Chief Operating Officer

Anderson Knight is proud to be supporting the Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) on a retained basis in the appointment of an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This newly created executive leadership role represents a unique opportunity to join one of the world’s leading arts organisations and play a pivotal role in shaping its future. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the COO will provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring the systems, processes and governance structures are in place to support EIF’s ambitious vision.

The Edinburgh International Festival is one of the world’s most celebrated arts festivals, bringing together leading performers, artists and audiences from across the globe. As the organisation continues to evolve and grow, the creation of this role reflects a commitment to strengthening organisational effectiveness, supporting innovation, and ensuring long‑term sustainability.

The COO will act as a trusted partner to the Chief Executive, providing calm, experienced leadership across the organisati

Working closely with the Festival Director, Senior Management Team and Heads of Department, the successful candidate will drive organisational effectiveness, support cross‑functional collaboration, and lead business planning across the organisation.

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on an internationally respected organisation with significant cultural influence.

• Translate strategic priorities into clear and achievable operational plans.
• Lead the annual organisational planning process and ensure alignment across departments.
• Drive organisational performance through effective planning, governance and risk management.
• Support the Chief Executive with operational insight and strategic decision‑making.

• Support the development of commercial opportunities and income growth initiatives.
• Lead robust business planning and investment appraisal processes.
• Ensure resources are effectively allocated against organisational priorities.
• Work closely with finance colleagues to evaluate investment opportunities and measure outcomes.

• Encourage collaboration across departments and remove barriers to delivery.
• Develop and embed effective ways of working across the organisation.
• Support continuous improvement and ensure organisational learning informs future planning.

• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Management Team.
• Support the development of a collaborative and high‑performing leadership culture.
• Provide sound judgement and leadership in complex or sensitive situations.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive on operational matters and organisational performance.

We are seeking a highly credible and experienced operational leader who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience in a COO, Deputy CEO or equivalent senior leadership position.
• A strong track record of leading complex organisations and delivering organisational change.
• Experience translating strategic priorities into effective operational delivery.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience supporting business planning and investment decisions.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience leading senior teams and developing organisational capability.
• Knowledge of governance, risk management and organisational planning.
• Excellent communication, judgement and decision‑making skills.
• The ability to bring clarity, calm and direction in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with in the arts, culture, charity, public or wider not‑for‑profit sectors would be advantageous, although applications are welcome from candidates in other complex, purpose‑led organisations.

• Join one of the world’s most prestigious arts organisations.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of the Edinburgh International Festival.
• Work alongside an inspiring executive leadership team.
• Lead meaningful organisational development and transformation.
• Influence strategy, operational effectiveness and organisational performance at the highest level.
• Enjoy a rewarding role within a globally recognised cultural institution.