<div><p><strong>Are you a proactive and customer‑focused professional with a passion for supporting businesses and communities to thrive?</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Do you take pride in providing a high‑quality, responsive first point of contact and delivering an excellent customer experience?</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About Us</u></strong></p><p>South of Scotland Enterprise (also known as SOSE) is the dedicated Economic and Community Development Agency for the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. Established by the Scottish Government, SOSE represents a fresh approach to driving growth across a very special region in a way that benefits all.</p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>What You’ll Do Day-to-Day</u></strong></p><p>Reporting to the Enterprise and Business Manager, the Business Assistant will play a key role in delivering a high-quality first point of contact service for micro and small businesses across the South of Scotland.</p><p><br></p><p>The postholder will provide front-line information and support via telephone and email, responding to enquiries in a timely and professional manner. They will identify business needs, resolve queries where possible, and refer clients to Business Advisors for one-to-one support when required.</p><p><br></p><p>The Business Assistant will also work closely with a wide range of public and private sector partners to support the development of an entrepreneurial culture and a strong, sustainable business base in the South of Scotland.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>The Skills and Personal Attributes You’ll Need to Have</u></strong></p><p>The successful candidate will demonstrate strong customer service and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear front-line business information and quickly assess client needs to ensure timely access to appropriate support. They will have a good understanding of the business environment and the wider South of Scotland economic landscape, with a commitment to keeping their knowledge up to date. The role requires effective collaboration with Business Advisors, Specialists, Area Teams, partner organisations and wider SOSE colleagues, alongside strong organisational skills and attention to detail.</p><p><br></p><p>The postholder will be confident in using internal systems to accurately record and manage business information, support reporting and analysis, and will promote a culture of accountability, openness, collaboration and innovation while complying with governance and compliance requirements.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>What We’ll Offer You</u></strong></p><p>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. </p><p><br></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>We operate a hybrid working model balancing working from home with attendance at the office or client premises to meet the needs of our employees, your team and clients. We do require employees to attend meetings/client visits in the region in person on a regular basis.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>This role is full time and expected to last up to 12 months.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>If you are an <strong>Inclusive, Responsible and Bold</strong> individual who is always<strong> Striving</strong> for success and believe you have something to offer the South of Scotland as <strong>Business Assistant</strong> then we would love to hear from you. <strong>Please click on the s1jobs APPLY button now. </strong></p></div>