Head of Business Services
Closing date: 10:00 on Wednesday 19 November 2025
Interview dates: Monday 01 December and Tuesday 02 December 2025
Start date: January 2026
Location: Office based, central Edinburgh
The idea at the heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is simple: anyone with a desire to perform and a venue willing to host them is welcome. No individual or committee determines who can or cannot perform at the Fringe. Founded in 1947, the Fringe Society now represents the largest platform for creative freedom worldwide. We exist to support, advise and encourage everyone who wants to participate in the Fringe, provide information and assistance to audiences, and celebrate the Fringe and its values of inclusivity, experimentation and imagination.
Role and Responsibilities
Senior Management Team
As part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) with the Chief Executive, you will:
* Input into the development of short- and long‑term strategic plans
* Set priorities for the organisation
* Plan and monitor resources
* Explore opportunities for Innovation, new revenue streams and broader community impact
Finance and Governance
* Lead sound financial planning, management, reporting and risk management of the charity’s financial operations
* Lead the budget planning process and ensure the team has effective tools for budgeting
* Develop ongoing analysis and reporting tools and dashboards for internal reporting and risk mitigation
* Ensure compliance with payment card industry and financial governance regulations; be the named person responsible for these areas
* Support development, delivery and reporting to funders, donors, supporters and partners
* Lead the Society’s Charity Governance, supporting the Governance Manager
* Oversee board of trustees administration and engagement, including sub‑committees and the Company Secretary
* Ensure statutory, legal and financial reporting compliance: Companies Act, Charity Law, Data Protection, Employment Law, Health and Safety
* Provide internal checks on contracts, tenders, policies and procedures and seek external legal advice where required
* Lead dynamic risk analysis and mitigation, keeping SMT and board informed
Human Resources
* Lead the Society’s Human Resources strategy, driving meaningful change and positive engagement
* Ensure organisational culture aligns with Fringe values
* Lead on organisation design to realise the Society’s potential
Operations
* Accountable for the successful operation of Fringe Central and realise its full potential
* Oversee business and operations‑related contracting and monitor risks with external suppliers
* Lead on operational strategic plans and their implementation
* Lead project management of Society‑wide projects, embedding sustainability and accessibility principles
Person Specification – Essential
* Significant senior–level experience in financial management or project management role
* Proven track record of senior team leadership and collaboration
* Experience in delivering effective financial strategy and management
* Strong technical accounting knowledge, statutory reporting and audit leadership
* Track record of delivering strategic plans and budgets with measurable results
* Knowledge and experience of charity governance and compliance
* Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, prioritising across a busy workload
* Meticulous attention to detail
* Creative and flexible problem solving
* Self‑motivated and willing to contribute ideas
* Extensive computer literacy and adaptability to new software
Person Specification – Desirable
* Knowledge of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
* Knowledge of arts and tourism policy at local and national level
* Understanding of Scottish charity finance, grant compliance
* Understanding of charity and company law
* Understanding of HR law
* Strong communication, presentation and negotiating skills
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this post is approximately £50,000 per annum, plus a contribution towards a personal pension. You will receive 28 days holiday per year plus six public holidays. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00 with a one‑hour unpaid lunch break; 35 hours per week. Flexibility for additional festival work may be required.
We are a flexible working employer and can discuss flexible start and finish times, core hours and suitable hybrid working arrangements.
Equality and Diversity
We use positive action under section 159 of the Equality Act in relation to disability or race, seeking to advance under‑represented candidates. Our commitment to the open‑access policy of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and climate action will be part of your role. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident Employer, aiming to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.
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