Department of State Development
Job reference: 850667
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About us:

The Department of State Development is the South Australian Government’s lead economic development agency. 

Our mission is to drive sustainable economic growth in South Australia by increasing industrial and workforce capability, capacity, collaboration and resilience. We take pride in hiring the right people for the right jobs and offer an attractive, flexible workplace. 

For more information about our agency, please visit: 

Department of State Development | statedevelopment.sa.gov.au 

About the role:

Skills SA oversees South Australia’s vocational education and training system, working with stakeholders to align training with workforce needs, support employers, and help individuals gain skills for employment and career development. 

The Manager in the Skills Policy team leads a multidisciplinary team to deliver high impact, system-wide policy, strategy and reform across South Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system. The role operates in a complex and dynamic environment, integrating policy, operational, regulatory, funding and stakeholder considerations to inform whole-of-system decision making.

The role leads cross-functional work across the skills system, the Department of State Development and government, shaping strategic direction and balancing policy intent, operational feasibility, risk and impact.

As the Manager you will:

1. Provide strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and accountable culture that values diversity, curiosity and continuous learning. This includes setting direction, prioritising work programs, and building capability across policy, data, operational and stakeholder functions.
2. Lead the development of systemic, evidence-based statewide policies and initiatives, informed by research and engagement, to deliver strategic objectives and state and national outcomes.
3. Lead complex, cross-agency and cross-sector engagement to influence outcomes, including at senior executive and ministerial levels.
4. Lead the design and delivery of major, complex and system-wide reforms, navigating interdependencies across policy, funding, regulatory and service delivery systems.
5. Establish and foster effective collaborations and strategic alliances with key government stakeholders, external clients, and partners to maximise opportunities across priorities and resolve complex issues.
6. Provide representation at relevant high-level intra and intergovernmental committees and working groups to represent, promote, influence, and advocate for the interests and positions of the Department and Government.

Key Competencies:

To apply and succeed in the role, you will have:

• Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and complexity, making sound, timely decisions in the absence of complete information, and adapting strategies in response to emerging opportunities, risks and government priorities.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in complex environments, including developing capability, managing performance, leading through change, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Strong strategic capability, including experience developing and evaluating policy and strategy that contributes to broader government, economic and social objectives, and the ability to position South Australia’s interests within national intergovernmental architecture.
• Highly developed political acumen and sound understanding of government and intergovernmental processes, priorities, decision-making and public sector accountabilities.

Remuneration: Competitive salary SS1 p.a. plus superannuation

Benefits:

Bringing your talent to the Department of State Development will see you rewarded with a wide variety of benefits such as:

• A variety of leave arrangements
• Work-life balance with a flexible hybrid work arrangement
• Access to great customised training and career development opportunities

Qualifications:

• Essential: Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline and/or significant workplace experience in relevant roles.
• Desirable: Post-graduate or vocational qualifications and or demonstrated experience in leadership and management, economics, public policy, engagement, or related disciplines.

Special Conditions:

• The role will be offered full-time (1.0 FTE) ongoing basis.
• Satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check (NPC) and Working with Children Check is required prior to commencement.

Enquiries:

For confidential enquiries / further information about the role, please contact Jess Roberts, Business and Engagement Reform Lead via Jessica.Roberts3@sa.gov.au

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted through the I Work For SA website. 

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• Cover letter demonstrating the suitability for the role by addressing the key competencies (2 pages max)
• Curriculum Vitae (4 pages max)
• Prepare 3 referees (at least one should be current or recent line manager), to be provided on request
• Pre-employment Declaration Form – find the attachment on the job advert

Applications close: 21/07/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- Role Description - Manager Policy - National June 2026.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.