Coega Development Corporation (CDC) Unit Head: Technical Skills Development Centre Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is seeking a Unit Head for its Technical Skills Development Centre in Gqeberha. This permanent role is crucial for driving innovation and operational excellence within the centre. The successful candidate will be responsible for diversifying training offerings, actively securing external grants, and generating revenue to maximise programme impact.

This position plays a vital role in leveraging CDC's market positioning to expand the scope of the Skills Development Centre (SDC). The Unit Head will integrate SDC activities with broader strategic imperatives, including SMME development and the Coega Development Foundation (CDF), while ensuring the highest quality of skills provision and continuous growth aligned with national education frameworks and corporate objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• A Degree (NQF 7) in Human Resources, Social Sciences, Education, or any related field.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic input for SDC sustainability, capacity utilisation, and business growth.
• Design and diversify training programmes to align with the CDC mandate, B-BBEE objectives, and the South African Human Resources Development Strategy.
• Attract new business, clients, and revenue streams to the SDC by leveraging CDC’s strategic positioning and networks.
• Identify, prepare proposals for, and secure external grants and funding to support training initiatives.
• Expand the operational scope of the SDC to integrate with strategic CDC areas like the Coega Development Foundation (CDF) and SMME development.
• Research global and local training trends to benchmark operations and innovate SDC’s offerings.
• Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, private entities, and public sector partners to attract business and co-develop customised training programmes.
• Implement stakeholder management strategies to grow and retain training programmes, supporting revenue generation and socio-economic impact.
• Extend and maintain the SDC's accreditations with applicable ETQA bodies, ensuring compliance and quality provision.
• Evaluate and manage training performance metrics, implementing remedial action to achieve targets.
• Oversee the upkeep of training facilities and equipment.
• Develop, implement, and enhance training policies, standard operating procedures, and risk management strategies.
• Establish and maintain systems for collecting, analysing, and interpreting performance data for operational improvement.
• Manage the evaluation and review of learning materials, ensuring a learner-centred approach.
• Ensure health and safety (SHEQ) compliance and manage procurement processes across the SDC.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and coaching to SDC staff to increase operational effectiveness and quality output.
• Design and implement performance frameworks and talent development initiatives within the SDC.

What the Work Involves

As the Unit Head, you will be based in Gqeberha, overseeing the strategic direction and daily operations of the Technical Skills Development Centre. Your work will involve a strong focus on both innovation and operational efficiency, requiring you to constantly seek new opportunities for growth and funding. You will lead a team, providing guidance and fostering a collaborative environment, while also engaging directly with various stakeholders, from local businesses to public sector partners, to forge alliances and ensure training programmes meet market demands.

You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of training programmes, from design and diversification to accreditation and performance monitoring. This includes developing proposals for grants, managing budgets related to training initiatives, and ensuring the upkeep of facilities and equipment. Your role will blend strategic planning at an organisational level with hands-on operational management, all while maintaining rigorous quality assurance and compliance with industry standards and health and safety regulations.

How to Apply

Please send your application via email to:

recruitment@coega.co.za

The deadline for applications is September 14, 2026.