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 by email, highlighting in the subject heading Chief Operating Officer to ScotlandExecutive@LHH.com
If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the role, then please contact LHH recruitment +44 (0) 141 220 6460 or send an email to the above.
Closing date for applications midnight Sunday 21 June 2026.
Interviews weeks beginning 13 July and 20 July.
Download the Candidate Information Here