Job Ref #: CETA-EMSI: 009/2026
Industry: Education and Training
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

Purpose statement:

The Executive Manager: Strategy and Innovation provides strategic leadership in developing and executing the organization's research agenda, transformation initiatives, and innovation strategies. This role is responsible for aligning research and planning activities with emerging industry trends, sector challenges, and organizational goals to inform data-driven decision-making. The Executive Manager oversees the organization's Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework, ensuring the effective tracking of performance against strategic objectives and the timely reporting of progress to internal and external stakeholders.

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.

COMPETENCIES: 

1. Core Competencies: 

• Agility
• Result-Orientated
• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Stakeholder Management

2.  Leadership Competencies:

• Accountability
• Strategic Management
• Financial Management
• People Management
• Risk and Compliance Management
• Change Management

3. Technical Competencies:

• Information Literacy
• Literature Review
• Research Agenda Development
• Sector Analysis
• Skills Demand Forecasting
• Strategic Planning

4. Enabling Competencies:

• Critical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Goal Setting
• Empathy
• Adaptability

Job Requirements

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

Remuneration and Benefits:

The remuneration package will be aligned to the approved CETA executive remuneration framework and applicable conditions of service.

This appointment is a fixed-term contract not exceeding 5 (five) years and is directly linked to the term of office of the CETA Accounting Authority, subject to satisfactory performance and the policies of the CETA.

PLEASE NOTE:

Shortlisted candidates will be subject to pre-employment verifications and security vetting.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo professional competency assessments.

The appointed candidate will be required to disclose his/her financial interests.

Interested applicants should send an application letter with the vacancy/position title and reference number, together with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic qualifications and names of three contactable referees via the CETA website www.ceta.org.za

Please note the following contact details are for enquiries about JOB CONTENT ONLY and NOT for application purposes.

Enquiries: Be submitted by e-mail to molebogengt@ceta.co.za not later than 2 days before closing date.   

CETA will not consider any late applications.

The CETA reserves the right to cancel this advert, and / or not to appoint. CETA will only correspond with short-listed candidates. If you do not receive correspondence from CETA within 4 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

All international qualifications must be submitted with a valid SAQA accreditation, failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification.

Closing date: 8 June 2026 at 23h59

“CETA is an equal opportunity employer. In the filling of vacant posts, the objectives of section 195 (1) (i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No: 108 of 1996) the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No: 55 of 1998) and relevant Human Resources policies of CETA will be taken into consideration. Coloured, White, Indians and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Targets.”