About Public Skills Australia
Public Skills Australia is one of ten Jobs and Skills Councils appointed by the Australian Government, playing a key role in shaping the future workforce across the Public Safety and Government sectors.
Working across industries including police, fire and emergency services, corrections, defence and all levels of government, Public Skills Australia brings together employers, unions and government to develop workforce insights, inform national policy and support training and skills development.
Now three years into its journey, the organisation is entering its next phase of maturity, with a strong focus on embedding structure, strengthening delivery and continuing to elevate the impact of its work nationally.
About the Role
An initial 12 month fixed term contract Reporting to the Director, Workforce Strategy & Insights, the Manager, Workforce Planning & Insights is a key leadership role responsible for delivering Public Skills Australia’s workforce planning and research agenda.
Leading a specialist team, you will oversee the development of Workforce Insights Reports, the organisation’s core deliverable which inform national workforce planning, policy direction and funding priorities. This includes managing end to end delivery of complex, research led work programs, ensuring outputs are well planned, well consulted and delivered to a high standard.
Alongside this, you will oversee a portfolio of targeted research projects, responding to emerging workforce challenges and industry needs. This role requires strong project management capability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain momentum and ensure key milestones are met.
Leadership is central to success in this role. You will bring structure, clarity and accountability to a capable team, ensuring consistent delivery and high quality outputs in a fast paced environment.
Externally, you will engage with a diverse stakeholder group including government, industry and unions, contributing to consultation, workshops and strategic discussions. Internally, you will work closely with the Director and executive team, supporting broader organisational priorities and future planning.
This is a highly visible role suited to someone who enjoys operating at pace, navigating complexity and contributing to work that has national impact.
About You
You are an experienced leader with a background in workforce planning, policy, research or a related field, with the ability to translate data and consultation into meaningful insights.
You have experience delivering complex, research led programs of work and are comfortable working within government or government adjacent environments. You bring strong project management capability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver quality outputs within structured timeframes.
You are a decisive leader who is confident setting expectations, holding people accountable and driving delivery, while building trust and engagement within your team. You are comfortable leading in environments where there is a need to embed structure, uplift capability and strengthen ways of working.
You bring strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to operate with credibility at a senior level. You are an effective communicator, with sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to navigate complex environments with confidence.
Above all, you are motivated by purpose led work and the opportunity to contribute to workforce outcomes at a national level.
Application Process
For a confidential discussion or to receive a copy of the Candidate Information Pack, please contact Sarah Kettlewell
on 0478 041 199 or sarah@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Public Sector People are partnering exclusively with Public Skills Australia on this retained appointment. All applications and enquiries will be managed by Public Sector People.
Role closes; 7th May 2026
Manager Workforce Planning & Insights
Manager Workforce Planning & Insights
Salary:
$150000 - 158000 / Year
Contract Type:
Permanent
Location:
VIC - Melbourne - VIC
Industry:
Professional
Reference:
0404SKE
Contact Name:
Sarah Kettlewell
Contact Email:
sarah@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Date Published:
17-Apr-2026
