Executive Director State Workforce Development and Strategy

Department of Training and Workforce Development; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Training and Workforce Development invites applications for an Executive Director, State Workforce Development and Strategy. This 5 year Senior Executive Service appointment leads data-driven state workforce planning and strategy development to diversify the economy and support Closing the Gap.

The role champions workforce interests in state and Commonwealth forums, collaborates with central agencies, industry and communities, and shapes regional priorities and training through

Job description

Executive Director State Workforce Development and Strategy

5 year Senior Executive Service appointment

The Department
At the Department of Training and Workforce Development we support Western Australia’s training system to develop the skills and capabilities needed to transform lives while creating strong and vibrant businesses, communities and the economy.

We’re an equal opportunity employer and encourage people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to join us, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, youth, women and people of diverse sexualities and genders.

Find out more about our work by visiting our website www.wa.gov.au/dtwd

Leadership for All
Critical to our success in delivering value for the future of Western Australians is the leadership capability of our people. We believe that everyone is a leader, regardless of their role and we are committed to advancing our collective leadership impact by adopting the behaviours and mindsets in Leadership Expectations.

What We Offer
You will have access to a range of benefits including:

• Significant career and professional development programs and opportunities;
• Salary packaging options; and
• Access to health and wellbeing initiatives includingan employee assistance program and funded flu vaccinations.

Find out more by visiting our website www.wa.gov.au/dtwd

Job Description
The Executive Director, State Workforce Development and Strategy provides authoritative leadership of a future-focused, data-driven State workforce planning and strategy development. The role leads the development and monitoring of Western Australia’s workforce strategy to build the skills and capabilities needed for economic diversification, the clean economy transition and Closing the Gap.

The role champions the State’s workforce interests in State and Commonwealth forums, including defence, to influence workforce planning and development. It brings together central agencies, industry and communities to shape shared workforce priorities and translate evidence into coordinated State and regional action.

This role is critical to creating a strong leadership environment by bringing about positive behaviour change in practice.

To be successful in this role, you will bring strategic leadership in workforce planning and policy, with the ability to translate evidence and emerging trends into practical strategies that support Western Australia’s economic diversification and workforce priorities. You will be a strong communicator and influential collaborator, building partnerships across government, industry and communities to achieve shared outcomes. Sound judgement, an ability to navigate complexity and a commitment to building capability and leading change will underpin your success.

Over the next 12 months, you will help shape Western Australia’s workforce future through four strategic priorities:

Work with the Skills Strategy and Policy Directorate leadership team to implement and promote the State’s workforce strategy, bringing government, industry and training partners together to address critical skills needs and support economic diversification.

Shape a new approach to regional workforce planning through Seven Cities roundtables with the State Training Board, translating local insights into place-based priorities and stronger training and employment pathways.

Support the State Training Board to develop the State Training Plan 2027-2029, connecting statewide and regional workforce priorities.

Strengthen workforce intelligence, forecasting and evaluation to guide training prioritisation and targeted responses across priority industries and regions.

Other Conditions and Eligibility
New employees will be required to obtain a criminal convictions screening clearance by providing a current National Police Certificate prior to their appointment.

If you are not an Australian citizen, you must have a working visa (for fixed term contract appointments) or permanent residency (for permanent appointments) to be eligible for appointment.

This selection process may be used to identify suitable applicants for subsequent vacancies and also similar vacancies that arise within the next twelve months. The Department may conduct further search activities after the closing date, if required, to extend the field of applicants.

Successful applicants may be required to work from any DTWD worksite and to travel intra- and inter-state from time to time.

Closing Date: Thursday, 26 November 2026 at 4:00pm (WST).You are reminded that the onus is on the applicant to ensure that their application is received by the closing date and time.