HoD: Academy & CPD

Edge Executive Search Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established human capital group is seeking an HoD: Academy & CPD based in Johannesburg. This role involves leading strategy and operations for training services, managing accreditation processes, and driving client relationships. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in Training & Development, strong knowledge of South African legislation, and proven project leadership skills. Competitive remuneration with significant leadership visibility and scope for growth is offered.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Training & Development with focus on accreditation.
• Strong knowledge of SA skills development legislation.
• Proven experience in project leadership and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end accreditation processes.
• Design and improve training materials and assessments.
• Govern compliance with skills development legislation.
• Manage finances: budgeting, pricing, and reporting.
• Build relationships with clients and ensure satisfaction.

Skills

Training & Development Experience

Accreditation Knowledge

Project Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Financial Acumen

Communication Skills

Innovative Mindset

Education

Relevant Honours degree

MBA (advantageous)

Job description

Overview

HoD: Academy & CPD

Location: Group Head Office (Johannesburg); Type: Permanent – Department Head

Lead an accredited learning portfolio. Build capability that moves organisations forward.

About the Role

You’ll lead the Academy & Continuing Professional Development (CPD) function, owning strategy, operations, and quality across a full training services portfolio. The mandate spans programme design, accreditation, client delivery, revenue growth, and governance—balancing compliance with innovation to deliver measurable skills uplift.

You will shape market-ready learning offerings (credit-bearing and non-credit), drive accreditation with QCTO/SETAs and professional bodies, and tailor solutions for enterprise clients. The role requires confident stakeholder leadership, financial oversight, and a strong client-service ethic grounded in South African skills development legislation.

Who the Client Is

This opportunity is with a well-established human capital group that partners with leading corporates and public institutions across South Africa. The organisation is known for high-standards in accreditation, a client-centric culture, and a growing training services portfolio connected to broader consulting solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end accreditation (QCTO, SETAs, professional bodies): submissions, internal readiness, audit liaison, renewals.
• Design and continuously improve training materials, assessments, and delivery resources aligned to standards and client needs.
• Customise content and delivery for sector-specific requirements; embed feedback loops for relevance and impact.
• Govern compliance with skills development legislation; update policies, procedures, and quality frameworks.
• Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with consulting, sales, and operations to integrate learning into broader solutions.
• Own client relationships: scope, propose, present, and troubleshoot to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
• Build and manage a certified freelance trainer community; onboard, coach, and assure delivery quality.
• Manage project financials: budgeting, pricing input, profitability, billing and reporting.
• Support business development: solutioning, proposals, and negotiations to grow the portfolio.

What You Bring

• 8+ years in Training & Development, including accreditation and materials design; 5+ years in a senior/matrixed role.
• Strong knowledge of SA skills development legislation and accreditation processes (QCTO/SETAs).
• Project leadership with proven financial acumen (budgeting, margin management, reporting).
• Stakeholder management across regulators, clients, and internal teams; excellent communication.
• Relevant Honours degree; MBA advantageous; professional registrations/certifications a plus.
• Personal attributes: innovative mindset, resilience, client focus, data-driven decision-making, and effective negotiation.

What Success Looks Like

• Accreditation excellence: clean audits, on-time renewals, compliant records.
• Learning impact: measurable outcomes, strong learner satisfaction, and programme relevance by sector.
• Commercial performance: portfolio growth, healthy margins, accurate forecasting, and disciplined invoicing/cashflow.
• Client advocacy: repeat engagements, positive feedback, and case-study-worthy results.
• Operational rhythm: clear processes, quality documentation, and a reliable trainer bench ready for demand spikes.

Rewards & Challenges

You’ll enjoy a visible leadership platform and the opportunity to build a scalable Academy engine. Expect complexity—tight accreditation timelines, evolving standards, and diverse client needs—requiring calm prioritisation, rigorous quality control, and a hands-on approach.