Professional Education Manager | Johannesburg | Permanent

Edge Executive Search Group; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional accounting body in South Africa seeks an Education Specialist to spearhead education and training initiatives. This role requires substantial experience in managing stakeholders and promoting professional qualifications. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant Honours degree and significant background in education administration. Strong strategic and compliance skills are essential for success in this impactful role. Applications close on 12 December.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in an education and training environment.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a management role.
• Experience in stakeholder management and business development.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to grow the footprint of professional qualifications.
• Promote qualifications in academic institutions and public forums.
• Engage with ATCs and trainees to improve standards and quality.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Education administration

Legislative compliance

Education

Honours degree in Commerce or related field

Professional qualification in Accounting

Undergraduate studies in Education or related fields

Job description

Play a central role in shaping the future of professional accounting standards in South Africa. This role is ideal for a strategic, relationship-driven education specialist who thrives in a high-impact environment.

You will lead, influence, and manage key education and training initiatives that strengthen the credibility, reach, and quality of professional qualifications and designations. Working closely with academic institutions, trainees, external bodies, and internal stakeholders, you will ensure that the standards, pathways, and programmes remain relevant, competitive, and fully compliant. As part of the broader education and training portfolio, you will contribute to programme design, stakeholder engagement, accreditation, competency development, and initiatives that professionalise the finance and accounting sector.

Our client is a respected professional accounting body recognised nationally for its contribution to education standards, industry development, and professional excellence. The organisation partners with academic institutions, government, and industry stakeholders to elevate professional pathways and ensure alignment with national and international standards.

What You’ll Do

• Develop strategies to grow the footprint of professional qualifications and designations.
• Build pathways and programmes that support access to professional designations.
• Maintain and update competency frameworks.
• Promote qualifications and designations in academic institutions and public forums.
• Support the development of alternative pathways for professionalisation.
• Manage and contribute to education and training projects across all sectors.
• Review academic programmes against competency requirements.
• Maintain stakeholder relationships within the accountancy sector.
• Maintain and update accreditation and registration of qualifications and designations.
• Promote professionalisation across the finance and accounting environment.
• Engage with ATCs and trainees to improve standards and quality.
• Represent the organisation at schools, tertiary institutions, and external events.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan.
• Manage service providers, contracts, and SLAs.
• Participate in management-level decision-making and internal collaboration.
• Lead and manage departmental staff, including planning, development, and performance.

What You Bring

• Honours degree in Commerce or related field.
• Professional qualification or designation in Accounting.
• Preferably undergraduate studies in Education, Education Management, or Public Administration.
• 5 years’ experience in an education and training environment.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a management role.
• Experience administering professional qualifications and designations.
• Experience in stakeholder management and business development, particularly within the public sector.
• Strong understanding of legislative compliance requirements within professional and education environments.

What Success Looks Like

• Strong, strategic growth in the visibility and relevance of professional qualifications.
• High-quality, compliant education and training programmes delivered consistently.
• Effective stakeholder relationships that drive value and alignment.
• A well-led, high-performing department with strong collaboration across teams.
• Accredited, credible qualifications maintained to the highest standard.

Closing Date: 12 December