Program Manager, Early Childhood Facilities

The Program Manager, Early Childhood Facilities is responsible for leading an infrastructure program across all government Early Childhood Facilities, including planning, implementing and evaluating an audit and program of minor works projects at Early Childhood Facilities and managing a team of Project Coordinators.  The position plays a vital role in ensuring Early Childhood Facilities can accommodate 3-year-old children in age-appropriate facilities from 2026 in line with the government's direction on the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.

As a senior member of the Asset Strategy and Performance team the position works with business units within the department and ensures any works are coordinated with other infrastructure works.

The role also represents the Asset Strategy and Performance team in liaison and collaboration with site leaders, education directors and senior management, and actively manages relationships with external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Lead and manage the planning, delivery and evaluation of programs and services that deliver infrastructure audits and the analysis of results for all government Early Childhood Facilities.
• Formulate the design, scope and estimated costs and lead the delivery of minor works programs at Early Childhood Facilities in line with the government's direction on 3-year-old preschool.
• Lead and coordinate the research, advice and reporting relating to the program of work to senior management and departmental stakeholders.
• Lead and manage the identification, mitigation and management of complex issues and risks and ensure the program of works align with the Department's Strategic Asset Management Framework policy and strategy.
• Provide a range of specialised operational advice and guidance to the Manager and the agency to inform high level strategic planning and operational efficiency in the resolution of complex or sensitive issues.

To be successful in the role you will demonstrate

• Leadership: Proven ability to provide quality and motivational leadership to a team   while effectively developing people to manage high volumes of work to meet performance targets and critical deadlines, manage complex problems and human, financial and physical resources to meet performance outcomes.
• Project management: Significant experience leading and managing the planning, development and delivery of significant and/or complex projects and programs in alignment with relevant government policy, processes and guidelines and consideration of the organisation impact and service delivery obligations.
• High level written and verbal communication: Demonstrate highly developed interpersonal, written and communication skills including experience in developing and maintaining effective networks, liaising and negotiating with a diverse range of stakeholders and service providers and providing timely, accurate written and verbal advice to Senior Management, Minister, internal and external stakeholders on building works, asset management and asset maintenance issues.
• Autonomy and analysis: Demonstrated ability to work independently, under broad direction, exercise significant delegated authority and independent judgement in determining methodologies and managing priorities, timelines and financial resources to meet broad performance outcomes.
• Strategic engagement: Significant experience in identifying customer needs, managing operations and organisational demands, and monitoring interagency compliance and legislative requirements within a demanding, politically sensitive environment.
• Discipline knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of project management principles, including the procurement and tendering of construction projects and detailed knowledge of related government policy and agency procedures and practices including the Across Government Facilities Management Arrangements (AGFMA).

Essential: Nil
Desirable: Relevant appropriate tertiary qualification or extensive knowledge and experience in facilities and asset management /maintenance fields.

A detailed understanding of the early years sector and knowledge of the National Quality Framework and associated legislative requirements as they relate to Early Childhood educational infrastructure.

Special Conditions

• Based at the Education Support Hub, 8 Milner Street Hindmarsh SA 5007
• You will need a current driver's licence and be willing to drive
• You may be asked to work out of hours
• You may need to travel within or outside South Australia
• You need to achieve mutually agreed performance goals
• The successful applicant is also required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry.
• You must do Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect  - Education and Care training
• You must be an Australian resident or provide evidence you have a current work permit

Application Instructions:
Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.

For further information and details on how to apply for this vacancy, please go to iworkfor.sa.gov.au and search for vacancy number 593980.

Applicants are required to submit a CV, the Application Cover Sheet, Employment Declaration, and a cover letter addressing the key competencies in the attached position description.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional Note:
This is a full-time contract role (1.0 FTE), 3-year contract

Applications close: 27/05/2024 11:00 PM