Workforce Architect (Midrand)

1. JOB PURPOSE STATEMENT (WHY THE JOB EXISTS)

The Workforce Architect is a strategic and commercially focused role responsible for designing, selling and delivering integrated workforce solutions that combine learnership programmes, talent development strategies and future-fit skills pipelines for client organisations.

This role sits at the intersection of human capital consulting, skills development legislation, sales strategy and organisational design, requiring a rare combination of business development acumen, deep knowledge of the South African training landscape, and the ability to craft bespoke workforce solutions that drive measurable client outcomes.

The Workforce Architect is not just a salesperson, they are a trusted advisor, solution designer and implementation partner who helps organisations build the workforce they need for tomorrow, today.

2. JOB OUTPUTS (WHAT THE JOB AIMS TO DO)

Key Performance Areas (KPA’s)

1. Strategic Workforce Solution Design

• Architect end-to-end workforce development solutions tailored to client needs including learnerships, skills programmes, graduate pipelines and talent academies.
• Conduct organisational skills needs analyses to identify workforce gaps and future capability requirements.
• Design blended learnership and talent frameworks aligned to QCTO, SETA and NQF requirements.
• Develop customised Workforce of the Future roadmaps for clients incorporating digital skills, 4IR readiness and transformation objectives.
• Translate complex human capital challenges into clear, compelling solution proposals.

2. Business Development & Sales

• Drive new business acquisition across targeted industries including financial services, ICT, mining, retail, healthcare and government
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline from prospecting through to deal closure
• Develop and present compelling proposals, pitches and business cases to C-suite and HR leadership
• Achieve and exceed monthly, quarterly and annual revenue targets
• Identify upsell and cross-sell opportunities within existing client accounts
• Leverage B-BBEE, SETA grant funding and ETI incentives as commercial value propositions

3. Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary strategic contact for key accounts
• Build long-term trusted advisory relationships with CHROs, L&D Directors, Skills Development
• Facilitators (SDFs) and Transformation Managers
• Conduct regular strategic reviews with clients to assess programme impact and identify evolving needs
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction, retention and referral generation
• Represent the organisation at industry forums, conferences and networking events

3. Learnership & Skills Development Solutions

• Structure and sell SETA\QCTO aligned learnership programmes across multiple sectors and NQF levels
• Advise clients on SETA grant optimisation mandatory grants, discretionary grants and pivotal funding
• Guide clients through B-BBEE Skills Development scorecard maximisation strategies
• Ensure all learnership solutions comply with QCTO, SETA and DHET regulatory frameworks
• Collaborate with delivery teams to ensure seamless handover from sale to implementation

4. Talent & Future Workforce Advisory

• Advise clients on talent acquisition, development and retention strategies aligned to business goals
• Design graduate and youth employment programmes including YES4Youth, internships and cadetships
• Develop succession planning frameworks and high-potential (HiPo) development architectures
• Incorporate digital transformation skills, not limited to, cloud, AI, data analytics, cybersecurity — into workforce planning
• Provide thought leadership on 4IR, future of work trends and their workforce implications

5. Internal Collaboration & Solution Development

• Partner with subject matter experts, facilitators and programme managers to ensure solution quality
• Contribute to the development of new products and service offerings
• Provide market intelligence and client feedback to inform product development
• Collaborate with marketing teams on content, campaigns and thought leadership
• Participate in proposal review, pricing and commercial approval processes

AD HOC DUTIES:

• Various tasks, beyond the above listed, from time to time.

3. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualification in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a relevant field.
• Minimum 3 years proven experience as a Sales Account Manager or Sales Associate, preferably in a similar industry.
• Experience in managing and growing client relationships.
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel), and accounting software.
• Experience: Current or previous experience for the related position.

Knowledge

• Advanced Sales Techniques: Understanding of various sales methodologies and strategies, including consultative selling, solution selling, and value-based selling.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Proficiency in using CRM software for tracking client interactions, managing leads, and analyzing sales data.
• Market and Industry Insights: In-depth knowledge of the industry in which Mecer Inter-Ed operates, including key trends, challenges, competitors, and regulatory environment.
• Product Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of the company’s product lines, features, benefits, and potential applications. Understanding of how these products meet client needs and how they compare to competitors’ offerings.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of business operations, including profit and loss, revenue generation strategies, and cost optimization.
• Client Needs Analysis: Ability to analyse and understand client requirements and business objectives, and to tailor solutions accordingly.
• Contract Negotiation and Management: Knowledge of contract terms, negotiation tactics, and legal compliance in sales agreements.
• Communication and Presentation Skills: Mastery of various communication methods and presentation techniques suitable for a diverse client base.
• Strategic Planning and Forecasting: Skills in developing sales strategies and forecasts based on market analysis and sales trends.
• Networking and Relationship Building: Knowledge of effective networking strategies to build and maintain professional relationships that can lead to sales opportunities.
• Digital Sales Tools: Familiarity with digital tools and platforms used in sales, including social media, email marketing, and online advertising.
• Time Management and Prioritization: Understanding of how to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, and balance short-term tasks with long-term strategic planning.
• Cultural Sensitivity and International Trade: For global roles, awareness of cultural differences and knowledge of international trade regulations and practices.

Competencies

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proactive and able to work independently.

Skills

Abilities of the employee to perform effectively and efficiently:

• Ability to build rapport and collaborate with clients and team members.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills.
• Technical Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
• Soft Skills
• Ethical and Legal Awareness
• Teamwork and Collaboration