UNIT HEAD: TECHNICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

UNIT HEAD: TECHNICAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CENTRE - CORPORATE SERVICES: SDC ACCOUNTABILITY The role demands a strong balance between innovation and operational excellence, and the incumbent will be tasked with diversifying training offerings, actively securing external grants and driving revenue generation and programme impact. By leveraging the CDC's market positioning, the incumbent will expand the scope of the SDC to support and integrate with broader strategic imperatives, including SMME development and the Coega Development Foundation (CDF), while ensuring the highest quality of skills provision and continuous growth. MANDATE The Unit Head: Skills Development Centre (SDC) is mandated to provide operational management and strategic input for the SDC. Aligning with the CDC’s strategic intent, national education frameworks, and corporate objectives, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the SDC operates as a sustainable, growth-oriented programme. DESCRIPTION KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS Strategic Input & Business Growth • Provide strategic input and direction to support SDC sustainability, capacity utilisation, and business growth. • Design and diversify training programmes to align with the CDC mandate, corporate B-BBEE objectives, and the South African Human Resources Development Strategy. • Leverage the CDC’s strategic positioning and networks to attract new business, clients, and revenue streams to the SDC. • Identify, prepare proposals for, and secure external grants and funding to support training initiatives. • Expand the operational scope of the SDC to integrate with strategic CDC areas, specifically the Coega Development Foundation (CDF) and SMME development. • Research global and local training trends to benchmark operations, innovate the SDC’s offerings, and maintain competitiveness. Stakeholder Management & Partnerships • Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, private entities, and public sector partners to attract business and co-develop customised training programmes. • Implement stakeholder management strategies to grow and retain training programmes, supporting revenue generation and socio-economic impact. • Develop alliances with leadership from other training establishments to share knowledge and partner on developmental initiatives. • Participate in industry formations and collaborations to provide the CDC perspective and influence decisions within the national training fraternity. • Engage management within key client establishments to ensure training solutions meet market demands. Operational Management & Quality Assurance • Extend and maintain the SDC's accreditations with applicable ETQA bodies, ensuring compliance and quality provision. • Evaluate and manage training performance metrics, implementing remedial action to support achievement against targets. • Oversee the upkeep of training facilities and equipment. • Develop, implement, and enhance training policies, standard operating procedures, and risk management strategies. • Establish and maintain systems for collecting, analysing, and interpreting performance data to support operational improvement. • Manage the evaluation and review of learning materials, ensuring a learner-centred approach that maintains discipline and satisfaction rates. • Ensure health and safety (SHEQ) compliance and manage procurement processes across the SDC. People Management & Organisational Culture • Provide leadership, mentoring, and coaching to SDC staff to increase operational effectiveness, accountability, and quality output. • Design and implement performance frameworks and talent development initiatives within the SDC. • Build consensus and foster a collaborative team environment that supports adaptability and knowledge management. COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS Educational Qualifications Essential/ Minimum • A Degree (NQF 7) in Human Resources, Social Sciences, Education, any related technical qualification or equivalent qualifications. Preferred/ Advantageous • Further tertiary education in Business Management, preferably an MBA or equivalent. Experience Essential/ Minimum • 10 years’ experience in facilitating training and development. • 8 years’ experience managing relevant projects, programmes or a private business. Preferred/ Advantageous • None specified. Competencies Essential • Innovative thinker with business acumen and the ability to balance strategic input with operational execution. • Results-oriented with a focus on quality provision and business profitability. • Thorough understanding of the South African training and development landscape, associated legislation, and the national HR Development Strategy. • Ability to leverage networks, build consensus, and drive strategic alignment across diverse stakeholder groups. • Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving capabilities. • Mature, credible, and comfortable dealing with senior management, with excellent oral and written communication skills (fluent in English). Preferred/ Advantageous • None specified. Licences, Registrations & Certifications Essential • None specified. Preferred/ Advantageous • A professional certification or ETQA registration (e.g. registered moderator/assessor). PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT Performance is monitored regularly at both an individual and a team level, in accordance with the CDC’s performance management system and control measures relevant to the position. COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS The incumbent is required to: • Uphold the CDC’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, demonstrating ethical behaviour and contributing to good corporate governance. • Actively participate in and adhere to the CDC’s Quality, Safety, Health, Environmental, Information Security and IT Service Management System (SHEMS) policies and procedures. This includes a responsibility for identifying and reporting potential risks and incidents related to safety, security, and quality, and for contributing to the ongoing improvement of the CDC's SHEMS. • Be familiar with and adhere to the CDC emergency preparedness plans. • Maintain confidentiality regarding CDC trade secrets and Information Security policies. • Obtain prior written permission for any business or pursuit outside of the CDC that may conflict with the CDC’s interests, including immediate family members working for a direct competitor, adhering to the CDC’s Conflict of Interest Policy. This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and key performance areas of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and tasks. Closing date: 14 September 2026 CDC is an equal opportunity employer and placement will be in accordancewith our Employment Equity Plan. The appointment of candidates is subject to the verification of all credentials (employment history, educational, financial, criminal and any other checks as may be necessary). Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if you have not heard from us within two (2) months of submitting your application, please consider it unsuccessful. CDC reserves the right to make an appointment to any advertised position. No late applications will be considered. #J-18808-Ljbffr