Lesmahagow Development Trust is entering a landmark three-year period of growth. Supported by the Scottish Government’s Strengthening Communities Programme, we are moving beyond traditional grant‑funded delivery toward a model of long‑term economic independence and community‑led infrastructure.
We are seeking a visionary Community Economic Development Lead to architect the long‑term growth of Lesmahagow. You will act as a strategic catalyst, transforming community aspirations into a robust economic development plan and securing the high‑level investment required to deliver ambitious, large‑scale infrastructure and resilience projects.
You will lead the creation of a Community Economic Development Plan, identifying high‑impact capital projects and bringing them to life.
Key Deliverables
- Strategy development: author and drive the “Lesmahagow Economic Development Plan,” identifying high‑impact opportunities for promoting economic growth and participation in the local area, or to promote community wealth building.
- Project management: lead the “options appraisal” and feasibility stages for ambitious community economic projects.
- Stakeholder engagement: act as the primary interface between the Trust and regional/national bodies and facilitate high‑level community and business engagement to ensure that development projects reflect local needs and enjoy broad public support.
- Impact monitoring: establish frameworks to measure the social and economic step‑change achieved through Trust activities, providing data for the Board and SCP funders.
Essential Criteria
- Strategic leadership: proven experience in designing or leading local economic development, regeneration, or community planning initiatives.
- Project catalysis: a track record of taking complex projects from initial concept through to business case or funding‑ready status.
- Political & professional acumen: experience in managing partnerships across the public and private sectors, with the ability to influence decision‑makers.
- Autonomy: ability to work with minimal supervision, setting one’s own milestones and providing high‑level strategic advice to the Board of Trustees.
- Advanced communication: exceptional ability to translate complex strategic goals into compelling narratives for grant applications and public consultations.
Desirable Criteria
- Regional knowledge: existing networks within the South Lanarkshire economic landscape or the Scottish Third Sector.
- Capital funding expertise: success in securing significant capital grants (e.g., Scottish Land Fund, RCGF).
- Data literacy: proficiency in interpreting socio‑economic data to justify strategic interventions.
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