Director for Scotland

Lead. Inspire. Transform Futures Across Scotland

Are you a visionary leader who thrives on building influence, driving growth, and shaping strategy?
Do you believe every young person deserves the skills, confidence, and opportunities to build a brighter future?

If so, this is your chance to play a defining role in one of the UK s most established youth charities as Director for Scotland at Young Enterprise.

Who We Are

We re Young Enterprise (YE) a national charity with a bold mission: to give every young person the opportunity to learn, to work, and to thrive.

For more than 60 years, we ve equipped over 7 million young people with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset they need for life and work. Whether it s running a student company, learning financial literacy, or discovering their potential, we re here to help young people turn possibilities into reality.

Now, as we integrate Young Enterprise Scotland into our national organisation, we re entering an exciting new era one focused on growth, innovation, and deeper impact across Scotland.

Why Join Us?

At YE, we believe great work happens when people feel inspired, trusted, and supported. As part of our senior leadership team, you ll enjoy:

• A values-driven culture where collaboration and creativity thrive
• The chance to shape national strategy and lead a new chapter for YE in Scotland
• Hybrid working with flexibility to suit your lifestyle
• Generous benefits including 7% pension, life assurance, and wellbeing support
• Opportunities to engage with leaders across business, education, and government
• The satisfaction of knowing your work helps thousands of young people build their futures
• Being part of the global Junior Achievement Network, with peers in 140 countries worldwide

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to make your mark at a pivotal moment in our story.

As Director for Scotland, you ll lead Young Enterprise s work north of the border setting direction, shaping partnerships, and driving growth during a transformative period.

You ll:

• Provide strategic leadership, aligning Scotland s priorities with YE s UK-wide mission
• Secure sustainable funding to enable long-term growth and innovation
• Strengthen YE s presence and credibility in Scotland s enterprise, education, and employability sectors
• Build powerful partnerships across government, business, and education
• Lead and support a talented Scottish team, nurturing collaboration and excellence
• Represent YE as a senior ambassador, championing young people s potential across the nation

This role is both strategic and hands-on. You ll be at the heart of national conversations on youth opportunity while ensuring our programmes deliver measurable impact for young people in every community we serve.

You ll Love This Job If You Are

• An ambitious, confident and credible leader with experience influencing at senior levels
• A natural relationship-builder who thrives on connecting people and ideas
• Skilled in income generation, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement
• Strategic yet practical able to turn vision into results
• Energised by growth, transformation, and leading through change
• Passionate about youth empowerment, enterprise, and social mobility
• Collaborative and authentic a leader who inspires trust and motivates teams

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Lead YE s strategic direction in Scotland, ensuring alignment with the Transforming Futures strategy
• Build YE s visibility, credibility, and influence within Scotland s enterprise and education landscape

Income Generation & Partnerships

• Strengthen existing funder relationships and develop new funding opportunities
• Create compelling propositions that reflect Scotland s priorities in education, employability, and enterprise

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent YE at senior forums and networks across Scotland
• Lead the Scotland Advisory Group, harnessing its expertise and advocacy

Leadership & Culture

• Empower the Scotland team through strong leadership, collaboration, and shared purpose
• Foster an inclusive, positive, and high-performing culture

Impact & Performance

• Ensure delivery is evidence-led, measurable, and impactful for young people
• Report regularly to the CEO and Board on performance, impact, and growth

Keeping Young People Safe

We are deeply committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will undergo a PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) check prior to starting and will receive ongoing safeguarding training throughout their employment and be expected to uphold excellent safeguarding practice at all times.

How to Apply

If you re ready to lead the next chapter of Young Enterprise in Scotland driving growth, influence, and opportunity for young people we d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and instead of a traditional cover letter, please answer these three questions, using up to 250 words per answer. Please note that applications without the answers to the three questions will not be considered. Applications must be received by 23:30 on 27 November 2025. Interviews will be held either in person, we have earmarked interviews on 3 and 4 December 2025 in Glasgow with Sarah Porretta, CEO. Successful candidates will be notified by COB 1 December 2025.

Questions (250 words max per answer)

1. Personal Contribution:
What are the top three strengths, skills, or experiences you bring to the Director for Scotland role, and how will they help you make an impact at Young Enterprise?

2. Vision and Ambition:
If appointed, what would you most want to achieve within your first 12 months in the role, and why are these priorities important to you and to Young Enterprise?

3. Motivation and Values:
Why does leading Young Enterprise in Scotland matter to you personally? How does your motivation and approach align with our mission and ambition for YE in Scotland?

Full details can be found in the Job Description.

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Join Us. Lead the Change. Shape the Future.