Chief operating officer jobs in edinburgh, scotland

About EMMS International

EMMS International is Scotland’s longest-serving international healthcare charity, founded in 1841. From its Scottish base, it works with partners in India, Malawi, Nepal, Rwanda, Scotland and Zambia to improve healthcare for people in some of the world’s poorest and most marginalised communities.

Its work focuses on four strategic priorities:

• Non-Communicable Disease: Improving access to care and quality of life for people with NCDs and life-limiting conditions.

• Global Healthcare Workforce: Training and empowering healthcare workers, especially women from low-income backgrounds, to address workforce shortages.

• Health Emergency Response: Supporting health systems to prepare for and respond to disasters and crises such as floods, earthquakes and food shortages.

• Sustainable Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare facilities and services, including infrastructure such as solar power, so they can withstand economic and environmental pressures.

EMMS works through local partners, takes a rights-based and inclusive approach, and designs sustainable programmes that respect the environment and promote human rights. Its origins lie in the Christian faith, and it serves people of all faiths and none.

Following an organisational review, EMMS is creating a new Director of Fundraising role, separating fundraising and communications into two Director posts. EMMS is financially stable with healthy reserves, currently raising around £400,000 per year in fundraised income, plus a significant time-limited major donor gift ending in 2028.

The Director of Fundraising will:

• Lead the development of a diverse, sustainable fundraising strategy across multiple income streams (trusts and foundations, major donors, individual giving, community, corporates, legacies).

• Be hands-on in delivering this strategy, supported by an experienced Head of Partnerships and Philanthropy and a Stewardship Manager.

• Manage and grow relationships with donors and stakeholders, meeting ambitious income targets.

• Oversee budgets, forecasting and reporting, and contribute to organisational strategic and business planning.

• Line manage fundraising staff, setting objectives/KPIs and supporting their development.

• Sit on the Executive Leadership Team and play a proactive role in the wider management and development of the charity, including reporting to the CEO and attending some Board meetings.

What they’re looking for:
An experienced senior fundraiser with a strong track record of strategic income growth across multiple channels, excellent relationship-building skills, strong leadership and team management experience, and knowledge of the Scottish charity and fundraising landscape. You should be confident operating strategically and operationally, familiar with fundraising regulation and good practice, and able to communicate effectively with both Christian and secular audiences in line with EMMS’ faith-based heritage and health mission. Degree-level education or equivalent experience is required; membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising (or willingness to join) is expected.

Terms and benefits:

• Salary: £63,313 – £70,347 (depending on experience) with annual inflationary rise

• Remote role with monthly meetings in central Edinburgh (more frequently in first three months)

• 25–30 days annual leave (depending on length of service) + 10 public holidays

• 8% employer pension contribution with salary sacrifice

• Salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicle lease

• Flexible working, travel expenses to office, access to Edinburgh office, some international travel

• Life assurance (three times salary) and Aviva Digi-Care app

Application:
Apply by CV and covering letter (each up to 2 pages) by Monday 12 January 2026.
Interviews in Edinburgh: First stage – Thursday 29 January 2026; second stage – Tuesday 3 February 2026.
You must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to uniting for a life unlimited for everyone affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). We are working towards a brighter future for everyone with cystic fibrosis by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way. 

Our team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and Trustees work alongside people affected by cystic fibrosis to fund life-changing research, promote world-class clinical care, and provide information, advice and support and our work relies on the generous donations of our supporters. 

About the role

As Director of Finance and Resources and with an oversight of a £15m budget, we are looking for a strong, corporate business leader operating at a senior level to help take Cystic Fibrosis Trust forward on our exciting journey towards a life unlimited by cystic fibrosis and optimising our finance and resources to deliver maximum impact for people with cystic fibrosis.

You will lead and develop a high performing multidisciplinary team of Heads including Finance, IT, Facilities, People and Organisation Development, Strategy and Business Intelligence, Company Secretariat functions as well as work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Board of Trustees and other internal and external stakeholders. Please note this is a UK based role.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Financial leadership of the Trust’s financial management strategy and statutory reporting and audit processes as well as reporting to our Boards and Committees.
• Digital and information systems: Lead IT and Digital development and implementation strategies, including delivery of the new CRM replacement going live in 2026 (MS Dynamics).
• People and Organisation Development: Lead best practice in our people management strategies, policies and practices as well as championing diversity and inclusion and staff learning and development.
• Business planning: Support organisational business planning and strategy development working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees and our other internal and external stakeholders including people with cystic fibrosis.
• Facilities: Ensure our working environment and facilities support the delivery of our objectives in a cost effective and supportive way.
• Compliance and Governance: Be Company Secretary, ensuring appropriate governance systems and controls are in place and for reporting to relevant statutory bodies.  Be responsible for our Data and ensuring compliance with GDPR, have oversight of Safeguarding and oversee complaints management and employment law compliance.

