Head of Partnerships

TAFE Gippsland; Bairnsdale; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging

Flexible work

Learning hub access

Wellbeing programs

Staff recognition

Subsidised fitness

Job summary

TAFE Gippsland seeks an accomplished Head of Partnerships to lead the institute's strategic partnerships, business development and commercial growth agenda. You will identify, develop, negotiate and steward high-value contracts and sponsorships across industry, government and community, while building trusted relationships with senior leaders.

You will lead a disciplined pipeline of opportunities, drive sustainable revenue growth, and provide strategic advice to the Director Partnerships and

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in strategic partnerships, business development, enterprise sales or commercial relationship management.
• Proven track record of originating, negotiating and securing high-value commercial contracts and partnerships.
• Ability to engage with senior executives and government representatives to drive opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead institute-wide partnerships strategy and pipeline, focusing on sustainable revenue growth.
• Identify, develop, negotiate and steward high-value commercial training contracts, sponsorships and partnerships.
• Represent TAFE Gippsland at senior levels with industry, government and education leaders.
• Lead and develop the Partnerships team and promote a coordinated partnership culture across the Institute.
• Provide authoritative strategic and commercial advice to the Director Partnerships and Engagement and Executive.
• Utilise CRM, pipeline management and forecasting to drive performance and visibility of priority opportunities.

Skills

Strategic partnerships leadership

Enterprise sales & business growth

Contract negotiation

Relationship management

Forecasting & revenue planning

CRM & pipeline management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/commerce/marketing or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Forecasting tools

Job description

As the Head of Partnerships, you'll provide institute-wide leadership of TAFE Gippsland's strategic partnerships, business development and commercial growth agenda. You'll identify, develop, negotiate and steward high-value commercial training contracts, strategic partnerships, sponsorships and relationships across industry, education, government and the community.

You'll lead a disciplined pipeline of significant commercial and strategic opportunities, with a focus on sustainable revenue growth, workforce impact and long-term value. Representing TAFE Gippsland at senior levels, you'll build trusted relationships with industry executives, senior education leaders, government departments and agencies, community leaders, sponsors, the TAFE Network and higher education partners. You'll also lead and develop the Partnerships team, embed a coordinated partnership culture across the Institute and provide authoritative strategic and commercial advice to the Director Partnerships and Engagement and Executive.

About you

You're an accomplished partnerships and business development leader with the commercial judgement, strategic thinking and relationship capability to turn complex opportunities into lasting organisational value. You're confident engaging with senior decision-makers, negotiating high-value arrangements and bringing internal stakeholders together around a clear, coordinated approach.

You'll be someone who:

• Has significant senior leadership experience in strategic partnerships, business development, enterprise sales or commercial relationship management.
• Has a strong track record of originating, negotiating and securing complex, high-value commercial contracts, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, tenders or enterprise workforce solutions.
• Builds trusted relationships and influences effectively with senior executives, government representatives, education leaders, industry and community stakeholders.
• Brings strong commercial and financial acumen, including contract negotiation, pricing, revenue forecasting and commercial risk assessment.
• Can assess opportunities against strategic alignment, financial return, organisational capacity, delivery requirements, risk and reputation.
• Has proven experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing partnerships, sales or business development teams.
• Builds alignment across the organisation and fosters a consistent approach to stakeholder and partnership management
• Communicates with credibility and impact through executive briefs, proposals, presentations, business cases and complex negotiations.
• Uses CRM, pipeline management, forecasting and data discipline to drive performance and maintain visibility of priority opportunities.
• Holds a relevant tertiary qualification in business, management, commerce, marketing, public administration or a related discipline, or equivalent substantial senior experience.

Mandatory requirements

• Current Victorian Working with Children Clearance
• Current Police Check (not older than 12 months old)
• Current Driver's Licence
• A 6-month probationary period applies to this role
• Travel between campuses is a requirement of the role

Benefits and conditions

• Employment with a progressive employer
• Attractive salary, benefits and conditions
• Novated Leasing and Salary Packaging
• Flexible working arrangements
• A great culture and supportive team environment
• Access to Health and Employee Wellbeing Programs
• Access to in-house Staff Learning Hub
• Inclusive and supportive workplace culture
• Subsidised fitness program
• Staff recognition and reward programs

About us

For over 95 years, TAFE Gippsland has been at the forefront of vocational education and training, proudly serving the Gippsland community. As the winner of the TAFE Large Training Provider of the Year award in 2023, TAFE Gippsland stands out as a leader in empowering local students and supporting regional businesses. With a commitment to excellence, we offer a diverse range of programs, including pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, accredited short courses, certificates, and diplomas. Our team of over 500 dedicated staff, spread across 13 campuses, works closely with industry partners to deliver tailored workplace training. This approach not only helps upskill the regional workforce but also drives the success of local businesses, reinforcing our vision of supporting a Skilled and Thriving Gippsland.

Applications close at 2pm on Friday 20 November 2026.

TAFE Gippsland is a Child Safe Organisation and equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply for our vacancies.

TAFE Gippsland is committed to fair and equitable recruitment and employment processes based on merit, competence and potential.

As your local TAFE, we’re passionate about giving everyone in the Gippsland region the opportunity to undertake quality and reliable pre-vocational training. We have campuses throughout eastern Victoria, from Warragul to Lakes Entrance, and we offer a diverse range of programs.

Our teaching methods and learning environments are specially designed to give students the chance to get hands‑on, develop real skills and gain the experience they need to transform their future.

As your local TAFE, we’re passionate about giving everyone in the Gippsland region the opportunity to undertake quality and reliable pre-vocational training. We have campuses throughout eastern Victoria, from Warragul to Lakes Entrance, and we offer a diverse range of programs.

Our teaching methods and learning environments are specially designed to give students the chance to get hands‑on, develop real skills and gain the experience they need to transform their future.