Director - Employment and Trade Policy

Trade, Employment and Training; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Trade, Employment and Training – Brisbane QLD is seeking a Director, Employment and Trade Policy to lead policy advice, analysis and legislative reform across skills, employment, skilled migration, international education and trade.

You will develop cabinet submissions, oversee ministerial briefs and reports, and build strong relationships with government, industry and non-government organisations while guiding a high-performing, inclusive policy team.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate strong policy expertise, with the ability to analyse complex issues, synthesise evidence and provide clear, well-reasoned advice.
• Communicate with clarity and influence, producing high-quality written advice for Cabinet, Ministers and senior executives.
• Think strategically, anticipating emerging issues and aligning the team's work with long-term goals.
• Build and sustain collaborative, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve policy outcomes.
• Deliver results by planning methodically, managing risks and issues, and demonstrating resilience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of policy and legislative advice across employment and trade portfolios, aligned to strategic direction.
• Prepare and oversee Cabinet and related submissions, ministerial briefs, legislative amendments and reports.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, industry, and non-government organisations, representing the department at forums.
• Lead research and evaluation to build an evidence base for policy and program design.
• Plan and manage the team's work program, resources and risks, and deputise for the Executive Director when required.
• Lead, develop and coach a multidisciplinary team fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.

Job description

Trade, Employment and Training – Brisbane QLD

Are you interested in a compelling opportunity to lead strategic policy that shapes Queensland's economic future? As Director, Employment and Trade Policy, you will have the opportunity to guide a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality policy advice, analysis and legislative reform relating to skills and training, employment, skilled migration, international education and trade. Join our team to help drive initiatives that strengthen the state’s export sector, build a skilled workforce and create greater economic opportunities for individuals, industry and communities.

About the role:

As the Director, Employment and Trade Policy, you will:

• Lead the development of policy and legislative advice, options and analysis across the employment and trade portfolios, in line with the strategic direction set by the Executive Director and the Government's priorities.
• Prepare, and oversee the preparation of, Cabinet and Cabinet Budget Review Committee submissions, Ministerial briefings, legislative amendments, reports and correspondence, ensuring advice is accurate, timely and of a high standard.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues across the department, Queensland Government agencies, the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions, industry and non-government organisations, and represent the department on interjurisdictional working groups and at forums.
• Lead research, analysis and evaluation to build a strong evidence base for policy and program design.
• Plan and manage the team's work program and policy projects, including priorities, resources and risks, and deputise for the Executive Director as required.
• Lead, develop and coach a multidisciplinary team, fostering a safe, inclusive and high-performing culture that values diversity and supports wellbeing and professional growth.

What we are looking for:

The position requires an applicant who can:

• Demonstrate strong policy expertise, with the ability to analyse complex issues, synthesise evidence and provide clear, well-reasoned advice, ideally in a field such as skills, employment, skilled migration, international education or trade.
• Communicate with clarity and influence, producing high-quality written advice for Cabinet, Ministers and senior executives.
• Think strategically, anticipating emerging issues and aligning the team's work with long-term goals and the current environment.
• Build and sustain collaborative, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve policy outcomes.
• Deliver results by planning methodically, managing risks and issues, and demonstrating resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Refer to the Role Description for a full list of responsibilities and what we are looking for.

We're committed to appointing the best-suited person for each role. This includes considering equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion needs within our agency. We believe that these elements are essential for the success of our team and we strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to reach out to the designated contact for the vacancy.