To be the right person for this role, the requirements you will need to meet include:

• To be a qualified accountant (CCAB recognised or equivalent) with minimum five years post‑qualification experience and ongoing CPD. 
• Successful experience in a business leadership role to operate at a Director/Board level and as a senior leadership team member. 
• Experience of developing effective short and long term business and financial strategies.
• Managing complex budgets, financial modelling and projections.
• Experience of directing, leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience of working successfully in a changing organisation where flexibility, agility and adaptability are essential.
• In-depth and up to date knowledge of best practice financial management and reporting under the Charity SORP and charity governance practices.
• In-depth and up to date knowledge of best practice HR/people management, knowledge of employment law and Data Protection regulations.
• Strong understanding of IT systems management and development and the ability to champion the use of digital solutions.
• Understanding and commitment to diversity and inclusion and our charitable cause, mission and values.
• Highly numerate with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel for work and/or work occasional unsocial hours if required.

Please note that this role will require a satisfactory DBS check before joining us and we will arrange the DBS check for the successful candidate.

You will also need to have the Right to Work in the UK before joining us and we will check this. We do not hold a Home Office Sponsorship Licence and therefore cannot offer visa sponsorship for any of our roles.

If this sounds like the right role for you and if you think you would fit well within a passionate, friendly and high-performing and highly supportive team, please get in touch!

Closing date and interview date

Closing date for completed applications is midnight Monday 12 January 2026.

Interviews expected Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 January 2026.

Please note we reserve the right to bring forward or extend the closing date if necessary.  Therefore, if you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.

No agencies please. 

How to apply:

For more details about the job and requirements, please visit our website or use the application button provided.

Our commitment to an inclusive workplace

Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs, can be themselves and achieve their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain staff with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives; particularly people who have cystic fibrosis, people who identify as being from an ethnic minority group, as LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. 

It is our policy not to discriminate against any person because of their age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability (physical and mental), race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation or union membership.

Benefits: Benefits include flexible working, 30 days annual leave plus recognised bank holidays (pro-rata if part time), contributory pension scheme, healthcare cash plan covering dental, optical, 24/7 GP service, and an employee assistance programme.

REF-225 504

Salary: (UK) £49,884 (£62,355 FTE) plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role:

We are recruiting for an inspirational, experienced and impactful leader to join Mary’s Meals International as our Director of Governance & Risk on a 12-month fixed term contract (30 hours per week).

As Director of Governance & Risk, you will work alongside our Chief People & Governance Officer and play an active role on both the People & Governance Leadership Team and the Global Leadership Council. You will provide strategic leadership across risk, legal, governance, security, support services and assurance, ensuring that the organisation operates with integrity, confidence, and compliance across all countries in which we work.

You will lead talented, multi-disciplinary teams across Risk, Security, Audit, Legal and Support Services, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture and ensuring that every part of the organisation is equipped to manage risk and safeguard the people and communities we serve.

Key priorities:

• Lead our governance, risk, and assurance strategy to ensure all activity underpins organisational goals and supports Mary’s Meals’ mission.
• Embed a culture of risk awareness and compliance across the global network, enabling leaders and teams to make confident, values-driven decisions.
• Oversee legal, regulatory, and corporate governance frameworks, ensuring policies, procedures, and reporting systems are robust, up-to-date, and fit for purpose.
• Provide strategic oversight of security, crisis management, and insurance arrangements, keeping our people, assets, and operations safe.
• Support our Board and senior leadership teams, delivering clear advice and ensuring the highest standards of governance and due diligence.
• Lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams, fostering engagement, empowerment, and continuous improvement across the directorate.
• Work in a highly collaborative way to understand organisational challenges and demonstrate impact.

We are looking for:

• Significant senior leadership experience in governance, risk, legal, or audit in an international context, ideally from an NGO or complex global organisation.
• Proven ability to operate effectively across culturally diverse, networked environments.
• Expertise in risk management is essential, but experience in legal frameworks, corporate governance, audit or security would be beneficial.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and trust at all levels of the organisation.
• A practical, solutions-focused approach combined with strategic vision and sound judgement.
• A track record of building, leading, and motivating multi-disciplinary teams in a collaborative, values-driven culture.
• A deep alignment with the mission and values of Mary’s Meals.

About us:

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We continue to change the lives of over 3 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals.

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

Additional Information:  

You will be required to register with the Protected Vulnerable Group Scheme or local equivalent before undertaking your role.

