SOUTH of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is looking to recruit a permanent chief executive.

SOSE was established by the Scottish Government in April as an economic development agency for the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.

And now the organisation has launched a hunt for a leader.

Describing the ideal candidate, SOSE chairman Russel Griggs said: “They will demonstrate their commitment to our beautiful region, lead our people to think differently and be truly transformational for the benefit of our economy and communities.”

SOSE has so far delivered a range of support in the region, including administering more than £12m of government funding to almost 300 businesses.

It has also announced a £2.7m investment in the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) to help boost tourism in the area.

And it is helping to bring 100 new jobs to Selkirk by working with energy provider People’s Energy.

'This is a key leadership role'

Professor Griggs said: “We have embarked upon an incredible and very exciting journey and we truly believe the time is now for the South of Scotland.

“We fully intend to take this opportunity with both hands and collectively make sure our region’s future is brighter than it ever has been.

“The new chief executive of SOSE will be someone who can take on this key leadership role as we continue to progress and deliver on our ambitions for the South of Scotland.”

So far, the agency has been led by interim CEO Nick Halfhide, previously director of sustainable growth at Scottish National Heritage.

He will remain in the post until a permanent appointment has been made.

Professor Griggs added: “We have been steadily building our team at SOSE.

“We have an exceptional board who have a broad range of knowledge and experience and together we are here to do great things with our people of the south to deliver lasting change in the south of Scotland.

“We will do so with a new CEO who will carry on developing the culture, capability and capacity at SOSE to deliver our vision and mission for the good of the South of Scotland.”

What does the job advert say?

The job advert states: “The new CEO will provide bold, inclusive and ambitious leadership to the organisation, they will bring strong commercial acumen and a spirit of entrepreneurship along with an understanding of how a region based on small rural communities and small business can grow and develop.

“They will lead this dynamic organisation in delivering sustainable and inclusive growth across the South of Scotland and in unlocking significant opportunities for all.

“The successful candidate will bring prior experience developing or interfacing with strategies for economic development, either as a business or public sector leader.

“S/he will understand the complexities and diversity of the economic opportunities and challenges and cultural climate SOSE is faced with and will have significant experience or in-depth knowledge of some of the South of Scotland’s key economic opportunities and challenges.

“S/he will bring a natural ability to develop effective partnerships across the public and private sector and will have strong experience of developing and delivering a strategic vision and leadership of a growing team.”

For more information and to apply for the position, go to www.saxbam.com/appointments using code DALALA.

Alternatively, call 020 7227 0880 during office hours. The closing date for applications is noon on Monday, October 5.