General Manager Educion

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Surf Life Saving South Australia (SLSSA) is the peak organisation for surf life saving in South Australia and is affiliated with Surf Life Saving Australia. SLSSA is responsible for the governance, development, promotion, and administration of surf life saving across the state, servicing over 9,000 members across 23 clubs.

In 2025, SLSSA undertook a structural realignment to support the delivery of its Strategic Plan. This new structure groups like functions under General Managers to promote collaboration, strengthen leadership, and enhance strategic delivery across the organisation.

POSITION SCOPE:

The General Managers Education & Training is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and holds strategic responsibility for the management, development and success of SLSSA's education and training portfolio, including both member-based training and commercial training.

The role provides strategic and operational leadership across all areas of education and training delivery, including volunteer development, commercial programs, and compliance as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). The General Manager Education & Training is responsible for ensuring high-quality, integrated training services that build SLSSA's internal capability, enhance community safety, and support the organisation's financial sustainability.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The General Manager Education and Training key responsibility areas include;

Strategic Leadership of Education & Training:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership for SLSSA's education portfolio, spanning both commercial and member-based training.

• Align all education and training programs with SLSSA's Strategic Plan and the national Surf Life Saving education framework.

• Champion innovation in training delivery models, assessment quality, and learner experience across all education channels.

• Ensure education and training contribute significantly to SLSSA's mission of reducing preventable drownings and building community resilience.

Commercial Training Growth & Development:

• Lead the strategic growth and diversification of SLSSA's commercial training programs.

• Oversee the development of high-quality, market-responsive products and services that meet industry, community, and client needs.

• Ensure commercial training meets performance targets across financial sustainability, quality, compliance, and stakeholder value.

• Identify and pursue strategic partnerships and business opportunities that expand SLSSA's education footprint.

Member Training & Lifesaving Capability:

• Lead the design and implementation of member training systems that drive engagement, flexibility, and increased award completion.

• Ensure equity of access and consistency of training quality across the club network, including regional and remote areas.

• Support club trainers, assessors, and volunteers through resources, mentoring, and system enhancements.

• Represent SLSSA at state and national levels to influence member education policy and practice

Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Governance:

• Ensure SLSSA maintains a high-performing, compliant and contemporary RTO in line with ASQA and VET sector expectations.

• Lead all RTO compliance, audit, and reporting obligations, including the management of third-party delivery and auspicing arrangements.

• Drive continuous improvement in educational practice, systems, and reporting across both commercial and volunteer streams.

• Provide executive advice and internal support on the regulatory and quality assurance requirements of RTO operations.

Stakeholder & Sector Engagement:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government agencies, partner organisations, industry bodies, and funders to strengthen SLSSA's position as a leading training provider.

• Collaborate with Surf Life Saving bodies across Australia to contribute to national training strategy, innovation, and alignment.

• Lead SLSSA's support to other jurisdictions (e.g. NT, Tasmania) in advancing their education and training capability.

Data, Reporting & Technology:

• Champion the use of data and digital systems to improve decision-making, learner outcomes, and business intelligence.

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of training data to inform strategy, compliance, and performance metrics.

• Ensure that technologies used for training delivery and administration are modern, integrated, and support both user and organisational needs.

Organisational Contribution & Team Performance:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing education and training team committed to excellence, service, and innovation.

• Contribute actively to SLSSA's Executive Leadership Team, promoting cross-functional collaboration and shared accountability.

• Support the preparation of relevant applications, acquittals, reports, and strategic submissions.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and positive performance across all teams.

• Model SLSSA values and leadership behaviours that reinforce a high-performing, motivated, and cohesive workforce.

• Perform other duties aligned with the scope and purpose of the role, as directed by the CEO.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in training, education, or learning and development, preferably within a complex or multi-stakeholder environment.

• Sound working knowledge of the VET Quality Framework and relevant regulatory obligations, with the capability to serve as the nominated senior executive of an RTO.

• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and drive growth, quality, and innovation in training programs and service delivery.

• Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder and communication skills, including the ability to present, influence and build relationships across diverse audiences.

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116 or equivalent), or willingness to obtain if not already held.

• Tertiary qualifications in education, training, business or related fields (desirable).

• Experience working in or with member-based organisations, not-for-profits, or the Surf Life Saving movement (desirable).

HOURS OF WORK

The position is full-time and the nature of the role requires some out of hours and weekend work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The successful applicant will be required to understand and comply with SLSSA's and SLSA's Child Safe Policies and practices. They will also need to satisfy the requirements of a Working with Children's Check and National Police Check and have a current driver's license. There may be further requirements for the successful applicant to be trained and educated in other relevant areas to ensure the appropriate leadership and skills.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the full position description, available at www.surflifesavingsa.com.au/careers

To apply for this exciting role, please forward a copy of your resume and covering letter in a single PDF, to: [emailprotected]

Brief enquiries may be made to Damien Marangon on 08 8354 6900 .

Please note that applications received via Seek will not be considered.

Applications close 12:00pm Wednesday 3 September 2025 .

Salary match Number of applicants Skills match

Your application will include the following questions:Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia? How many years' experience do you have as an Education Manager? Do you have a current Australian driver's licence? Do you have a current Working With Children (WWC) Check?

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