General Manager – Skills Development Provider

Tailormade Solution; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Tailormade Solution in Durban is looking for a General Manager to oversee its skills development operations. The role involves strategic leadership, financial management, and ensuring high-quality training programs are delivered while achieving compliance with regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in managing training institutions and a strong background in financial and operational management. This position is crucial for driving business growth and enhancing stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years’ senior management experience in education, training, or skills development.
• Proven experience in accredited training environments (SETA/QCTO/DHET).
• Strong financial and operational management experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and assessment standards.
• Oversee budgeting, expenditure control, and financial planning.
• Lead, manage, and develop senior staff and departmental managers.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Leadership

Operational excellence

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Results-driven mindset

Education

Degree in Business Administration, Education, Management, or related field

Job description

Job Title: General Manager – Skills Development Provider

Reporting To:

Managing Director

Job Purpose

The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of the organisation. This includes full accountability for campus operations, academic delivery, compliance, financial performance, business growth, and stakeholder engagement within a regulated training and skills development environment.

The role ensures that the organisation delivers high-quality accredited training programmes while achieving profitability, compliance excellence, and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Management

• Drive the overall operational strategy in alignment with business objectives
• Lead and manage all departments including academic, operations, compliance, and support functions
• Develop and implement business improvement and growth strategies
• Ensure alignment between academic delivery and commercial performance
• Identify new training markets, funding opportunities, and partnerships.
• Drive innovation in learning delivery (blended learning, digital platforms, workplace learning models).
• Set annual performance targets and ensure organisational alignment.

Financial Performance & P&L Accountability

• Take responsibility for overall campus/business profitability
• Oversee budgeting, expenditure control, and financial planning
• Monitor revenue streams, operational costs, and financial performance
• Implement cost‑saving initiatives and efficiency improvements
• Support financial reporting and decision‑making processes

Academic & Training Operations Oversight

• Oversee the delivery of all accredited training programmes
• Ensure high‑quality teaching, learning, and assessment standards
• Monitor learner performance, pass rates, retention, and throughput
• Ensure effective implementation of blended learning and LMS systems
• Drive continuous improvement in academic delivery outcomes

Compliance, Accreditation & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with SETA, QCTO, DHET, and other regulatory bodies
• Oversee internal and external audits and accreditation requirements
• Implement and maintain quality assurance systems and standards
• Ensure all documentation, reporting, and governance requirements are met
• Manage risk and compliance frameworks across the organisation

Operational Management

• Oversee day‑to‑day business and campus operations
• Ensure effective procurement, facilities management, and administrative systems
• Manage health, safety, and operational risk compliance
• Ensure systems and processes support efficient service delivery

People Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, manage, and develop senior staff and departmental managers
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and staff development
• Drive a high‑performance culture across all departments
• Resolve escalated HR, disciplinary, and operational matters

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Liaise with external stakeholders including SETAs, QCTO, DHET, and partners
• Manage client relationships and strategic partnerships
• Represent the organisation in external forums and compliance engagements
• Ensure strong brand reputation and stakeholder confidence

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Track KPIs including learner completion rates, employment outcomes, and programme ROI.
• Produce monthly and quarterly performance reports for the board/executives.
• Use data insights to improve programme effectiveness and business performance.

Business Development & Growth Support

• Identify growth opportunities in training, learnerships, and skills programmes
• Support sales and marketing initiatives where required
• Contribute to proposal development and tender submissions
• Drive expansion of programme offerings and client base

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Business Administration, Education, Management, or related field (preferred)
• 5–8+ years’ senior management experience in education, training, or skills development
• Proven experience in accredited training environments (SETA/QCTO/DHET)
• Strong financial and operational management experience
• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and execution
• Strong financial acumen
• Leadership and people management
• Operational excellence
• Regulatory and compliance knowledge
• Stakeholder engagement and negotiation
• Results‑driven and commercially aware mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Learner enrolment and completion rates
• Accreditation compliance status (zero major findings)
• Revenue growth and profitability targets
• Client retention and satisfaction levels
• Programme quality and audit outcomes
• Successful funding/tender acquisition rate