Chief operating officer jobs in edinburgh, scotland

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance.

We’re looking for a proven leader with significant experience and a strong track record in strategic planning, advocacy and programme delivery, institutional fundraising, and team leadership in complex or networked organisations.

Reporting to the National Director, your role will be both strategic and operational, shaping innovative solutions which increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain and driving a diverse coalition that champions the universal right to decent homes and collaborates to implement effective housing solutions for underserved communities worldwide.

You’ll be joining us at a really exciting time, as we are on an ambitious journey of transformation and growth. This role offers the opportunity to grow and lead a talented, high performing team and to shape Habitat’s impact and influence across Great Britain and globally.

Reports to: National Director

Grade: B

 Budget responsibility: Yes

 Line management: 3 direct reports (Programme Development Manager, UK Housing Advocacy Manager, Global Advocacy & Policy Manager)

Location: Home-based with frequent travel to internal and external events, networking and other meetings in London and occasionally across the UK.  Regular international travel will also be required. All staff meetings are held in our ReStore, Romford.

Job Purpose

To support Habitat for Humanity GB’s (Habitat GB) vision of a decent home for everyone, our National Strategy 2024-2027 identifies two key goals:  to (1) ‘develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’; and to (2) ‘form a diverse coalition that champions the universal right to decent homes and collaborates to implement effective housing solutions for underserved communities worldwide’. The Director of Impact & Influence has responsibilities which contribute to the achievement of both these goals and is accountable for co-leading Goal 2 with the Director of Fundraising & Partnerships. They work collaboratively across the organisation, with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) and other Habitat global network members, and with a wide range of external partners.

Key responsibilities include the cultivation and stewardship of FOI (Foundations, Organisations & Institutions) partnerships and funding, leading the achievement of ambitious income targets related to donors based in England, Scotland and Wales on behalf of Habitat GB and the Habitat global network. The Impact & Influence Team also serves as the unit responsible for programme quality and effectiveness across the full lifecycle:  from design and innovation, through implementation, to evaluation and learning, including high quality proposal development, robust Monitoring and Evaluation (MEAL) frameworks, grant management policy and process across the organisation, and the direct delivery of reporting and compliance requirements to FOI funders.

The Director of Impact & Influence also leads Habitat GB’s domestic and international advocacy function, leveraging our research and programmatic insights to drive systemic and policy change in line with our mission and strategy. As an external representative, the Director develops Habitat GB’s role as a thought leader to increase our influence on policy & decision makers and credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Director of Impact & Influence helps ensure the impact, sustainability, diligence and productivity of the organisation, including engaging in organisational transformation, within the framework of a values-led approach to people and culture approach.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Delivery

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of Habitat GB’s impact and influence agenda, co-leading the achievement of organisational strategic goals, in particular our goal of forming a diverse coalition that champions the universal right to decent homes and collaborates to implement effective housing solutions for underserved communities worldwide.
• Working with the National Director, lead on the development and ongoing review of HFHGB’s National Strategy, as well as our engagement with strategic development at global and regional levels.
• Co-lead Habitat GB’s ambitious funding and partnership strategy in support of impactful domestic and international programme portfolios.
• Shape and drive delivery across Habitat GB’s five strategic enablers, ensuring high-quality programmes, coalitions and networks, organisational visibility, technical leadership, and internal capacity for learning and innovation.
• Lead the development, delivery and continuous improvement of a robust organisational performance framework, with monthly/quarterly KPI reporting into SLT and Board governance.
• Cultivate a learning culture that embraces innovation, adapts to external trends, and enhances the organisation’s ability to respond to complex challenges.
• Champion inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive programming, in line with Habitat GB’s mission and values.

Partnership Development & Fundraising

• Lead the development and stewardship of strategic partnerships with Foundations, Organisations and Institutions (FOIs) across England, Scotland, and Wales to secure income and achieve impact targets.
• Be accountable for delivering annual FOI income and pipeline targets agreed in the Performance Framework, including soft‑commitments and conversion, quarterly phasing, proposal volume/quality, and donor reporting timeliness.
• Represent HFHGB in national and international fundraising initiatives, influencing stakeholder engagement on behalf of the global Habitat for Humanity network.
• Collaborate with the Fundraising & Partnerships (F&P) team to develop compelling funding propositions, donor reports, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Jointly develop and lead a resource mobilisation plan with the Directors of Programme Delivery and F&P, aligned with the Habitat GB Domestic Programme Strategy, with agreed annual income and impact targets.
• Build internal capacity across the network to engage with locally based partners, navigating sector themes such as shifting power and decolonisation.
• Identify and lead opportunities for research, consortia collaboration, and development partnerships to enhance programming and learning.

