Job Summary
Developing the Young Workforce – Dumfries & Galloway is a Scottish Government funded, industry led initiative, tasked with strengthening employer engagement with education to prepare young people for the world of work.
DYW is hosted by and based at Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce and consists of a small Regional Team, supported by DYW School Coordinators, who are teachers, based in each Secondary school
Job Title: Programme Director - Developing the Young Workforce – D&G (DYW)
Reporting to: Employed by the Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce and reporting to Scottish Government and DYW Regional Board for performance and Governance purposes"
Hours of work: 28 hours per week (expected) although hours are open to discussion
Employer & Office: D&G Chamber of Commerce, Carmont House, The Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4TA. This role is flexible between the office, schools and businesses in the region, and some national travel will also be required.
Nature: Permanent Contract subject to continuing annual funding from Scottish Government
Salary: £53,000.00 per annum (FTE is 35 hours) pro-rated to 28 hours per week £42,400 (expected) although open to discussion
Description: The role of the DYW Programme Director is to connect employers with education to prepare young people for the world of work. You will head up and lead the project team which delivers against the Scottish Government's initiative to Develop the Young workforce in Dumfries and Galloway (DYW).
The role offers a real opportunity to make a difference for the employability prospects of young people in Dumfries and Galloway
Applicants should have a broad understanding of the aims and objectives of DYW and be able to demonstrate experience of leading emerging people to successful outcomes.
Given the recognised challenges the Board is looking for a high performing individual who will be able to create and maintain strategic partnerships and operate effectively in both Business and Education sectors.
If this is you, we would love to hear from you.
CV and letter
Apply by emailing a covering letter and your CV to [email protected] by mid-day, Friday 12 June 2026. Interviews will be held on Friday 26 June 2026.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
· Provide strategic leadership and management of the DYW Regional Team.
· Provide direction to the DYW School Co-ordinators, maintain dialogue with the Education management team over performance and resourcing issues related to the role.
· Deliver the Scottish Governments employer engagement approach to Developing the Young Workforce with Dumfries and Galloway.
· Deliver on national KPIs and other performance indicators ensuring that all management information is accurate and submitted timeously to Scottish Government and the DYW Board
· Be responsible for developing a range of strategic approaches that will deliver the regional boards aspirations to enhance education and industry links in a way that contributes to the achievement of national KPI’s and related targets
· Directly engage with senior business representatives, political leaders and key public sector partner agency management, minimising potential duplication or overlap of resources to provide the best outcomes for young people in Dumfries & Galloway.
· To provide full programme updates and seek approval and direction for local Programmes and Initiatives from the Regional DYW Board.
· To work collaboratively and provide governance updates to the host, DG Chamber of Commerce.
· Maintain financial management of all aspects of delivery within agreed budget allocations and report on same when required.
· Adhere to the policies on health and safety equal opportunities and ensure compliance with all other relevant policies
· Represent the Chamber of Commerce / DYW at events or functions as required and work to ensure the Chamber / DYW profile is maintained at an elevated level.
· Adhere to the policies on health and safety equal opportunities and ensure compliance with all other relevant policies
· Carry out such other tasks as may be required by the DYW Board / Chamber of Commerce
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Educated to degree level or have equivalent work experience aligned to private business or education / employability sectors Knowledge and understanding of economic and educational issues affecting Dumfries & Galloway.
Excellent leadership skills with a proven track record of programme management Competent knowledge and use of IT and client relationship database management
Substantial experience of working with a broad range of stakeholders, particularly at senior management level.
Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and reporting of financial and team performance
Own transport and full drivers’ licence.
Desirable
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and implement strategic plans Ability to identify opportunities, creating solutions and acting upon these in a proactive manner.
A passion for making a difference to the region by working directly with businesses, education and other key stakeholders Knowledge and understanding of vocational training including the apprenticeship framework
Benefits:
Company pension
On-site parking
Sick pay
Schedule:
Monday to Thursday (subject to agreement)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: Mid-day 12/06/2026
Expected start date: 14/09/2026
Pay: £42,400.00-£53,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
