The Manager, Workforce Planning and Insights is accountable to the Director Workforce Strategy and Insights and delivers the Public Skills Australia’s Workforce Planning and Research functions. The Manager Workforce Planning and Insights is part of the management team and will oversee the day-to-day management of the Workforce Planning and Insights team. This position will be accountable for the end-to-end management and delivery of successful projects, including monitoring and tracking deliverables and milestones and managing budgets and associated risks. While this position reports to the Director they may be required to report to other executive staff depending on the projects they need to manage.

• • Development and consultation of workforce planning and training products that meet industry and policy needs;
• • Implementation, promotion and monitoring of strategies that drive improvement of training delivery and monitor resulting impacts; and
• • Stewardship of intelligence relating to workforce challenges and skill needs.

This role will lead the development and delivery of annual Workforce Insights Reports, by managing a small team of staff dedicated to these deliverables. The delivery of the Workforce Insights Reports required robust desktop and applied research, quantitative analysis of national and industry datasets, qualitative research methods to draw out industry insights and comprehensive consultation of data and findings. The Manager, Workforce Planning and Insights will be responsible for the overarching team planning and project planning to ensure all milestones are met. The Workforce Planning function also requires comprehensive written capability to draft and review extensive reports.

The Manager, Workforce Planning and Insights will also oversee a small team of staff dedicated to producing individual research projects that give effect to workforce strategies, ministerial priorities, industry sector requirements and Board directives. This position will oversee the management of a range of project involving analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to deliver research and other project deliverables. They will lead a small team, develop a workplan to deliver projects on the annual Public Skills Australia Business Plan, manage and contract subcontractors, manage their budget and ensure robust consultation, good governance and adherence to federal government requirements.

Public Skills Australia (PSA) is appointed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) as one of 10 Jobs and Skills Councils. Public Skills Australia works with employer and employee representatives (career and volunteer) from the Public Safety and Government industry-sectors – Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Correctional Services, Defence, Federal, State/Territory, and Local Government – and provides the following services in support of industry:

Responsibilities

In partnership with internal stakeholders and external service providers, with the intent of ensuring compliance with relevant legislative, grant and company compliance obligations, the Manager Workforce Planning and Insights will:

• • Develop and deliver the annual business plan for the team, meeting quality, governance and consultation expectations and processes.
• • Oversee the development and completion of high-quality reports, plans by leading research, data analysis and the development of insights and findings that meets the expectations of their executive.
• • Undertake thorough industry consultation through various engagement and research methods, including workshop facilitation.
• • Maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, often at a senior and executive level demonstrating strong political acumen and corporate maturity.
• • Manage and contribute to relevant stakeholder networks and/or governance groups (as determined by business need) by supporting the Chair, engaging with members of the group and contributing to all aspects of their meetings and meeting preparation.
• • Undertake end-to-end project management of Workforce Insights Reports and Research deliverables, by scoping, planning, managing, and monitoring project plans.
• • Manage budgets, ensuring good fiscal practice and risks are proactively identified and mitigated.
• • Undertake procurement processes and manage subcontractors to support the delivery of individual research projects and other business plan items.
• • Manage a team, including probations, performance and other human resource requirements.
• • Proactively brief their Director and Executive on the progress of projects, along with any opportunities, challenges, risks and solutions.
• • Present to a variety of audiences (including executives) using excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• • Work collaboratively with other areas of the business, relevant Managers and other members of staff.
• • Any other reasonable duties as required.

Key selection criteria

Essential

1. 1. A Higher Education qualification such as a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
2. 1. Experience with complex research methodologies and policy skills at a senior level in an applied setting.
3. 1. Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
4. 4.Demonstrated capability to negotiate and build consensus with stakeholders.
5. 1. Proven ability to facilitate workshops and deliver engaging presentations.
6. 1. Operate with a high level of political acumen and corporate maturity to build relationship with senior and executive level stakeholders.
7. 1. Experience in project management, planning and budgetary practices.
8. 1. Ability to manage contracts, using procurement processes.
9. 1. Motivated to drive a positive can-do culture across the company.
10. 1. Proven capability work on multiple products in a fast-paced environment.
11. 1. Ability to motivate and lead high performing teams in environments where priorities regularly change.
12. 1. Strong interpersonal skills, with a motivation and preparedness to support the Executive of the organisation.

Desirable

1. 1. Experience working within the Public Safety and Government industry sectors.
2. 1. Experience in workforce planning, policy development AND/OR strategic foresight AND/OR environmental scanning.

How to apply:

Application should include a CV/Resume of no more than 4 pages and a Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages. The Cover Letter should not repeat information contained in the CV but should specifically address the ‘essential’ Key Selection Criteria.

Any queries should be directed to the HR and Recruitment Officer at careers@publicskillsaustralia.org.au

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Type of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term position, with the duration aligning to the current Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) grant funding available through till 30 June 2028, unless otherwise stipulated in the employee contract or agreement. Experienced staff within the public service will be considered for secondment arrangements. A six (6) month probationary period applies to all new PSA employees (external candidates) and or new positions successfully applied for by internal candidates.

Location

This position is based at the company’s office within the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD). The candidate will be required to attend the Melbourne office as necessitated by business and deliverable requirements. PSA supports flexible working arrangements, with a focus on balancing staff needs with work requirements.