Manager Workforce Planning and Insights

Public Skills Australia has been appointed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) as one of 10 Jobs and Skills Councils. We work with employer and employee representatives from the Public Safety and Government industry-sectors Police Fire and Emergency Services Correctional Services Defence and all levels of Government to ensure Australias vocational education and training (VET) system delivers better outcomes for learners and employers. A primary function of our work is to provide workforce planning industry intelligence and training product development in support of industry needs and government priorities.

The Manager Workforce Planning and Insights is accountable to the Director Workforce Strategy and Insights and delivers the Public Skills Australias Workforce Planning and Research functions. This position will be accountable for the end-to-end management and delivery of successful projects including monitoring and tracking deliverables and milestones and managing budgets and associated risks. While this position reports to the Director they may be required to report to other executive staff depending on the projects they need to manage.

Workforce Planning: This role will lead the development and delivery of annual Workforce Insights Reports by managing a small team of staff dedicated to these deliverables. The delivery of the Workforce Insights Reports required robust desktop and applied research quantitative analysis of national and industry datasets qualitative research methods to draw out industry insights and comprehensive consultation of data and findings. The Manager Workforce Planning and Insights will be responsible for the overarching team planning and project planning to ensure all milestones are met.

Research: The Manager Workforce Planning and Insights will also oversee a small team of staff dedicated to producing individual research projects that give effect to workforce strategies ministerial priorities industry sector requirements and Board directives. This position will oversee the management of a range of project involving analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to deliver research and other project deliverables.

Responsibilities

In partnership with internal stakeholders and external service providers with the intent of ensuring compliance with relevant legislative grant and company compliance obligations the Manager Workforce Planning and Insights will:

and deliver the annual business plan for the team meeting quality governance and consultation expectations and processes.

the development and completion of high-quality reports plans by leading research data analysis and the development of insights and findings that meets the expectations of their executive.

thorough industry consultation through various engagement and research methods including workshop facilitation.

productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders often at a senior and executive level demonstrating strong political acumen and corporate maturity.

and contribute to relevant stakeholder networks and/or governance groups (as determined by business need) by supporting the Chair engaging with members of the group and contributing to all aspects of their meetings and meeting preparation.

end-to-end project management of Workforce Insights Reports and Research deliverables by scoping planning managing and monitoring project plans.

budgets ensuring good fiscal practice and risks are proactively identified and mitigated.

procurement processes and manage subcontractors to support the delivery of individual research projects and other business plan items.

a team including probations performance and other human resource requirements.

brief their Director and Executive on the progress of projects along with any opportunities challenges risks and solutions.

to a variety of audiences (including executives) using excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Key Selection Criteria Essential

1.A Higher Education qualification such as a relevant Bachelors or Masters degree.

with complex research methodologies and policy skills at a senior level in an applied setting.

written and verbal communications skills.

capability to negotiate and build consensus with stakeholders.

ability to facilitate workshops and deliver engaging presentations.

with a high level of political acumen and corporate maturity to build relationship with senior and executive level stakeholders.

in project management planning and budgetary practices.

to manage contracts using procurement processes.

to drive a positive can-do culture across the company.

capability work on multiple products in a fast-paced environment.

to motivate and lead high performing teams in environments where priorities regularly change.

interpersonal skills with a motivation and preparedness to support the Executive of the organisation.

How to apply

Your application should include a CV/Resume of no more than 4 pages and a Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages. The Cover Letter should not repeat information contained in the CV but specifically address the essential Key Selection Criteria. Any queries should be directed to the HR and Recruitment Officer at Applications close at midnight Sunday 4 January 2026.