Department of State Development

Job reference:

Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to everyone

About us:

The Department of State Development is working to shape South Australia's future by driving economic growth. Our role is to ensure that South Australia capitalises on the opportunities before us, to ensure that we are well-positioned to take advantage of the state's significant economic opportunities.

As a newly created agency in 2024, we continue to drive our state forward and we want you to join us on this journey. Working at DSD will provide you with an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of some of the government's major economic initiatives, and importantly, make a lasting positive difference and contribute to the prosperity of our state.

We take pride in being an employer of choice and providing a work environment that is vibrant and rewarding for people of all levels.

Help us shape our state's economic future and position South Australia on the national and global stage.

For more information about our agency, please visit:

Department of State Development | statedevelopment.sa.gov.au

About the role:

The Manager, Strategic Client Development leads a team that is responsible for the development, preparation and review of investment ready and trade proposals and business cases, having regard for relevance as they apply to the State's priority international markets and globally competitive capabilities.

The Manager, Strategic Client Development works closely with the Sector Directors, Business Development Managers in Invest SA and the Managers within Investment Support directorate to present complex and sensitive research, authoritative advice and analysis of economies, industries and companies where the state has a globally competitive advantage in a clear and concise manner.

More specifically, you will:

Leads a team who act as an internal consultant to provide strategic development support to business development teams.

Lead the development of compelling bid documents, competitive tender responses or business cases to attract investment to South Australia or progress trade proposals with key distributors and importers in the State's priority international markets.

Verbal briefings are translated to compelling text presentation, detailed technical reports are converted to “executive summary level” documentation and graphic representations for key data sets are developed in a clear and concise manner, with market and cultural sensitivities a core element of the strategy.

A strong engagement and service excellence ethos is demonstrated and high-level professionalism in representation of the State Government nationally and internationally both to business and government stakeholders.

Lead and develop effective collaborations and a network of strategic alliances with key stakeholders / investors across government and industry that can be leveraged to deliver a high-quality product within tight deadlines.

Work independently with minimal supervision, yet use judgment to provide high level, professional and timely updates on project delivery requirements.

Work closely with the Investment Support management team to oversee high level professional editing and production services for complex documents that reflect the needs of a diverse audience.

Critical and complex projects are planned, administered and evaluated, in accordance with policy and processes and in collaboration with project stakeholders, staff and management.

Develop strategies and approaches to potential stakeholders which lead to outcomes in trade and investment attraction.

Contribute to whole-of-agency working groups developing DSD policy responses to significant and emerging issues, as required.

Key Competencies:

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:

Communication & Representation - Skilled in translating complex technical and verbal information into executive-level summaries, compelling written presentations, and visual/graphic data representations tailored for diverse audiences.

Leadership & Project Delivery - Proven ability to lead cross-unit teams in developing bid documents, tenders, business cases, and delivering diverse projects and industry development initiatives within timeframes and budgets.

Strategic & Analytical Capability - Strong computing, CRM, and digital engagement expertise, with advanced analytical skills using spreadsheets and databases; experienced in engaging international markets with cultural sensitivity and managing commercially and politically sensitive matters with discretion and integrity.

Remuneration:

Competitive salary will be offered as $121,107 to $125,679 pa plus superannuation

Benefits:

Bringing your talent to the Department of State Development will see you rewarded with a wide variety of benefits such as:

A variety of leave arrangements.

Contemporary office space with end-of-trip facilities

Work-life balance with a flexible hybrid work arrangement.

Access to great customised training and career development opportunities.

Qualifications:

Essential: n/a

Desirable: Tertiary qualifications in commerce, economics, business, project management or similar and relevant industry experience.

Special Conditions:

This position will be offered as a full-time, 2-year contract.

A Satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check (NPC) will be required prior to employment.

Enquiries:

For confidential enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Deb Falvey, Deputy Director, Investment Support, [email protected]

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted through the I Work For SA website.

Please include the following:

Cover letter demonstrating the suitability for the role by addressing the key competencies (2 pages max)

Curriculum Vitae (4 pages max)

Prepare 3 referees (at least one should be current or recent line manager), to be provided on request.

Pre-employment Declaration Form - find the attachment on the job advert.

Applications close: Sunday, 28 September 2025, at 11:00 PM

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.