Contract Salary The Director of Operations for Edinburgh International Book Festival [EIBF] sits at the intersection of programme delivery, organisational management and operational leadership. The role combines events delivery with charity-wide management. This ensures that EIBF runs smoothly, festivals and events happen effectively, and all activity aligns with our charitable objectives and purpose. The Director of Operations will lead all operational and logistical aspects of the annual Book Festival and year-round programmes. They will ensure effective governance, efficient systems, safe and compliant event delivery, and ensure resources are allocated appropriately to support the charity's mission to promote engagement with, and enjoyment of, books, writing and ideas. They will manage relationships and contracts with site and production teams, and a range of other key stakeholders and partners. They will own and actively manage policy and systems management in the organisation, including oversight of digital infrastructure, as well as lead the HR function in a busy organisation. Success in the role will balance the following elements: For more information on key responsibilities please see full Job Description on EIBF website: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/jobs/director-of-operations Essential Person specification: For full information on responsibilities and person specification please see full Job Description on EIBF website: https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/jobs/director-of-operations Please complete the online application using the links on our website: Please ensure you upload a copy of your current CV and an application letter. Your letter should outline your suitability for the post and why you wish to work at the Book If the job description doesn’t answer your questions, or you would like to discuss the role further, please contact [email protected] in the first instance. Closing date for applications: Monday 29th June 2026 Interviews will be held in central Edinburgh during the week of 6th July. Remote interview requests will be considered but in person is preferred.Job Summary
Job Description
Full-time, permanent
(We welcome proposals for flexible working arrangements)
£50,000 per annum
- Leading the operational delivery of the Festival and programmes including effective stewarding of key relationships and contractors
- Optimising the culture of EIBF through effective management of HR and internal processes
- Effective management of EIBF planning, systems and processes, including digital transformation. Job Requirements
Significant senior operational leadership experience within a complex, fast paced organisation
Proven experience translating organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, systems and processes
Experience leading organisational change, growth or transformation while maintaining operational resilience
Strong experience delivering complex live events or public programmes, including logistics, production, venues, and supplier management
Experience managing contracts, procurement processes, and strategic operational partnerships
Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and health and safety
Experience leading HR processes, people management, and organisational culture development
Experience delivering systems development, digital transformation, or process improvement projects
Strong understanding of organisational infrastructure including IT, CRM, ticketing, and data governance.Job Responsibilities
Useful Links
How to Apply
https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/about-us/jobs
Festival. You may include any other information to support your application.