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 Program Director, Defence Industry Workforce will lead the implementation of the landmark South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan, working in direct partnership with the Commonwealth Government. In this nationally significant role, you will co-Chair the SA Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Group and lead strategic engagement across state/federal agencies, defence Primes and SMEs, industry bodies, education/training providers to build a pipeline of skilled professionals for the state’s rapidly growing defence industry.

You will shape and adapt workforce development initiatives to meet emerging priorities, including those aligned with the AUKUS partnership, while overseeing complex programs and high-value partnerships that deliver long-term capability uplift. With a strong mandate and dedicated funding, you will provide visible leadership, drive innovation and influence national policy outcomes in defence workforce development.

A highly strategic and outcomes-driven leader, you will bring extensive experience in program delivery, stakeholder engagement and policy implementation within a complex and politically sensitive environment. Your understanding of the defence industry, combined with strong project management, interpersonal and negotiation skills, will position you to lead transformative change. Experience working at the intersection of state and federal government and managing inter-agency collaborations will be highly regarded.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact initiative that supports one of the most significant industrial transformations in South Australia’s history. You will drive real results for our state’s workforce and economy to help secure Australia’s sovereign defence capability for decades to come.