Executive Manager: Strategy and Innovation at Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA)

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Develop a clear understanding of the CETA’s mandate and strategy and provide input based on a review of Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research related issues, trends and best practices in the market.
• Obtain strategic direction from the CEO, to support the formulation of the Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research strategy, plan and budget.
• Involved in Executive discussions and give input to the design and development of the long-term vision for the CETA.
• Engage in continuous environmental scanning and trend analysis which may directly, indirectly and/or potentially impact on the CETA.
• Study global and local trends in Construction sector.
• Participate in discussions with the CEO, Executive Management members and the Board to discuss opportunities and risks and give advice with regard to future direction.
• Develop a Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research Strategy and oversee the development of Operational Plans within all Units aligned to the CETA strategy.
• Identify trends and available new products and services and engage in discussion about integrating and adopting these into the Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research Division’s operational plan.
• Identify initiatives, processes, structures and technology that address the requirements of the operational plans.
• Obtain input from team members and relevant stakeholders to ensure all aspects are considered in the development of the plans and scorecards.
• Manage and monitor strategy implementation and adjust or amend as trends change or possible threats emerge.
• Ensure that all units in Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research are aligned to the developed operational plans.
• Ensure that all staff within the Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research division are aware of operational plans.
• Develop set performance measurement mechanisms and ensure the implementation of these through the operational plans.
• Monitor progress to ensure successful implementation of plans and achievement of targets.
• Set up meetings where relevant to discuss future improvements.
• Oversee the compilation of a policy framework within Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research Division and approve all policies before implementation.
• Ensure that the different systems and work processes in the allocated work areas are integrated and working properly.
• Attend departmental meetings, provide input to problem resolution and take steps to break down barriers that hinder progress.
• Manage the communication flow between the functions.
• Support the training of Managers, Supervisors, and staff within all systems, policies, and procedures to minimise non-conformances.
• Oversee the development and alignment of key strategic documents, including the Sector Skills Plan (SSP), Strategic Plan (SP), and Annual Performance Plan (APP).
• Lead the development of the organization's Research Agenda, defining research priorities, methodologies, timelines, and expected outcomes.
• Ensure the research agenda addresses emerging industry trends, sector-specific challenges, and organizational needs.
• Conduct and lead both internal and external research projects, ensuring data-driven insights that inform strategic decisions.
• Oversee literature reviews, desktop analyses, and data collection to support research initiatives.
• Oversee the gathering of data from internal systems and operational databases.
• Oversee the testing of data received from internal systems to confirm accuracy.
• Oversee Data Processing and Analysis.
• Oversee the distribution of reporting templates to target owners across departments, the compilation of analyzed data and insights into a draft report for submission, the submission of reports, and Oversee the tracking and reporting of quarterly APP target progress.
• Oversee the internal review of draft reports, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and completeness.
• Oversee Finalization and Approval of Quarterly Monitoring Reports (QMR/SETMIS Reports).
• Oversee participation in DHET research forum meetings to stay updated on recent developments, SSP framework changes, and expectations for SSP development.
• Oversee the collection of data on current and future labor market trends within the sector.
• Oversee the compilation of collected data and insights into a comprehensive SSP document.
• Oversee the review of the draft SSP with key stakeholders for validation and feedback.
• Oversee the receipt and review of DHET feedback on the draft SSP prior to final submission.
• Oversee the process of seeking formal approval from relevant authorities, including the CEO, Board Chairperson, and DHET Minister.
• Oversee WSP/ATR Stakeholder Workshops.
• Oversee WSP/ATR Submission Facilitation.
• Oversee the evaluation of submitted WSP & ATR to ensure alignment with submission requirements.
• Oversee the sampling and verification of WSP and ATR submissions against the MG disbursed to ensure accuracy.
• Oversee Annual Performance Plan (APP) Development.
• Oversee the development of the Organizational Scorecard to ensure alignment with the APP
•  Lead transformation initiatives, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive positive change across the organization and industry.
• Engage with industry bodies, government entities, and educational institutions to identify and address sector-specific skills gaps and workforce needs.
• Ensure that the organization’s transformation strategies align with national priorities and regulatory frameworks.
• Ensure that identified gaps from B-BBEE verification are addressed and closed.
• Lead the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) unit to track organizational performance against predetermined objectives, identifying areas for improvement.
• Develop M&E methodologies, tools, and templates for effective monitoring and reporting of strategic and operational plans.
• Ensure regular performance reporting to senior management, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Oversee the preparation of quarterly reports, ensuring compliance with organizational goals and government requirements.
• Manage the relationships and contracts with identified partners and service providers.
• Facilitate and maintain effective stakeholder and business relationships through appropriate relationship-building networking, and reporting activities.
• Represent the organisation to stakeholders, associates, and partners and maintain professional, effective, and amicable relationships to ensure that CETA’s interests are upheld
• Liaise on a regular basis with all third parties and ensure that business relationships are maintained.
• Address problems that are identified in the most appropriate manner.
• Investigate problems and find suitable solutions.
• Deal with customer queries and escalated issues from Managers and Supervisors.
• Sound planning and forecasting of capital expenditure within area of responsibility.
• Compile budget inputs in accordance with policies, procedures and legal requirements.
• Manage costs against approved budget.
• Take full responsibility for the financial resources within the area of accountability.
• Establish and implement procedures for the prioritisation of revenue critical functions.
• Constantly monitor the areas within the Strategy, Transformation, Innovation & Research Division that could create financial loss if not actioned or managed correctly.
• Manage and check that payments are made to suppliers within set requirements.
• Coordinate the procurement function within the Division and ensure compliance with all CETA Supply Chain Management policies and procedures.
• Establish and implement a comprehensive risk management framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks.
• Monitor the STIR adherence to legal, regulatory, and industry standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Stay informed on updates to regulations and ensure timely adjustments to policies and procedures.
• Lead efforts to identify potential risks, both internal and external, that could impact organizational operations and strategic objectives.
• Regularly review the effectiveness of risk controls and make necessary adjustments.
• Promote a culture of risk awareness and ethical conduct throughout the organization, encouraging proactive identification and management of risks at all levels.
• Ensure employees are trained and aware of their responsibilities regarding risk management and compliance.
• Provide transparency on compliance and risk management issues, ensuring that corrective actions are taken when necessary.
• Oversee internal and external audits to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management and compliance programs.
• Build and lead an effective and cohesive team through the effective management of divisional resources.
• Drive the implementation of talent acquisition, succession planning, development, and retention strategies for the division.
• Ensure the enhancement of relevant knowledge and skills through continuous coaching, mentoring and nurturing of talent in the business Division.
• Create a high-performance culture and manage team performance effectively by translating and communicating the annual performance goals and measures into individual work plans based on agreed upon objectives.
• Ensure the working environment contributes to improving employee engagement, recognition and increased productivity.
• Ensure the management of poor performance and disciplinary matters in line with the CETA’s policies and procedures.

Minimum Job Inherent Requirements:

• Honours Degree (NQF 8) in Business Administration, Strategic Management Studies or Equivalent
• 10 years minimum experience of which 5 years at Senior management level