Department Manager - Community Regional and Metro

At Bendigo Kangan Institute we change lives through the power of education and skills. BKI brings together Bendigo TAFE, Kangan Institute, VETASSESS and eWorks, to connect people and industries with the transformative power of education and careers. We deliver future-ready skills, training, and assessment solutions, as well as lifelong learning opportunities. Our vision is to become Australia’s leading skills provider. If you are passionate about joining an agile and forward-thinking organisation that fosters innovation or thrive on being part of an inclusive and united team that puts the customer first, please read on.

Location: Broadmeadows or Essendon Campus - travel required to Bendigo
Role Type: Full-time, ongoing
Remuneration: $147,802.69 salary plus 12% superannuation

About us:

Bendigo Kangan Institute is one of Victoria's largest TAFE providers. We offer state-of-the-art training centres providing a wide range of courses in a variety of fields. We foster a culture that is customer-centric, works together and focuses on achieving our best in a healthy and supportive environment. If you are passionate about putting the customer first, thrive on being part of an inclusive and united team, please read the detailed position description document to understand our values and focus.

We are proud to work, teach and study on the ancestral lands of the Djaara people of Dja Dja Wurrung, the Wurundjeri-Woi Wurrung people, the people of the Yorta Yorta Nation, and the Gunaikurnai People.  Many of our roles work with and support staff and students across both Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE campuses.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects and represents the vibrant and diverse communities where we work, teach and study. We welcome First Nations people, people of all genders, ages, cultures, religions, disabilities, sexual orientations, family structures and those with caring responsibilities. Our culture celebrates diversity and prioritises wellbeing and belonging, ensuring our people can thrive.

About The Role:

The Department Manager – Community (Regional & Metro) plays a critical leadership role in shaping and delivering Bendigo Kangan Institute’s community education portfolio across metro and regional Victoria.

Reporting into the Director of Health & Community Centre of Excellence, this role is responsible for leading the delivery and continuous improvement of a diverse portfolio that includes community services, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, justice‑aligned programs, and associated community‑based education, including current workplace‑based activity where scale requires.

The role is metro‑based, with a regular presence across our Broadmeadows and Bendigo campuses, and will require ongoing travel to support staff, operations and stakeholder engagement across locations. A key focus of the role is balancing strong local leadership presence with a connected, consistent approach across sites.

You will lead and develop a team of committed professionals, supporting them to achieve performance targets while maintaining compliance with legislative, regulatory and BKI quality standards. Working closely with internal partners and industry stakeholders, you will ensure programs remain relevant, responsive to community and industry needs, and aligned to BKI’s strategic direction.

This role has been created as part of a strategic portfolio realignment, reflecting the growth and complexity of the community education area and BKI’s commitment to strong, visible leadership.

We are excited about you because you have:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in one or more of the following areas: community services, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, justice, health or related community‑based sectors.
• Proven capability leading, engaging and developing multi‑disciplinary teams to achieve operational and strategic outcomes.
• A strong understanding of the Australian vocational and education governance environment, including regulatory, quality and compliance obligations (e.g. ASQA, VRQA or equivalent).
• The ability to translate strategic objectives into clear, practical and measurable operational plans.
• Sound commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, resources and performance outcomes.
• A track record of delivering results across complex portfolios with multiple stakeholders and delivery modes.
• Highly developed relationship‑building and influencing skills, with the ability to partner effectively across internal teams and industry.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage across large groups and manage sensitive matters thoughtfully.
• Strong problem‑solving capability, underpinned by critical thinking and a proactive, accountable leadership approach.
• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence and the capacity to travel regularly between BKI campuses and workplaces.

We can offer you:

• Attractive work-life balance and flexible work options
• Professional development programs
• Fitness Passport Program with exclusive access for you and your family to 230+ locations Australia wide
• Counselling support (EAP) and Health & Wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
• Meaningful work that drives positive social impact
• The opportunity to build a career in a world leading vocational education and training sector, with diverse and emerging career opportunities across Australia.

Application support:

• If you have any access requirements to fully participate in the recruitment process, please contact careers@kangan.edu.au

If this sounds like the role for you, please click 'Apply for this job/Apply now'. We would love to hear from you.

Applications close on Sunday 21st June 2026

Only applications from candidates with valid working rights will be considered. We are a child safe and equal opportunity employer and therefore the successful candidate will be required to hold a current Working with Children check clearance and Police Check.

Bendigo Kangan Institute acknowledges that their campuses are located on the ancestral lands of the Djaara people of Dja Dja Wurrung, Wurundjeri Peoples of the Kulin Nations, Yorta Yorta Nations and the Gunaikurnai people. The Institute respects their Elders past present and emerging and cultural heritage, and we recognize their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.

NOTE: Bendigo Kangan Institute reserves the right to withdraw this advertised position at any stage.