Chair – Edinburgh Convention Bureau Operational Group

Edinburgh Convention Bureau (ECB) is entering an exciting new phase focused on delivery, sustainable growth and maximising the value business events bring to the city. With renewed ambition, strengthened partnerships and multi-year investment through the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, ECB has an opportunity to strengthen Edinburgh's international position and increase the contribution business events make to the city.

To support this next phase, ECB is introducing a new three-tier governance model and seeking an experienced and influential Chair to lead its Operational Group.

This is a significant opportunity to provide leadership, strengthen collaboration across the city and help shape the future of Edinburgh's business events sector.

The Chair will provide leadership, constructive challenge and operational oversight, helping drive ECB’s ambition and shape its contribution to the wider city.

Working across the Strategic Group, Operational Group, Delivery Team and wider destination partnership, the Chair will help set a clear operational focus, build confidence and collaboration, and ensure opportunities and challenges are addressed effectively.

The Chair will use their experience, influence and networks to strengthen senior relationships, create opportunities for collaboration and business development, and help position business events in Edinburgh as a driver of fair work and inclusive growth, net zero and climate action, social impact and civic legacy, and economic development and revenue generation.

As a senior ambassador and public face for ECB, the Chair will represent the Bureau across the business events industry and wider city, helping raise its profile, influence and credibility and advocating for Edinburgh as a destination.

This is an opportunity to bring people together, raise ambition and help deliver lasting economic, social and environmental value from business events.

The Chair will work closely with the Delivery Team but will not have day-to-day management responsibility for ECB staff; operational management and delivery remain with the Delivery Team. The Chair will provide guidance and support to the Delivery Team.

We are looking for an experienced leader with:

The role carries a time commitment of up to one day per week (approximately 52 days per year), although the actual commitment may be lower depending on the needs and priorities of ECB.

The commitment may vary during the year, with additional time potentially required around strategic planning, major events, stakeholder engagement and key industry activity.

The initial term will be three years, subject to the agreed governance arrangements and potential reappointment.

Remuneration: £400 per day / £200 per half day. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with agreed arrangements.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your CV and covering letter outlining:

Applications will be assessed against the experience and competencies outlined in the role profile. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with an appointment panel.

Interviews will take place w/c 16 and w/c 23 November

The Chair will be appointed through a transparent, merit-based process, with final approval in accordance with ECB’s agreed governance arrangements.

To apply, please send your CV and supporting statement to ECBGovernance@edinburgh.gov.uk by midnight on Sunday, 8^th November 2026

If you have any questions relating to the new governance model or any of the three positions, please contact fiona.hunter@edinburgh.gov.uk