Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Cochrane is a global, independent network committed to producing trusted evidence to support better health decisions. We are entering an important period of transformation as the evidence ecosystem changes rapidly, with growing demand for timely, living, interoperable and decision-ready evidence. 

Cochrane is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help lead the next phase of its organizational transformation. This is a senior executive role for a strategic, financially astute and values-driven operational leader who can strengthen how Cochrane works, delivers and sustains its global impact. The Chief Operating Officer will play a central role in ensuring Cochrane has the operating model, systems, financial discipline and organizational capability needed for this future.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Operating Officer will act as a trusted partner and formal deputy to the CEO, deputising for the CEO as required and providing continuity of executive leadership across the organization. The Chief Operating Officer will lead Cochrane’s core operational functions and ensure that the organization is financially sustainable, well governed, digitally enabled and equipped to deliver its future strategy.

The opportunity

The successful candidate will lead operational delivery across People and Culture, finance, governance and risk, the Project & Procurement Management Office, IT and corporate services. They will also strengthen the operational infrastructure that supports grant management and fundraising, ensuring that systems, processes, reporting, financial oversight and delivery coordination are clear and effective.

This is a role for someone who combines strategic judgement with disciplined execution. The Chief Operating Officer will need to lead change with pace and care, support senior leaders to make evidence-informed decisions and ensure that Cochrane’s resources are focused on the areas of greatest mission impact and long-term sustainability.

We are looking for someone who brings

• Senior executive or operational leadership experience in a complex, mission-driven organization.
  Strong financial acumen and direct experience of budgeting, forecasting, investment appraisal and multi-million-pound resource management.
• A track record of leading organizational transformation, operating model design, process improvement and sustainable change.
• The ability to work effectively with, and deputise for, the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and Governing Board, translating strategy into disciplined delivery and providing continuity of executive leadership.
• Strong people leadership, judgement and communication skills, with the ability to build trust while making difficult decisions.
• Experience of digital transformation, systems integration, data-informed decision-making and responsible use of AI.
• Commitment to Cochrane’s mission, independence, equity, scientific integrity and global collaboration.

Inclusion statement

Cochrane is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and from those who share our commitment to trusted evidence, collaboration, equity, independence and public benefit.

Cochrane is proud to hold Level 3 Leader status as a Disability Confident Employer.  Candidates who meet the criteria for the role and who share that they have a disability, will be eligible for a guaranteed interview.

How to apply 

• Please apply here. More information on the role can be found here.
• The deadline to receive your application is 10 September 2026.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples 
• Find out more about our candidate pack which gives you more information about our employee benefits and outlines what you can expect from the application process.
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