Senior Program Manager, Talent Initiatives

• Salary: $138,631 to $185,518 (Plus Superannuation)
• Fixed term role (up to 2 years)
• Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
• Usual work location: 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne (flexibility may be available)

The Role

Reporting to the Director, Talent Initiatives in the Industry Development, Construction, Manufacturing and Talent Branch, the Senior Program Manager will manage a small team in a dynamic and flexible environment that encourages pursuing good ideas from the conceptual policy stage through to program implementation.

Main accountabilities:

• Lead the Skills Solution Partnerships program and support delivery of the Digital Jobs and AI Career Conversion programs, ensuring successful program delivery and contract management in accordance with relevant DJSIR frameworks, standards, governance and procurement processes.
• Contribute to the development of industry skills policy, providing advice to senior executives on industry intelligence, opportunities and risks. 
• Engage with key stakeholders including industry, business and community stakeholders and State and Commonwealth Government agencies to support program delivery and policy projects. 
• Prepare and present high-quality complex reports, marketing strategies/collateral, briefings and correspondence for industry stakeholders and senior decision makers.  

The Team

The position of Senior Program Manager, Talent Initiatives forms a part of the Industry Development, Construction, Manufacturing and Talent branch within the Industry, Trade and Investment group.

The Industry, Trade and Investment group works closely with businesses, locally and globally, to grow Victorian jobs, drive innovation and increase Victoria's international competitiveness. The Industry Development, Construction, Manufacturing and Talent branch develops policies and delivers programs that drive sustainable economic growth and workforce inclusion, leading to higher living standards for all Victorians

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have the following skills and experience:

• Program and Contractor Management: Demonstrated experience in successfully managing teams and contractors to develop and deliver complex industry/skills development programs on time and to budget, drive continuous improvement and manage risks in a government setting.
• Policy Development: Highly developed analytical and conceptual skills, including demonstrated ability to develop strategies and frameworks and to analyse emerging issues and trends relevant to workforce and skills needs of Victorian industry.
• People Leadership: Proven leadership skills, with an emphasis on the development of staff and fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

Further Information

For a confidential discussion, please contact Elise Coughlin, Director, Talent Initiatives on 0429347848 / elise.coughlin@ecodev.vic.gov.au.

The Department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

Please note: We are committed to inclusive recruitment. If you require an adjustment to participate in any stage of the recruitment process or have a particular requirement to be communicated with by either telephone or email only, please notify the DJSIR Talent Acquisition Team on 0472 875 685, or via email at recruitment@ecodev.vic.gov.au with the position number in the subject line.

How to Apply

Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.

Applications close at 23:59pm on 3 May 2026.