George Watson's College - Chief Finance and Operations Officer

Summary

We are currently seeking to fill the position of Chief Finance and Operations Officer.

Detail

Chief Finance and Operations Officer, George Watson’s College.

Location – Edinburgh

Salary –£120,000 - £140,000

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.

To apply for the post, please send a tailored CV and covering letter to ScotlandExecutive@LHH.com by midnight on Wednesday March 11, 2026. The covering letter should be no more than two pages of A4 and should outline your relevant experience, leadership approach and motivation for applying.

If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role, please contact LHH on +44 (0)141 220 6460 or email the above address.

Download the Candidate Information Pack Here

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.

We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.

Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.

Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.

We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.

Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.

Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.

When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.

Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.

All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk