Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Policy
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/082449B
Policy Manager
The Role
The Policy Manager plays a key leadership role in the Strategy & National Reform Unit, shaping Victoria's contribution to national skills reform and leading the development of strategic policy for a responsive, integrated and future-focused vocational education and training (VET) system. Reporting to the Manager, Policy in the National Reform team, the role leads a team responsible for developing high-quality policy advice, coordinating cross-government input into national forums and supporting major reform initiatives. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, including the Commonwealth, other jurisdictions and sector partners, the Policy Manager ensures Victoria's priorities are well represented in national negotiations. The role requires strong policy expertise, strategic thinking and influential communication to navigate complex policy environments and deliver reforms that improve outcomes for learners, providers and industry.
Main accountabilities
The Team
The position of Policy Manager forms part of the Policy and Strategy Branch within the Skills and TAFE Group.
The Branch leads system and strategic policy settings for Victoria's VET system, monitoring performance and trends, managing financial oversight and coordinating portfolio strategy through Cabinet and budget processes. It works closely with the Commonwealth, other jurisdictions, universities and sector stakeholders to influence national reform across tertiary education and deliver coordinated, high-quality policy advice across the Skills and TAFE portfolio.
About You
You are an experienced policy leader with strong strategic and analytical skills and a deep understanding of the VET landscape. You bring experience working in complex, cross-jurisdictional environments and can lead high-priority workstreams while managing and supporting others to perform at their best. You communicate with influence, build trusted relationships with senior leaders and stakeholders, and foster collaboration across organisations. You are adaptable, forward-looking and motivated to deliver impactful policy solutions that support a future-ready training system.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Harley Flynn, Manager, Policy at [email protected].
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 th e 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 [email protected] 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 11 January 2026.