Job Description

HoD: Academy & CPD
Location: Group Head Office (Johannesburg)
Type: Permanent - Department Head
Lead an accredited learning portfolio.
Build capability that moves organisations forward.
About the Role
You'll lead the Academy & Continuing Professional Development (CPD) function, owning strategy, operations, and quality across a full training services portfolio. The mandate spans programme design, accreditation, client delivery, revenue growth, and governance--balancing compliance with innovation to deliver measurable skills uplift.
You will shape market-ready learning offerings (credit-bearing and non-credit), drive accreditation with QCTO/SETAs and professional bodies, and tailor solutions for enterprise clients. The role requires confident stakeholder leadership, financial oversight, and a strong client-service ethic grounded in South African skills development legislation.
Who the Client Is
This opportunity is with a well-established human capital group that partners with leading corporates and public institutions across South Africa. The organisation is known for high-standards in accreditation, a client-centric culture, and a growing training services portfolio connected to broader consulting solutions.
What You'll Do
Lead end-to-end accreditation (QCTO, SETAs, professional bodies): submissions, internal readiness, audit liaison, renewals.
Design and continuously improve training materials, assessments, and delivery resources aligned to standards and client needs.
Customise content and delivery for sector-specific requirements; embed feedback loops for relevance and impact.
Govern compliance with skills development legislation; update policies, procedures, and quality frameworks.
Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with consulting, sales, and operations to integrate learning into broader solutions.
Own client relationships: scope, propose, present, and troubleshoot to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
Build and manage a certified freelance trainer community; onboard, coach, and assure delivery quality.
Manage project financials: budgeting, pricing input, profitability, billing and reporting.
Support business development: solutioning, proposals, and negotiations to grow the portfolio.
What You Bring
8+ years in Training & Development, including accreditation and materials design; 5+ years in a senior/matrixed role.
Strong knowledge of SA skills development legislation and accreditation processes (QCTO/SETAs).
Project leadership with proven financial acumen (budgeting, margin management, reporting).
Stakeholder management across regulators, clients, and internal teams; excellent communication.
Relevant Honours degree; MBA advantageous; professional registrations/certifications a plus.
Personal attributes: innovative mindset, resilience, client focus, data-driven decision-making, and effective negotiation.
What Success Looks Like
Accreditation excellence: clean audits, on-time renewals, compliant records.
Learning impact: measurable outcomes, strong learner satisfaction, and programme relevance by sector.
Commercial performance: portfolio growth, healthy margins, accurate forecasting, and disciplined invoicing/cashflow.
Client advocacy: repeat engagements, positive feedback, and case-study-worthy results.
Operational rhythm: clear processes, quality documentation, and a reliable trainer bench ready for demand spikes.
Rewards & Challenges
You'll enjoy a visible leadership platform and the opportunity to build a scalable Academy engine. Expect complexity--tight accreditation timelines, evolving standards, and diverse client needs--requiring calm prioritisation, rigorous quality control, and a hands-on approach.

Skills Required