- Enterprise operations and financial stewardship
- Industry-led national workforce body
- Shaping Australia's vocational training system
About the organisation
Industry Skills Australia (ISA) is a Jobs and Skills Council operating within a Commonwealth-funded framework, with responsibility for workforce capability across Australia's Transport Supply Chain Industries – spanning Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Transport and Logistics, and emerging sectors including Space Transport and Omnichannel Logistics and Distribution. Industry-owned and industry-led, ISA operates at the intersection of employers, unions, governments and the national skills system. The organisation plays a direct role in informing Commonwealth decision-making, guiding public investment, and ensuring the vocational education and training system responds to current and emerging industry needs. ISA translates workforce intelligence into policy, strategy and workforce development solutions at a national scale.
About the role
Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer is accountable for enterprise performance, financial stewardship, and operational delivery across ISA. The COO will lead core corporate functions including Finance, Risk, Governance and the Project Management Office, ensuring alignment with funding agreements, government expectations and national reform priorities. The role holds significant delegated financial authority and will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting and audit compliance. The COO will also lead ISA's Enterprise Risk Management framework and provide high-quality reporting to the Board and its Audit and Risk Committee. With six direct reports, the COO translates strategic priorities into operational plans and drives continuous improvement across systems, processes and delivery frameworks.
About you
You are a senior executive with demonstrated experience leading enterprise operations in complex, government-funded or highly regulated environments. Your understanding of public sector accountability, Commonwealth funding frameworks and compliance obligations is well developed, and you have a proven record in financial stewardship across budgeting, forecasting and funding compliance. You have experience in program delivery contexts, including PMO governance and multi-stream portfolio management. Your ability to integrate and lead corporate functions (including Finance, HR, Risk and Governance) to drive organisational performance sets you apart. Relevant tertiary qualifications in Business, Finance, Management or Public Administration are essential, while postgraduate qualifications and professional credentials such as an MBA, CA, CPA or formal risk and project management certifications will be well regarded. Aligned with ISA's purpose, you are energised by the opportunity to join a newly formed senior leadership team and make a direct contribution to organisational effectiveness, strategic execution and industry impact.
How to apply
To review requirements, the Candidate Brief and more information see ISA MICROSITE then click ‘Apply Now’(top right) to submit your CV and concise cover letter. Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to SHK.
