The Queensland Water Directorate (qldwater) is seeking a highly motivated Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor (ISJA) Project Manager to lead workforce development initiatives for Queensland’s urban water sector.

This role sits within the Queensland Government’s Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024–2028, supporting a high-performing training system that responds to industry needs. The ISJA program positions industry as a key voice in shaping vocational education and training (VET), workforce planning, and skills investment priorities.

As the ISJA Project Manager, you will play a critical leadership role providing evidence-based advice to the Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET), ensuring the water sector is equipped with the skilled workforce needed now and into the future. The role is full time and contracted until 31 December 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder engagement across the urban water sector, building strong partnerships with water service providers, councils, and industry stakeholders
• Design, establish and manage workforce development projects aligned with government priorities and sector needs
• Drive collaboration between industry and government to inform training initiatives and annual training priorities
• Develop and implement innovative workforce and skills strategies that address current and emerging industry challenges
• Provide high-level, evidence-based advice to DTET and other stakeholders on workforce trends, skills gaps and training solutions
• Lead project planning, delivery, budgeting, monitoring and reporting to meet program outcomes under the ISJA Services Agreement 2025–2027
• Analyse labour market data and industry intelligence to produce strategic insights and recommendations
• Prepare high-quality submissions, reports and briefing materials on workforce and skills development matters

About you

You are a strategic thinker and strong communicator with experience working at the intersection of industry, government and workforce development. You bring:

• Demonstrated experience in project management, ideally in workforce, skills or industry development
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships
• Experience analysing workforce data and translating insights into practical strategies
• Excellent written communication skills, including preparation of reports, submissions and strategic advice
• Understanding of vocational education and training (VET) systems and workforce policy (desirable)
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly build understanding of, the urban water sector

About qldwater

qldwater is the peak body representing Queensland’s urban water industry, supporting members through collaboration, advocacy, and sector development initiatives. We are committed to building a skilled, sustainable workforce that supports thriving communities across Queensland.

Why join us?

• Lead meaningful, statewide workforce initiatives
• Work closely with industry leaders and government decision-makers
• Contribute to long-term workforce sustainability in an essential service sector
• Be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation