Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer, Lothian Group

Salary: Competitive six figure package

Location: Edinburgh

Few operational leadership roles in the UK transport sector offer the scale, visibility and impact of this opportunity.

The Lothian Group plays a vital role in the daily life of Scotland’s capital and the wider Lothian region. Every day, our bus and tram services connect communities, power the local economy and enable hundreds of thousands of journeys—safely, reliably and affordably. Both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are recognised as the gold standard for public transport performance in the UK.

Now, we are entering a defining new phase.

Our ambition is clear: one operation, two modes —a fully integrated, high-performing transport network delivering a seamless experience for our customers.

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help shape the next chapter of our evolution.

The Role

This newly created Executive Director role will drive the integration of bus and tram operations, shaping a unified, customer-focused and operationally excellent public transport system.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and serving as an Executive Director on the Boards of both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, you will provide strategic operational leadership across safety, service delivery, commercial performance, operational transformation and regulatory compliance.

The Impact

This is fundamentally a people-led transformation. You will bring together large and diverse operational teams behind a single vision—fostering collaboration, strengthening industrial relations and embedding a values-led culture that reflects the communities we serve.

You will play a central role in shaping operational strategy, strengthening integration across modes and ensuring the continued delivery of safe, reliable and outstanding services.

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• Executive-level leadership in complex, regulated, customer-facing environments
• Experience across transport, logistics, infrastructure or similarly operational sectors
• Strong commercial awareness and sound judgement
• A track record of leading large-scale organisational change
• The ability to influence, inspire and lead at pace in a publicly visible setting

Why Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading transport organisations at a pivotal moment in its development—and to shape the future of integrated public transport in Edinburgh and the wider region.

How to Apply

To apply for this post, please send your tailored CV and covering letter.

If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role, or to request a full Candidate Information Pack then please contact LHH, Glasgow office.

Closing date for applications midnight Sunday 21 June 2026.

Interviews weeks beginning 13 July and 20 July.