The Department of State Development drives sustainable economic growth in South Australia by increasing industrial capability and capacity, developing a skilled workforce, and attracting investment.

To ensure South Australia is well positioned to capitalise on the significant economic opportunities, the Department leads the charge in creating strategies that support business growth, innovation and sustainability, grow the state’s commercial engagement in trade and investment and promote skills development to align with the evolving needs of the state's economy. By collaborating with industry, business, community, academia and other stakeholders, the Department facilitates growth in the capability, adaptability and capacity of the state’s workforce and ensures South Australians have the skills they need to engage in valued work and the community.

The Executive Director, Skills SA is responsible for leading and supporting a responsive and high-quality vocational education and training (VET) eco-system. The key focus is to ensure the SA Government’s approach to VET strategically responds to the workforce capability needs of industry and employers, and learners and workers have clarity about career pathways. As a key advisor to the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, you will provide strategic policy advice that informs cross-jurisdictional outcomes, and you will also work closely with other SA government stakeholders, RTOs, independent statutory bodies and government agencies to align policy and strategic goals to achieve joint outcomes. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be responsible for establishing and delivering on the enterprise plan and strategic priorities, including fostering a cohesive and high performing culture to ensure we maximise for impact and outcomes for our stakeholders.

An existing executive, with a successful track record of leading and delivering high-profile programs, you will have demonstrated experience in shaping strategic policy thinking, critically analysing systemic issues and understanding interdependencies to drive change.  With extensive knowledge and understanding of VET, coupled with strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills, you will have people leadership experience, preferably with working knowledge of government. This is a significant opportunity to influence, drive optimism and maximise the skills system in South Australia. A legacy role, you can make it your own with skills being one of the biggest investments in the state.

Applications close on the 14th of October 2024 at 5pm.