Programme Quality, Proposal Development & Grant Management

• Lead the Impact & Influence team in managing the full programme lifecycle — from strategy and design through delivery, evaluation, and learning.
• Work with technical leads to ensure appropriate inputs throughout the full programme lifecycle, for example in relation to gender, climate and safeguarding.
• Ensure robust programme design, effective MEAL frameworks, and compliance with funder requirements.
• Oversee proposal development and grant management policies and processes to ensure high-quality submissions and timely reporting. Collaborate with other teams for consistent compliance and quality.
• Maintain oversight of programme budgets through design phases, regular reviews and reporting including cost recovery, risk and performance, compliance and other standards.
• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance to track performance and contribute to high quality reporting, income forecasting and budget management.
• Lead GB adoption of refreshed HFH Core Programming Standards and ensure programme reviews update Habitat GB policies, protocols and practice accordingly.
• Establish and embed MEAL frameworks with Programme Delivery and Retail teams to track outcomes and inform advocacy and fundraising.
• Respond proactively to humanitarian and sector-specific challenges with adaptive programme design and collaboration.

Advocacy & Policy Influence

• Be accountable for the successful delivery of Habitat GB’s domestic and international advocacy strategies, translating programme insights into policy influence and systemic change.
• Represent the organisation in policy forums, coalitions, and sector platforms; strengthen Habitat GB’s role as a thought leader and credible policy influencer with key stakeholders, decision‑makers and communities and elevate HFHGB’s voice in housing and international development.
• Guide the work of UK and Global Advocacy Managers, embedding advocacy as a core mechanism for mission-led impact.
• Strengthen external visibility and influence through partnerships and collaborations aligned with advocacy goals.

Leadership and people management:

• Lead, inspire, and manage a high-performing Impact & Influence team, aligning to Habitat GB’s strategic goals and values.
• Set clear team objectives, KPIs and quality standards, encourage a culture of feedback and collaboration, and support continuous professional development.
• Ensure team activities and performance are effectively resourced and managed within agreed budgets.
• Deliver consistent 1:1s, wellbeing check‑ins, mid‑year and annual reviews; foster a supportive team culture where kindness, ambition, and accountability drive high performance and meaningful impact, through online and in‑person team‑building.
• Role model our values in line with Habitat GB’s inclusive approach to people and culture.

Organisational Leadership:

• Support the National Director in delivering Habitat GB’s strategy and vision acting as a collaborative and supportive member of a shared leadership team.
• As a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to cross-organisational strategy, delivery, and decision-making.
• Be an active leader across the organisation, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to organisational wide initiatives and opportunities.
• Co-create ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing organisational team.
• Represent impact and influence metrics and performance in governance forums, including at Board level.
• Represent Habitat GB externally at senior forums and deputise for the National Director when required.

Person profile:

• Significant senior leadership experience with a strong track record in strategic planning, programme delivery, and team leadership in complex or networked organisations.
• Proven experience in designing and overseeing high-impact programmes, including development and implementation of impact frameworks and MEAL systems.
• Demonstrable success in securing large-scale funding from institutional donors and large trusts and foundations, including leading successful bids and managing multi-sector consortia.
• In-depth knowledge of fundraising strategy and donor engagement across multiple fundraising streams (institutional, philanthropic, etc.).
• Strong financial acumen: business planning, budget management, cost recovery, and oversight of restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Demonstrated experience in leading or contributing to impactful advocacy strategies and engaging with policy and decision-makers.

Skills and competencies:

• Outstanding interpersonal, influencing, and networking skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders and cultures.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with strong decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with a proven ability to motivate, develop and inspire teams.
• Confident collaborator, able to work effectively across departments, geographies, and organisational boundaries.
• Experience working within the international development, housing, or social justice sectors.
• Technical expertise in housing, shelter, or related areas of development programming.
• Familiarity with global development trends such as localisation, decolonisation, and shifting power.
• Values-led leadership style, demonstrating integrity, transparency, and respect for others.
• Committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, both internally and externally.

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects:

• Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy.
• A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach.
• A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties as reasonably directed by the National Director, commensurate with the scope and level of this role.

Job descriptions may be subject to change.

Flexibility:

Habitat GB is seeking to rapidly expand its activities and impact to fight poverty across the world. This requires adaptability and an ambitious, dynamic and flexible team.  The post holder is expected to be flexible in terms of location (within reason), line management, and duties and responsibilities.

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If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack here

Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

Start your Habitat journey here…

We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat GB in return. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with Henrietta Blackmore (please see website>vacancies for this email address) before submitting an application.

To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4) ng us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying.

Send by email referencing the job title in the subject line to our recruitment email> website>vacancies

The deadline for applications is Sunday 2 November 2025 (at 11:59 pm).

Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

Unfortunately, because of high volume of applications we will not be able to contact unsuccessful applicants. If you haven’t heard from us within a month of the application deadline, please assume that your application has not been successful.

We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role. 

Probation Facilitator - East Midlands Probation

Location: Home Based

Department: Probation Delivery

Salary: £28,274 per annum

Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes across Leicestershire and Lincolnshire Probation Delivery Units. Working closely with People On Probation, probation and their staff, this post will lead the delivery and development of our digital reading programme Turning Pages Digital, maximising opportunities for People On Probation to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of probation delivery underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.

This role is subject to successful contract award and is a fixed term role until 31st November 2026 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be home-based, with extensive travel across Lincolnshire and Leicestershire to integrate into teams within probation buildings. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

‍We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require probation security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews to be held 7th November 2026

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-224 655

The Case Coordinator will work closely with the Head of Direct Work to ensure the delivery of high-quality Independent Social Work Reports (ISWRs) across the direct work strand of SWWB. The Case Coordinator will supervise volunteer social workers, carry out social work assessments themselves, and support quality assurance processes to maintain excellence in social work practice. 

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end of life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end of life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

You’ll join Marie Curie’s Policy & Public Affairs team in Scotland – part of our award-winning UK Policy & Research Directorate. We are a collaborative, passionate, and evidence-driven team working to influence national and local government, challenge inequalities, and ensure palliative and end of life care is accessible and high-quality for everyone.

As Senior Policy Manager, you’ll play a leading role in shaping Scotland’s end of life care agenda. You will develop evidence-based policies, build influential relationships with decision-makers, and lead strategic campaigns to drive meaningful change. Working alongside colleagues across the UK, you’ll help deliver Marie Curie’s vision of a Scotland where everyone’s right to palliative care becomes a reality.

Your Impact:

• Lead development of high-impact policy projects to influence end of life care in Scotland.
• Build and maintain relationships with MSPs, ministers, government officials, and sector leaders.
• Develop and deliver public affairs and campaign strategies to influence decision-makers.
• Analyse and respond to government consultations and legislative developments.
• Represent Marie Curie Scotland externally through media, conferences, and events.
• Collaborate with colleagues and partners across the UK to deliver evidence-led, coordinated policy change.
• Contribute to the Scotland policy team’s strategic direction and deputise for the Associate Director when required.

Key Criteria:

• Significant experience leading policy and public affairs work, ideally in health or social care.
• Strong political awareness and proven ability to influence at national and local levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting high-quality reports and briefings.
• Strategic thinker with strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of Scottish Government and Parliament structures, and health and social care policy context.
• Experience engaging with media and speaking at public events.
• Commitment to tackling inequity and improving end of life experiences for all.

Please see the full job description .

Additional Information

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: 28 Oct 2025.

Salary: £45-50,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent

Based: Home-based with regular travel to Edinburgh

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

Location: Remote with travel across the UK.

About the role  

It’s an exciting and important time for our charity as we work to help more people out of homelessness and poverty as part of an ambitious strategy. 

The newly created role of Federation Development Lead will sit within the Partnerships and Federation Development directorate, to support the delivery of key charity and federation-wide objectives, as part of our mission to empower people affected by homelessness and poverty to change their lives for the better while using our voice to achieve social change. 

The principal responsibility will be to support our ambition to become a best practice national body, responsible for leading on and supporting the development of key projects within Emmaus UK and the wider federation.

This will include providing leadership to support Emmaus communities across the UK to prepare and respond to the introduction of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, you will require an understanding and commitment to best practice and legislative requirements related to the provision of supported housing, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into user friendly support, training, guidance and policies and procedures

The role will also provide a critical role in the implementation and delivery of Emmaus UK’s ambitious plans to seek registration as a provider of social housing. You will provide the project management and technical skills required to support the successful delivery of the application process, ensuring that risk and regulatory requirements are considered and acted upon at each stage, maintaining strong communication with key stakeholders externally and across the federation.

As the Federation Development Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and development of the Emmaus movement within the UK, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, and supporting the overall success of the federation. Your role will involve supporting the development and delivery of strategic plans, programme design and implementation, stakeholder management, and continuous evaluation and improvement of developed initiatives.

Working with the Director of Partnerships and Federation Development and wider Senior Leadership Team, the role will be central to the delivery of strategic objectives related to the development of the movement.

About Emmaus UK

We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers. 

Emmaus is a unique, secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as long as it is needed, meaningful work in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging. 

There are currently over 30 Emmaus communities across the UK, stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales. Collectively the Emmaus federation supports more than 1,000 people with experience of homelessness. 

How To apply 

To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us. The email address is in the Application Pack by 12pm on Monday 10th November 2025. 

Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.

Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 20th November 2025.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us. Email address can be found in the Application Pack.