General Manager, Learning and Development

AbSec; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Salary packaging

Job summary

AbSec invites applications for General Manager, Learning and Development in NSW. You will drive growth and commercial success of the LDC, delivering culturally responsive education and workforce development across client organisations and the human services sector.

You will lead strategic planning, partnerships with government and industry, and ensure ASQA compliance. This role is hybrid, based in Redfern with a 35-hour week and not-for-profit salary packaging.

Qualifications

• Five+ years in senior leadership within education or RTO.
• In-depth knowledge of VET sector, ASQA and funding contracts.
• Proven experience developing business plans and growth strategies.
• Financial management and budgeting experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic growth and commercial success of the LDC.
• Secure funding, partnerships with government and industry.
• Oversee ASQA compliance and quality assurance processes.
• Manage learning systems and student management platforms.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Business development

Stakeholder management

ASQA compliance

VET knowledge

Education

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment

Business degree or related qualification

Tools

Learning management systems

Student information systems

Job description

General Manager, Learning and Development

AbSec – NSW Child, Family and Community Peak Aboriginal Corporation is the peak organisation for Aboriginal children, young people and families in NSW. We provide an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective on child protection and out-of-home care policy to the NSW Government and support the community-controlled sector to deliver effective services for Aboriginal children, young people and families. We are a not-for-profit, incorporated community organisation governed by an all-Aboriginal Board.

The AbSec Learning and Development Centre (LDC) is a subsidiary organisation and Registered Training Organisation (RTO). As the only Aboriginal-owned and managed RTO in NSW focused on the child and family support sector, the LDC delivers nationally recognised qualifications in family welfare, child protection, disability support, governance, leadership and management.

About the Role

The General Manager, Learning and Development is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for the strategic growth, commercial success, operational excellence and regulatory compliance of the AbSec Learning and Development Centre (LDC). Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will lead the continued expansion of the LDC's impact, delivering high-quality, culturally responsive education and workforce development solutions that strengthen Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and the broader human services sector.

This role is ideal for a proven leader who can balance commercial growth with social impact, driving business development opportunities, building strong partnerships across government and industry, and ensuring excellence across all aspects of Registered Training Organisation operations.

This is a fixed-term position through to December 2028.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of the LDC's strategic and business plans, driving sustainable growth, market expansion and revenue diversification across VET, workforce development and corporate training markets.

Identify, secure and manage commercial opportunities, funding streams, fee-for-service contracts and strategic partnerships with government, ACCOs, industry bodies and training providers.

Drive innovation in training delivery, including online, blended and workplace-based learning models that enhance learner engagement and outcomes.

Oversee all aspects of LDC operations, ensuring high-quality educational delivery, student outcomes and exceptional customer service.

Ensure compliance with ASQA standards, the VET Quality Framework, funding agreements and contractual obligations, maintaining audit readiness and quality assurance processes.

Lead the management of learning systems, student management platforms, learning resources, risk management and business continuity practices.

Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation and long-term commercial sustainability.

Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, professional development and workforce capability.

About You

Minimum five years' senior leadership experience within an RTO, education, training or related sector, with demonstrated success leading organisational growth and managing complex operations.

Strong knowledge of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, competency-based training, ASQA requirements, funding contracts, audit processes and compliance obligations.

Proven experience developing and implementing business plans, growth strategies and commercial initiatives that deliver sustainable revenue outcomes.

Demonstrated financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, resource planning and resource allocation.

Strong business development, contract negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strategic partnerships across government, industry and the community sector.

Experience leading, mentoring and developing high-performing teams while driving organisational performance and continuous improvement.

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (or equivalent) and/or relevant tertiary qualifications in business management, education or a related discipline.

Understanding of Aboriginal communities and commitment to culturally responsive service delivery. Established networks across government, First Nations organisations, industry or training providers will be highly regarded.

Must hold or have willingness to obtain a valid NSW Working with Children Check & National Police Certificate

To obtain a position description detailing full accountabilities and selection criteria, please visit our website: https://absec.org.au/careers/

Full-time 35-hour week based in Redfern

Salary:Educational Services (Post-Secondary Education) Award 2020, General Stream Level 7commensurate with skills and experience plus superannuation and not-for-profit salary packaging

Hybrid work arrangement in a supportive and friendly work environment