Full Time (38 hours per week)

Ongoing position

Attractive remuneration of $164k per annum + super Based at Warragul, Yallourn or Bairnsdale (negotiable) Travel across Campuses is a requirement of the role

Opportunity to join TAFE Gippsland’s Leadership team

Job Reference No. 2696 About the role

As the Head of Department Food & Fibre, Forestry & Maritime, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of teaching departments, including Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Sciences, Forestry and Maritime. Working closely with Program Managers, Managers, teaching teams and industry partners, you'll drive educational performance, innovation, growth and continuous improvement across the portfolio. You'll build strong industry and stakeholder partnerships, identify business development opportunities and ensure programs respond to emerging workforce needs while achieving enrolment, training delivery and revenue targets.

As a member of the Educational Delivery leadership team, you'll contribute to Institute-wide strategic planning and decision-making while ensuring your portfolio meets its contractual, regulatory and funding obligations. You'll also play a key role in developing leadership capability, coaching managers and creating a culture where staff are engaged, empowered and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes. This is an opportunity to Lead the future direction of vocational education across Gippsland, ensuring programs are high-quality, industry-responsive and aligned with the evolving needs of learners, employers and the broader community.

About you

You're an experienced educational leader who understands the VET sector and is passionate about delivering high-quality training that makes a difference to learners, industry and the Gippsland community. You bring strong strategic and commercial thinking, combined with the ability to build relationships, lead change and translate workforce and industry needs into effective educational programs. You'll be someone who: Has proven leadership and management experience within an educational environment,



with a strong understanding of the VET sector and regional workforce needs.

Has experience leading the development and continuous improvement of teaching and learning programs that respond to learner, industry and funding needs.

Builds strong and productive relationships with industry, employers, government, education providers and other key stakeholders.

Has demonstrated commercial and business development capability, including experience identifying opportunities for growth and developing sustainable revenue streams.

Understands compliance and ASQA requirements and can ensure educational delivery meets contractual, regulatory and funding obligations.

Brings strong strategic thinking, sound judgement and initiative, with the ability to lead effectively in a complex operating environment.

Is an excellent communicator and influencer, with the ability to negotiate, build partnerships and bring people with you through change.

Has experience preparing and monitoring budgets and using data and insights to inform planning and decision-making.

Is an experienced people leader who enjoys coaching and developing managers and teaching teams to build capability and high performance.

Holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122 or equivalent), an adult education qualification at AQF5 level or above, and relevant tertiary qualifications and experience. Benefits

Employment with a progressive employer

Attractive salary, benefits and conditions

Novated Leasing and Salary Packaging

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities A outstanding culture and supportive team environment

Access to Health and Employee Wellbeing Programs

Access to in-house Staff Learning Hub

Inclusive and supportive workplace culture

Subsidised fitness program





Staff recognition and reward programs Mandatory requirements

Current Victorian Working with Children Clearance

Current Police Check (not older than 12 months old)

Current Driver’s Licence A 6-month probationary period applies to this role

Travel is a requirement of the role About us For over 95 years, TAFE Gippsland has been at the forefront of vocational education and training, proudly serving the Gippsland community. As the winner of the TAFE Large Training Provider of the Year award in 2023, TAFE Gippsland stands out as a leader in empowering local students and supporting regional businesses. With a commitment to excellence, we offer a diverse range of programs, including pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, accredited short courses, certificates, and diplomas. Our team of over 500 dedicated staff, spread across 13 campuses, works closely with industry partners to deliver tailored workplace training. This approach not only helps upskill the regional workforce but also drives the success of local businesses, reinforcing our vision of supporting a Skilled and Thriving Gippsland.

How to apply To apply for this position please visit the TAFE Gippsland website. Applications are to be submitted online and must include; a current resume; and responses to the key selection criteria (mandatory) For specific enquiries relating to this position, please contact Vanessa Marsh, Interim Director Educational Delivery on 0407 057 583. For assistance with the online application process, please contact Shona Hoggard, Senior People and Culture Advisor on 03 51 204 540. Applications close 2.00pm on Friday 28 August 2026. TAFE Gippsland is a Child Safe Organisation and equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion in our workforce and encourage people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply for our vacancies. TAFE Gippsland is committed to fair and equitable recruitment and employment processes based on merit, competence and potential. If you would like assistance with your resume and cover letter, please contact the Gippsland Skills and Jobs Centre on 1300 282 317.

📌 Head of Department Food & Fibre, Forestry & Maritime (Warragul)
🏢 TAFE Gippsland
📍 Warragul