Strategy Manager - Strategic Partnerships

Are you a strategic, collaborative and highly influential strategy professional, with an understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and a desire to drive regional impact at the highest level? 

Are you a natural collaborator who thrives on building strong relationships with a passion for partnership working that delivers real change? 

Join SOSE as one of our Strategy Managers and be part of a high-performing team that’s working to build a better future for the South of Scotland.  

About us 

South of Scotland Enterprise (also known as SOSE) is the dedicated Economic and Community Development Agency for the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. We were established by the Scottish Government and represent a fresh approach to driving growth across a very special region in a way that benefits all.

We are the first of Scotland’s public agencies to promote a wider view of the economy and how it impacts all we do. Jobs, businesses, communities and the environment are all equally important to us. We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to fulfil their ambitions, no matter who or where they are.

What you’ll be doing

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead SOSE’s strategic engagement, working closely with the region’s Councils, major stakeholders, Scottish and UK Governments and other agencies to shape priorities across the South of Scotland. You will support delivery of the South of Scotland Regional Economic Strategy, contribute to major regional forums such as the Regional Economic Partnership and the Convention of the South of Scotland, and help raise the profile of the region where it matters most through effective external engagement. 

As well as looking outwards, you will be required to provide specialist insight to teams across the Discover Directorate and the wider organisation, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing environment that ensures SOSE’s strategic ambitions are delivered effectively. In addition, you will provide line management to a small team promoting a culture of collaboration, high performance and continuous professional development. 

The skills you’ll need 

We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work across a wide range of stakeholders and manage competing priorities effectively. The role also calls for sound judgement, political awareness, and experience of leading or supporting others in a fast-paced, high-profile setting.

You should have experience of contributing to policy and strategy development as well as experience of working with others to translate these into operational delivery.

The ability to network and positively manage professional relationships will be essential for successful collaboration across SOSE and with key public‑sector partners.

For further information please refer to the job description. 

What we offer

We offer a competitive and varied reward package, designed to cover your wellbeing, your lifestyle, your working life and your future, including 43 days* holiday annually and a generous pension contribution. Our salary ranges are designed to be competitive and new entrants will normally start on the minimum of the pay range, except in exceptional circumstances. We want to make sure that what we offer allows you to cultivate a healthy work/life balance.

At South of Scotland Enterprise, we celebrate and support differences. We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to offering equal employment opportunities regardless of race, colour, ancestral heritage, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity and expression, or veteran status. If you need any adjustments to support your application, such as information in alternative formats or special requirements to access our buildings, or if you’re eligible under The Disability Confident Scheme please contact us and we’ll do all we can to support you.

We operate a hybrid working model balancing working from home with attendance at the office to meet the needs of our employees, our teams and our clients. We do require employees to attend meetings/client visits in the region in person on a regular basis.

This role is full time and permanent, although we will consider alternative working patterns. 

If you are an Inclusive, Responsible and Bold individual who is always Striving for success and believe you have something to offer the South of Scotland then we would love to hear from you. 

To find out more and start your application, please click on the s1jobs APPLY button now.