HoD : Academy & CPD

Edge Executive Search Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent human capital group is looking for a Head of Academy & Continuing Professional Development to lead their training services portfolio. You will be responsible for managing accreditation, shaping market-ready learning offers, and ensuring compliance with South African legislation. The ideal candidate has over 8 years in training development and a demonstrated ability to drive stakeholder engagement and financial oversight. This permanent position is based at the Group Head Office in Johannesburg, offering unique leadership opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Training & Development, including accreditation and materials design.
• Strong knowledge of SA skills development legislation and accreditation processes.
• 5+ years in a senior/matrixed role.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end accreditation with QCTO, SETAs, and professional bodies.
• Design and improve training materials and assessments.
• Manage project financials: budgeting, profitability, billing, reporting.

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder management

Training & Development expertise

Financial acumen

Innovative mindset

Education

Relevant Honours degree

MBA advantageous

Job description

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

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.