Director - Procurement

Director: Procurement

Department: Finance
Reports to: Executive Director: Finance
Location: Gauteng
Type: Contract - 6 months

We're looking for a seasoned Director: Procurement who will turn supply chain into a driver of institutional excellence balancing governance, speed, value for money, and stakeholder trust. In this role, you will actively support the Executive Director in delivering Finances strategic objectives through end-to-end supply chain management, people leadership, robust financial stewardship, and health & safety compliance.

Why this role stands out

• Institution-wide impact: Influence decisions that affect teaching, research, student experience, and major capital projects.
• Strategic remit: Shape procurement policy, governance, and operating models across a diverse academic environment.
• Leadership platform: Lead and develop a high-performing team, champion innovation, and build trusted partnerships with Senate, Council and Schools.
• Public value orientation: Uphold integrity, transparency, and compliance while driving measurable savings and risk reduction.

Key Performance Areas & Outcomes

1) Strategy Development & Execution

• What you'll do: Partner with the Executive Director to deliver Finances strategic objectives. Lead planning and performance in supply chain management; provide executive-level reporting to School Boards, Council, Senate, etc.
• What success looks like: Strategic goals achieved; stakeholder progress reports delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Core strengths: Resource & people management; governance; quality & risk; strategic partnerships; sound decision-making; compelling communication.

2) Manage End-to-End SCM Processes

• What you'll do: Oversee sourcing, tendering, adjudication, and contract awards; plan demand; lead negotiations; enforce delegated authorities; ensure quality assurance and logistics excellence; identify and mitigate supply risks.
• What success looks like: Processes aligned to relevant National Treasury/public procurement regulations and University policies; tender packs and committee submissions are crisp; risks reduced; compliance assured; integrity preserved; capability upliftment plans in place.

3) User Education & Training

• What you'll do: Drive orientation and continuous training on SCM policies, procedures and protocols.
• What success looks like: Annual training calendar delivered; accurate HR-linked training schedules; strong user awareness; positive training feedback.

4) Policy & Procedure Development

• What you'll do: Contribute to SCM policy design, reviews and audits; file approved policies with the Policy Unit (Registrars Office).
• What success looks like: Policies are documented, approved, current, and aligned to mission, vision, values and strategic objectives; excellent audit outcomes; strong staff buy-in.

5) Quality Assurance & Risk Management

• What you'll do: Promote innovation in SCM; implement a fit-for-purpose QA system; lead SCM risk planning and reporting.
• What success looks like: Improved culture; QA system implemented; internal/external QA requirements met; proactive risk plans with regular reporting; positive audit results.

6) Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Management

• What you'll do: Ensure compliance with all SHE policies and procedures.
• What success looks like: Regular SHE reports; corrective actions implemented; zero major non-conformances.

7) Resource Management: People

• What you'll do: Keep job descriptions current; manage recruitment, induction, performance contracts and reviews; lead coaching, mentoring, training; manage ER issues and leave administration.
• What success looks like: Timely, policy-compliant HR processes; motivated, well-trained staff; effective PDPs; strong team climate and performance.

8) Resource Management: Budget & Finance

• What you'll do: Input into SCM operating and capex budgets; oversee asset management and fixed asset procurement.
• What success looks like: Accurate budgeting, procurement and payments; strong account management feedback; assets properly recorded and insured.

9) Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• What you'll do: Deliver strategic and operational reports; research and implement best practices; consult widely with stakeholders.
• What success looks like: ManCo/Council/Committee submissions are timely and insightful; trends identified; improvements recommended; risks proactively managed; no audit qualifications.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualifications: Relevant Degree/Diploma (Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce, Finance, Public Administration, or related).
• Experience: 6 to 8 years relevant experience in end-to-end SCM/procurement, including leadership of teams and complex stakeholders. Experience in a higher education or public-sector environment is advantageous.
• Skills: Strong MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and procurement systems experience; excellent stakeholder communication; robust governance mindset.

Bonus/Advantageous:

• Familiarity with public procurement/National Treasury frameworks and committee governance.
• Experience with quality assurance, risk management, and capital projects in an academic context.
• Track record in building procurement capability and delivering measurable savings while protecting compliance.

Competencies

• Technical/professional SCM expertise; contract management; tender adjudication
• Strategic planning and resource management
• People management & performance leadership
• Building alliances and internal partnerships
• Quality assurance and risk management
• Corporate governance and ethical conduct
• Health & safety management
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• Communication, presentation and client/student service orientation

What we offer

• Strategic influence at the heart of Finance and institutional decision-making
• Professional growth in a complex, mission-driven environment
• Opportunity to innovate procurement practices and build lasting systems
• A values-led culture committed to integrity, inclusion, and excellence
• Salary - Between R80 000 and R100 000 per month CTC

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, a brief motivation letter (max 2 pages) addressing your experience in end-to-end SCM, governance/compliance, team leadership, and stakeholder reporting; and three referees.
Closing date: 10 December 2025