DEPUTY DIRECTOR: DEMAND AND ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT GOODS AND SERVICES REF NO: S4/3/9/27 Component: Procurement Management (Re-advert)

This position, based at the Head Office in Polokwane, is a re-advertised senior role within the Procurement Management component of the Limpopo Department of Education. The Deputy Director for Demand and Acquisition Management for Goods and Services is responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight across the entire procurement value chain, from planning and market analysis through to the awarding of contracts. The role sits at a senior management support level and requires a candidate who can align departmental procurement activities with legislative frameworks while ensuring value for money, transparency, and efficiency in the acquisition of goods and services.

To be considered, applicants must hold a Grade 12 or Matric certificate as well as a recognised qualification at NQF level 7 in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Financial Management. In addition, a minimum of five years of relevant experience within the supply chain environment is required, of which at least three years must have been at junior management level, typically as an Assistant Director. A valid driver’s licence is essential, although applicants with disabilities are exempt from this requirement. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of the Public Service Acts, Treasury Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act, the Division of Revenue Act, and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, along with a strong understanding of policy analysis, development, and interpretation. Strategic capability, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, team leadership, creativity, financial management, customer focus, communication, computer literacy, people management, planning, organising, and conflict management are all critical competencies for this role.

The duties of the Deputy Director are broad and encompass the full demand and acquisition management cycle. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and managing the goods and services procurement plan, including demand management policies and strategies in line with supply chain legislation. This includes facilitating the approval of infrastructure procurement plans, communicating the procurement plan, monitoring the delivery of goods and services against it, and compiling budget projections based on departmental needs analysis. The role also involves developing and managing market analysis policies and strategies, conducting market assessments through benchmarking and industry analysis, and formulating a purchasing strategy for the department. Furthermore, the position requires managing the supplier database, liaising with the Construction Industry Development Board regarding contractor information, and verifying supplier and professional credentials.

A significant portion of the role focuses on the functional operation of acquisition management. This includes designing and developing acquisition management policies, compiling operational supply chain acquisition plans, obtaining approval, and managing their execution. The Deputy Director will also establish and provide secretariat services to Bid Specification, Bid Evaluation, and Bid Adjudication Committees, and oversee the entire bidding process from compiling and publishing bid documents to receiving, closing, opening, and processing them. Additionally, the position entails managing human, financial, and physical resources, including reporting on equipment utilisation, evaluating and monitoring subordinate performance, providing capacity development, motivating staff, and managing leave matters.

Candidates should note that applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form, accompanied by a comprehensive CV, with all other supporting documents required only from shortlisted candidates. The successful candidate will be subjected to personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and asset record verification, as well as qualification and employment verification, and will also be required to undergo security clearance. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a seasoned supply chain professional seeking to make a significant impact within the public education sector.