Strategy Manager (2 posts) in Selkirk

Are you an experienced Strategy professional with an understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and the ability to contribute towards SOSE’s approach to policy development? Are you a natural collaborator who thrives on building successful professional relationships and positively influencing stakeholders? Join SOSE as Strategy Manager and be part of a high-performing team that’s working to build a better future for the South of Scotland. We welcome applications for both roles where you have relevant skills and experience.

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

We are recruiting for two complementary Strategy Manager roles, both of which sit within our ‘Discover’ directorate. Although the focus of each of the roles is slightly different many of the skillsets and personal attributes are common to both roles and much of the experience required to be successful is also shared.

• As Strategy Manager - Strategic Partnerships, you will lead SOSE’s strategic engagement with key regional and national partners, working closely with the South of Scotland Councils, enterprise and skills agencies, and the Scottish and UK Governments to champion regional priorities and influence policy direction. 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 through effective external engagement.
• As Strategy Manager – Strategic Planning and Policy, you will lead SOSE’s strategic planning, policy development and horizon‑scanning activity, helping to shape the organisation’s priorities and champion opportunities for the South of Scotland. Working collaboratively across the Discover Directorate and with key partners — including the South of Scotland Councils, enterprise and skills agencies, and both the Scottish and UK Governments — you will influence policy, support delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy, and contribute to major regional initiatives such as the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership and the Convention of the South of Scotland.

In both roles you will be required to provide specialist insight to teams across the 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

The postholders will need excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor complex messages for different audiences and present confidently to a variety of audiences. You should have experience of policy and strategy development as well as experience of translating these into operational delivery. You will bring solid analytical and research skills with the ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment. Finally, the ability to network and positively manage professional relationships will be essential for successful collaboration across SOSE and with key public‑sector partners.

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. 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.