and public-benefit objectives.