5 year 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 Executive Director, State Workforce Development and Strategy provides authoritative leadership of a future‑focused, data‑driven State workforce planning and strategy development. The role leads the development and monitoring of Western Australia’s workforce strategy to build the skills and capabilities needed for economic diversification, the clean economy transition and Closing the Gap.

The role champions the State’s workforce interests in State and Commonwealth forums, including defence, to influence workforce planning and development. It brings together central agencies, industry and communities to shape shared workforce priorities and translate evidence into coordinated State and regional action.

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 bring strategic leadership in workforce planning and policy, with the ability to translate evidence and emerging trends into practical strategies that support Western Australia’s economic diversification and workforce priorities. You will be a strong communicator and influential collaborator, building partnerships across government, industry and communities to achieve shared outcomes. Sound judgement, an ability to navigate complexity and a commitment to building capability and leading change will underpin your success. 

Over the next 12 months, you will help shape Western Australia’s workforce future through four strategic priorities: 

• Work with the Skills Strategy and Policy Directorate leadership team to implement and promote the State’s workforce strategy, bringing government, industry and training partners together to address critical skills needs and support economic diversification.
• Shape a new approach to regional workforce planning through Seven Cities roundtables with the State Training Board, translating local insights into place-based priorities and stronger training and employment pathways.
• Support the State Training Board to develop the State Training Plan 2027–2029, connecting statewide and regional workforce priorities.
• Strengthen workforce intelligence, forecasting and evaluation to guide training prioritisation and targeted responses across priority industries and regions.

As a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, 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 not exceeding threepages, relating your skills and experience to the selection criteria and expected leadership behaviours as outlined in the attached Job Description Form. 

Suitability requirements for this position: 

• Pre employment conditions – National Police Clearance
• Organisational requirements – You may be required to work from any DTWD worksite and to travel intra- and inter-state from time to time.
• Visa validity - To be appointed to a position at the Department, you need to be able to provide evidence of your right to work in Australia. Permanent appointments will require Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship with unrestricted work rights. Fixed term appointments will require a valid working visa.

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 Thursdaysday, 26 November 2026 at 4:00pm (WST).