The Department of State Development (DSD) is South Australia's lead economic development agency, driving sustainable growth and raising productivity by fostering innovation, trade, investment and workforce development. Through strong collaboration with industry, community, and academia, DSD strengthens business capability, builds a skilled workforce and enhances South Australia's competitiveness on the global stage.

The Director, Workforce Capability will lead the development and delivery of South Australia’s workforce strategy, building the talent pipelines needed to power the state’s continued growth. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will design and implement workforce planning and development frameworks that meet the needs of emerging sectors, major infrastructure projects, essential services and priority industries. You will shape evidence-based policy and investment that attracts, builds and retains the skilled workforce required to meet clear economic ambitions.

This role demands strategic leadership and collaboration at scale. You will lead a high-performing team to deliver tailored workforce strategies in partnership with industry, education and training providers, unions and government. A key focus will be the development of a State Workforce Strategy, supported by targeted regional and sectoral plans. Your ability to translate insight into impact will be central to advancing the state’s capability, diversity and resilience.

A respected workforce or policy leader, you will bring extensive experience in delivering complex, high-value programs and shaping systemic change. With a strong understanding of workforce development, industrial dynamics and intergovernmental relations, you will be adept at leading in complex environments, committed to collaboration and have a track record of influencing demanding stakeholders.

This is a unique opportunity to influence South Australia’s workforce of the future. In a high-profile leadership role with wide impact, you will shape strategy, drive reform and help create the skilled, diverse workforce that underpins the state’s ongoing economic success.