About the Division
The Department of Education's Quality Assessment and Regulation Division (QARD) is the Regulatory Authority for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services operating in Victoria.
We are responsible for the licensing and regulation of approximately 5,000 education and care services operating across the State.
We apply risk-based approaches to monitor and enforce compliance with regulations ensuring the safety, health and wellbeing of children and the delivery of high-quality services.
About the Branch
The Regulatory Strategy, Services and Compliance Branch (RSSC) has a range of responsibilities including providing expert regulatory advice and strategic leadership, licensing education and care service premises, conducting fitness and propriety assessments of individuals and managing complex compliance and statutory enforcement matters.
The RSSC Branch comprises three business units:
* Service Administration and Support Unit (SASU) – licenses early childhood education and care service providers and services including assessments of fitness and priority and administers existing service licences.
Also provides a first point of contact for regulatory enquiries.
* Monitoring and Compliance Unit – leads and provides advice on strategic compliance, supports the development operational policy, promotes implementation of best regulatory practice.
The unit also manages and provides advice on serious non-compliance and enforcement matters and is responsible for engagement and information sharing with co-regulators.
* Joint Compliance and Monitoring Program – undertakes targeted risk-based compliance projects and collaborates with co-regulators on joint compliance and investigations.
About the Role
The Manager, SASU will:
* Lead and manage SASU, providing strategic oversight of regulatory licensing and business support functions under the Education and Care Services National Law Act and Children's Services Act.
* Implement and maintain a best practice regulatory licensing function that ensures rigorous scrutiny is applied to the Regulatory Authority's licencing assessment processes.
* Lead the development, monitoring and continuous improvement of business processes, performance reporting systems and data-driven insights that strengthen regulatory accountability.
* Establish, maintain and improve state-wide advice and enquiry services (telephone and email) that provide high quality, timely and reliable guidance and support to the ECEC sector.
* Implement and maintain robust risk and compliance frameworks that support proactive risk mitigation, integrity and transparency in regulatory practice.
* Engage and work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver preferred licensing outcomes including effectively representing the Regulatory Authority with co-regulators on licensing matters.
* Manage and develop people by setting clear expectations, monitoring performance and providing regular feedback and recognition.
* Build team capability by empowering staff, creating learning opportunities, and supporting career development to foster engagement and high performance.
* Provide high-level leadership, guidance and support to staff, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture aligned with the division's values and goals.
* Contribute to the leadership of RSSC, promoting collaboration, consistency and innovation across regulatory operations.
Attributes
Providing leadership in a very high-volume regulatory licensing environment, the Manager, SASU is a strategic and people-centred leader who demonstrates integrity, accountability and a commitment to delivering effective regulatory outcomes.
They bring extensive experience in licensing and compliance within a complex regulatory environment and apply sound judgement, strategic foresight and operational excellence to achieve outcomes that promote the safety, health and wellbeing of Victorian children.
They hold themselves and their team accountable to public sector values and performance standards, fostering an environment where people feel engaged, recognised and supported to perform at their best.
The incumbent empowers others through clear direction, effective delegation and a focus on professional growth and continuous learning.
Collaborative, adaptive and outcomes-driven, the Manager builds trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders and drives a culture of integrity, transparency and continuous improvement across the division's regulatory functions.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience Relevant tertiary qualification and/or extensive experience in a regulatory related discipline would be highly regarded.
A Valid Working with Children's Check is essential.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience and suitability to the role.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at .
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Robert Wright – Director, RSSC by phone on **********
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks.
Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g. large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 07 December ****.