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please click below to send your CV and a short covering note (no more than 1 page) telling us why you are a great fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 14th December 2025.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Location – Remote, with occasional travel required

Salary – Circa £55k per annum (pro rata)

Contract – Part-time 14-21 hours per week (flexible across the week), Permanent

Farms for City Children offers children and young people a week in the heart of the British countryside staying on one of our farms, where they are immersed in the natural world of food, farming, and country life.  During their stay, they participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing, growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens, caring for livestock and looking after the land, and a variety of tasks designed to build greater connection with the natural world.

We are looking for a Head of Finance to join our friendly team.

About the Role

The Head of Finance forms part of our Senior Leadership Team and leads the financial management of our charity. This is the most senior finance role in the organisation, responsible for ensuring robust financial oversight, compliance, and governance. The role also encompasses broader corporate responsibilities, including supporting the Board, strengthening governance frameworks, and overseeing data protection and information governance.

For full details about the role, please see the Job Description and Job Information Pack.

What we Offer

In return you will receive a salary circa £55k per annum (pro rata) and a range of benefits, which include:

· 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)

· 6% employer contribution to NEST pension scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme

How to Apply

To apply, please download and fill out our application form that is located at the bottom of the page. Once completed, click on the Apply button, fill in your details and upload the application form. You may also wish to fill out and upload our equal opportunities monitoring form. 

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis starting from 9th December 2025; as such we reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applications.

Please note that first interviews will be held online, second interviews will be held in person.

We are unable to accept just cover letters and CVs.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE – DIRECT RECRUITMENT ONLY

About you

Do you want to use your skills to make it possible for people with myeloma to live longer and better lives?

Myeloma UK is looking for a motivated and experienced Special Events professional to join our Philanthropy team.

Special events play a vital role in engaging our supporters, inspiring their support, and raising vital income for the charity. Throughout 2026 we have a range of events planned, including private dinners, receptions and large fundraisers in London and Edinburgh.

Special Events is an area of growth for the charity, and this is an exciting opportunity to work alongside our major donor team and senior volunteers and supporters to develop and deliver an engaging fundraising events programme.  

Experience in Special Events is essential, ideally in a charity environment. The successful candidate will have excellent event management skills, experience of working with senior stakeholders, and the ability to deliver creative and engaging events to inspire donor support.

About the role

Myeloma UK is embarking on an ambitious five-year income generation strategy, which aims to double our income by 2030.

The post holder will lead the planning and delivery of a programme of high-quality events. You will work with colleagues from across the charity to develop programmes that will engage our audiences and communicate the impact we deliver as a charity. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a range of stakeholders.

About us

Myeloma UK is the only UK charity focused on the incurable blood cancer, myeloma and its related conditions.  We provide support and influence access to treatments, while researching a cure.  Thanks to life-extending treatments and support, today many people affected by myeloma are able to live longer and to live well.  Together, we support, so no one faces myeloma alone. 

We are committed to bringing together the best and brightest people to help us ensure that every person affected by myeloma has an empowered present and a hopeful future.

Our ultimate goal is to find a cure and make myeloma history. Until then, our mission is to help every person living with myeloma, live well, for as long as possible. We are committed to diagnosing myeloma earlier, discovering and sharing knowledge, transforming the patient experience and influencing positive change.

Our culture

Wellbeing and staff engagement are at the heart of our culture.  We offer employees a range of benefits including a pension salary exchange scheme, flexitime, flexible working which includes both home and hub-based office working, health plan, employee assistance plan and holiday purchase scheme. We are committed to providing learning and development opportunities for all our employees

How to apply

If you think you would be a great fit for this role, get in touch and tell us more about yourself by sending the following:

1. A cover letter telling us more about you and what you think makes you a good fit for this role

2. A CV that sets out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements

Applications close on 9am 10 December 2025 and interviews will be held 17 and 18 November 2025.

Myeloma UK is an equal opportunities employer and always welcomes applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of:

· sex

· race

· disability

· age

· sexual orientation

· gender reassignment

· religion or belief

· marital status

· or pregnancy and maternity

Please note, you will be asked to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK prior to interview selection.

Job summary

The Head of Services and Support is a key role at Bowel Cancer UK, leading the delivery of our patient support services. We currently provide high-quality support, but we know we need to do even more - reach more people and have an even greater impact.

The Head of Services and Support will lead the development and delivery of our patient support services. This is a pivotal role with key areas of focus:

• Drive innovation in patient support.
• Expand our reach and accessibility to ensure no one faces bowel cancer alone.
• Build strong partnerships with stakeholders.
• Champion technology and digital solutions to enhance service delivery.

You’ll work closely with the Director (Senior Leadership Team), your colleagues on the Extended Leadership Team and your services team to set strategic direction and ensure our services are impactful, inclusive, and evidence based.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis.