HoD : Academy & CPD

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.