Mr Coutts-Trotter is the New South Wales Director-General of Education and Training and Managing Director of TAFE New South Wales, a position he took up 10 April 2007.  

Prior to taking up this position, Mr Coutts-Trotter was Director-General of the Department of Commerce for two-and-a-half years and Chief of Staff for the New South Wales Treasurer for seven years.  He views his position in education and training as one of the greatest opportunities in government to serve the people of New South Wales. His experience in management, policy and advocacy are used to support teachers, school executives, principals, TAFE head teachers and managers, and support staff to do the best job they can for students.