Lead the growth of a nationally recognised education and training business. Drive innovation in occupational training, skills development, and workforce readiness across South Africa.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded and entrepreneurial leader to build and scale a high-impact Academy that delivers accredited education and training programmes, professional learning, and future-focused skills development initiatives. Reporting to the CEO, you will be responsible for driving business growth through strategic partnerships, fundraising, new revenue opportunities, and innovative learning solutions that support national development priorities.
The successful candidate will combine strong commercial acumen with extensive knowledge of South Africa's education and training landscape. You will play a key role in expanding occupational learning programmes, strengthening strategic partnerships, securing funding, and positioning the Academy as a recognised leader in education, training, and skills development.
Our client is a respected organisation operating within the education and training sector, committed to expanding access to quality learning, occupational training, and workforce development programmes that make a lasting impact across South Africa.
What You'll Do
Develop and implement the Academy's long-term growth strategy.
Build a commercially sustainable education and training business.
Identify and secure new revenue opportunities through business development, fundraising, grants, and strategic partnerships.
Lead proposal development, tender submissions, and funding applications.
Build strong relationships with government departments, SETAs, QCTO, TVET and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges, industry bodies, NGOs, and corporate partners.
Develop accredited education and training programmes aligned to national skills priorities.
Expand occupational learning, workplace learning, teacher development, leadership development, and future skills programmes.
Drive the development of digital and blended learning solutions.
Oversee accreditation, compliance, assessment, moderation, and quality assurance requirements.
Manage budgets, profitability, operational performance, and project delivery.
Represent the Academy at industry forums and strategic stakeholder engagements.
What You'll Bring
A relevant degree in Education, Training and Development, Human Capital, Business, Organisational Development, or a related field.
A postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
8–10 years' senior leadership experience within education and training, skills development, workforce development, or occupational learning.
Proven experience leading and growing a commercially successful training or learning business.
Strong business development and revenue generation capability.
Demonstrated fundraising experience, including securing grants, donor funding, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
Sound knowledge of South Africa's skills development landscape.
Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory framework governing SETAs, QCTO, TVET and CET institutions.
Knowledge of government policy and strategic direction relating to education, training, and skills development.
Experience managing tenders, funded projects, and stakeholder partnerships.
Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking, negotiation, and leadership capability.
Experience within publishing, digital learning, or education technology will be advantageous.
What Success Looks Like
Sustainable growth in Academy revenue and profitability.
Successful fundraising and increased funding secured through grants, donor programmes, and strategic partnerships.
Expansion of accredited education and training programmes.
Growth in learner participation and programme reach.
Strong partnerships across government, industry, and education sectors.
Successful delivery of occupational learning and workforce development initiatives.
Continued accreditation compliance and quality assurance excellence.
Recognition of the Academy as a leading education and training provider supporting South Africa's skills development agenda.
