Business Development Officer

About the organisation

TAFE Queensland is the state’s largest and most established vocational education and training provider, with more than 140 years of experience delivering practical, industry-aligned learning. Its training is offered across campuses, online, and in workplaces, helping learners gain the skills needed for long-term careers while also supporting local communities, industries, and economies.

Joining the organisation means becoming part of a skilled workforce that works closely with industry and focuses on innovative, high-quality training delivery.

Role overview

The Business Development Officer will work across different parts of the region to deliver high-quality business development support to a wide variety of stakeholders, including individuals, organisations, industry groups, and government bodies at local, state, and federal levels.

The role is responsible for building and executing business strategies that improve performance, drive growth, lift market share, and increase revenue in priority markets. It also involves promoting and coordinating commercial training programs that position the region as a trusted provider of education, training, and consultancy services.

This position reports to the Senior Business Development Officer.

This is a temporary full-time role available until 24 December 2026, unless otherwise decided.

There are 2 vacancies for this position.

The main work location is Cairns, Queensland, although travel or work at other TAFE Queensland campuses may be required.

Key responsibilities

• Use research, including face-to-face client engagement, to identify customer needs and industry movements, then develop and put into action plans that pursue new commercial opportunities and expand sales across local, regional, and national markets.
• Support the creation of new commercial business opportunities and serve as a key point of contact for clients and industry stakeholders.
• Create a business development plan aligned to TAFE Queensland’s innovation-focused strategies.
• Track education and training market trends, review competitor offerings, pricing, and promotions, and use client management systems and product/pricing analysis to strengthen revenue and maintain market competitiveness.
• Carry out training needs analysis and work with relevant staff to prepare proposals, tenders, project plans, and quotes that account for direct and indirect costs, comply with legal and government policy requirements, and meet client training needs.
• Present proposals, tenders, project plans, and quotations to commercial clients in partnership with education teams, using persuasive communication to support the region’s offerings.
• Report on the strategic objective of “Sustaining our future” and help ensure targets and profitability are achieved.
• Maintain a solid understanding of the commercial side of TAFE, including financial and business performance and the influence of external factors.
• Build and maintain active relationships with industry, business, and the wider community.
• Help uphold quality policies by supporting a work environment where high standards are maintained through quality systems and documentation.
• Support transformation and cultural change by demonstrating the organisation’s values of Showing Initiative, Working Together, Focusing on our Customer, and Taking Responsibility.

Selection criteria

• Proven ability to research, develop, and present proposals, tenders, and financial quotations for commercial clients in an education setting in a convincing and professional way.
• Strong background in sales and key account management, with evidence of achieving or exceeding targets and working effectively with business, industry, government representatives, and students.
• Advanced analytical, organisational, and problem-solving capability, including the ability to design practical and innovative approaches for training program development that meet client requirements.
• Excellent written communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, demonstrated through preparing proposals, tender documentation, and contract-related material.
• Ability to adapt quickly, respond effectively to change, and contribute positively in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Mandatory requirements

• Working with Children Check (Blue Card).
• Current Queensland driver licence.

Application requirements

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria under “How you will be assessed,” with a maximum length of 2 pages in total.
• Contact details for two referees, including one current supervisor.

Additional information

Employment confirmation is conditional on the preferred candidate being issued a Blue Card. Proof of this requirement must be provided at interview.

Job reference number: TQ2026-582.

For further information, contact Brett Shann, Contracts and Commercial Services Manager, at brett.shann@tafeqld.edu.au.

Occupational group: Administration.

Closing date: 6 July 2026.