Teaching careers in HMC independent schools
We are currently seeking to fill the position of Chief Finance and Operations Officer.
Chief Finance and Operations Officer, George Watson’s College.
Location – Edinburgh
George Watson’s College is seeking an outstanding Chief Finance and Operations Officer to join its senior leadership team at a pivotal moment in its development.
As the largest single‑campus school in Europe, Watson’s is a complex, values‑led organisation with significant scale, diverse operations and ambitious plans for the future. The Chief Finance and Operations Officer will provide strategic and operational leadership across all non‑academic functions, ensuring the school is financially resilient, operationally excellent and well positioned for sustainable growth.
Reporting directly to the Principal, the postholder will have responsibility for Finance, Estates, Facilities, HR, Enterprises, Health and Safety, Governance and Technology. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Council, you will play a central role in shaping strategy, overseeing delivery and enabling the school’s long‑term success.
We are looking for a commercially‑minded, growth‑oriented leader who combines strong financial credibility with broad operational experience. You will be comfortable operating at Board level, adept at managing risk and governance, and confident leading large, multidisciplinary teams in a complex environment.
While experience in education may be helpful, it is not essential; we welcome candidates from a wide range of sectors who can bring fresh thinking, sound judgement and a collaborative leadership style.
This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact within one of Europe’s leading independent schools, in a role that offers genuine influence, challenge and scope. In return, you will join a values‑driven organisation with a strong sense of purpose, an engaged community and ambitious plans for the future.
Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities
* Provide strategic and operational leadership across all non‑academic functions.
* Ensure the school’s financial resilience and operational excellence.
* Develop and deliver long‑term plans for Finance, Estates, Facilities, HR, Enterprises, Health and Safety, Governance and Technology.
* Shape strategy and oversee delivery in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Council.
* Drive sustainable growth and support the school’s ambitious plans.
Qualifications and Experience
* Strong financial credibility and commercially minded.
* Broad operational experience, with the ability to manage risk and governance at Board level.
* Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
* Growth‑oriented mindset and strategic thinking.
* Experience in education is helpful but not essential.
How to Apply
* Please send a tailored CV and covering letter to ScotlandExecutive@LHH.com by midnight on Wednesday March 11, 2026.
* Covering letter should be no more than two pages A4 and outline your relevant experience, leadership approach and motivation for applying.
* For a confidential informal discussion about the role, contact LHH on +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email the above address.
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