ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ACQUISITION AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

This position sits within the Western Cape Mobility Department, part of the Western Cape Government, and is central to ensuring that the department’s procurement and contracting activities are lawful, efficient, and strategically sound. As an Assistant Director, the successful candidate will operate at a managerial level within the supply chain management environment, taking responsibility for the end-to-end acquisition process and for overseeing contract performance. The role is a Level 09 post and forms part of the department’s broader commitment to good governance, value for money, and transformation in public procurement.

Applicants must hold an appropriate three-year bachelor’s degree or an equivalent or higher qualification, together with at least three years of relevant experience in supply chain management. The role demands a thorough working knowledge of the legislative and regulatory frameworks that govern public sector procurement, including the Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations, Provincial Treasury Instructions, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and its associated regulations and practice notes, and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act. Familiarity with the Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy, the Supply Chain Management Guide to Accounting Officers and Authorities, and relevant delegation frameworks is also essential. A successful candidate will understand strategic sourcing across a broad range of goods and services, the mobility procurement market, and the legal aspects of contract management, including the ability to draft heads of terms and contribute to service level agreement negotiations. Strong numerical, literacy, computer, language, project management, accounting, finance, and audit skills are required to perform effectively in this environment.

The core duties involve coordinating, reviewing, and executing the department’s bidding process, from the compilation of prospective provider lists to the sourcing of quotations in line with National Treasury threshold values. The Assistant Director will also supervise and monitor contract management and administration, analysing performance and determining appropriate actions to ensure compliance and delivery. This includes exercising managerial functions, guiding staff, and ensuring that departmental policies, procedures, and financial delegations are consistently applied.

Shortlisted candidates should note that the selection process includes interviews, the submission of vetting and supporting documentation, and two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability, and one integrity assessment. The department’s employment equity targets will guide the selection process, and by applying, candidates consent to reference checks with previous employers, including enquiries about disciplinary records and reasons for leaving. This is a demanding but rewarding opportunity for an experienced supply chain professional seeking to contribute to public service delivery in the Western Cape.