- National workforce strategy and industry leadership
- Industry led Jobs and Skills Council
- Shaping Australia’s maritime skills and capability 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 with six direct reports, the Executive Director – Maritime provides national strategic leadership across workforce planning, industry engagement and sector strategy for Australia's maritime industry. A central responsibility is transitioning the maritime portfolio from a training product focus to a strategic, system-level function – translating labour market data, industry intelligence and sector insight into workforce strategies that inform government policy, investment and skills reform. The Executive Director will represent ISA in national policy forums, advisory groups and industry consultations, building and maintaining senior relationships with maritime operators, regulators, unions and peak bodies. The role also carries accountability for the stewardship of maritime program funding, including financial governance, forecasting accuracy and delivery of government-funded initiatives within ISA's governance and PMO frameworks.
About you
You bring extensive senior leadership experience in maritime, shipping, ports or broader logistics sectors, with a strong understanding of maritime regulatory frameworks, workforce capability requirements and safety environments. Your ability to engage and influence at senior levels – across industry, government and regulatory bodies – is matched by your capability to translate complex labour market data into clear, actionable strategy and policy advice. You have managed program budgets and delivered government-funded initiatives, and you are comfortable operating within high-accountability, performance-driven environments. A tertiary qualification in Maritime, Logistics, Business, Public Policy or a related discipline is preferred, while relevant maritime or transport certifications and postgraduate study in Strategy, Economics or Infrastructure are highly 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.
