5 year full time Senior Executive Service appointment

The Department
At the Department of Training and Workforce Development we support Western Australia’s training system to develop the skills and capabilities needed to transform lives while creating strong and vibrant businesses, communities, and the economy.

We’re an equal opportunity employer and encourage people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to join us, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, youth, women and people of diverse sexualities and genders.

Find out more about our work by visiting our website www.wa.gov.au/dtwd 

Leadership for All
Critical to our success in delivering value for the future of Western Australians is the leadership capability of our people. We believe that everyone is a leader, regardless of their role and we are committed to advancing our collective leadership impact by adopting the behaviours and mindsets in Leadership Expectations.

The Role
The Director VET Skills Policy and Implementation branch is responsible for leading strategic vocational education and training (VET) policy including providing input to national policy issues and priorities for training. The Director also develops recommendations for State skills policy and collaborates on cross-agency initiatives with a focus on implementing State Government initiatives. Working with the Deputy Director General and Skills Strategy and Policy leadership team, the Director will contribute to development and implementation of cross-cutting strategic projects to drive continuous improvement of the State’s skills system. 

This role is critical to creating a strong leadership environment by bringing about positive behaviour change in practice.

To be successful in this role you will draw on your experience in strategic policy, workforce development or vocational education and training, and demonstrate the capability to provide sound advice, lead complex initiatives, build productive relationships and deliver practical outcomes. You will bring strong judgement, collaboration, resilience and a commitment to improving Western Australia’s skills system. You will draw on excellent interpersonal skills to successfully engage with complex and diverse stakeholders. Over the next year there will be a strong focus on implementation of actions arising from an overarching State workforce strategy, tertiary harmonisation, and national reform. 

As a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position may be prioritised for appointment. 

Employee Benefits
You will have access to a range of benefits which may include:

• Flexible work arrangements including flexitime and working remotely;
• Flexible leave arrangements, including study leave;
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing program including Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health Contact Officers;
• Career and professional development programs and opportunities; and
• Salary packaging options. 

Want to know more?
For full details of the role, eligibility requirements and what we are looking for, read the attached job description and application package. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Ross Kelly, Deputy Director General Skills Strategy & Policy on 0467 492 209 or email Ross.Kelly@dtwd.wa.gov.au

If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process, including alternate methods of communication, please contact Human Resources via dtwdhr@dtwd.wa.gov.au or via (08) 6551 5071.

How to apply
Applicants are required to apply online and need to submit an application consisting of:

• a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, providing sufficient information to enable an assessment of your skills and experience relevant to this role including the suitability requirements listed below and
  
  
• a brief covering letter of 2-3 pages, relating your skills and experience to the selection criteria and expected leadership behaviours as outlined in the attached Job Description Form and the suitability requirements listed below. 

Suitability requirements for this position: 

• Eligibility – Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Pre employment conditions – Applicants will need to have a National Police Clearance.
• Organisational requirements – The successful applicant may be required to work from any DTWD worksite.

To submit your application, please click on the Apply for Job button.

If you require assistance or cannot access the attachments, please contact us on (08) 9203 3735.

Please note…
The onus is on the applicant to ensure that their application is received by the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted. 

This selection process may be used to identify suitable applicants for similar vacancies that arise within the next twelve months. The Department may conduct further search activities after the closing date, if required, to extend the field of applicants. 

Applications close Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 4:00pm (WST).