DIRECTOR: OPERATIONS CENTRAL REF NO: 301026/02 Branch: Infrastructure Management: Central Operations Cd: Water Resource Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Dir: Operations Central

This senior management position is located within the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Infrastructure Management branch, specifically in the Central Operations directorate under Water Resource Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance. Based in Pretoria, the Director: Operations Central is responsible for overseeing the operational performance of water resource infrastructure across the central cluster, ensuring that bulk raw water supply to institutional customers is delivered in line with signed agreements. The role sits at the Senior Management Service (SMS) level and carries an all-inclusive remuneration package, reflecting its strategic importance within the department’s broader mandate to manage South Africa’s water resources effectively.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical Engineering, combined with at least five years’ experience at a middle or senior managerial level. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is required, and applicants must have completed the Pre-entry Certificate for the Senior Management Service as endorsed by the National School of Government. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a thorough understanding of the water sector, engineering principles and practices, engineering project management, programme and project management, human resource management, and financial management. Familiarity with the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury regulations, and procurement processes is essential. The role also demands strong competencies in strategic capability and leadership, service delivery innovation, change and knowledge management, problem-solving, people and diversity management, client orientation, communication, accountability, and ethical conduct.

The Director’s duties are wide-ranging and include developing and implementing policies and strategic objectives for the cluster, compiling progress reports on both objective achievement and expenditure, and managing the day-to-day operations of water resource infrastructure. The post holder will develop, review, and update bulk water supply agreements, oversee the rehabilitation and refurbishment of infrastructure, and manage canal and civil engineering rehabilitation projects. Risk management and asset management for both movable and immovable assets fall within the scope of the role, as does ensuring that the bulk supply of raw water to institutions complies with signed agreements. The Director is also accountable for human resource management, transformation, financial management, and reporting to the departmental bargaining adjudication committee.

Shortlisted candidates will be subject to suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. The selection process for SMS posts includes a technical exercise and an interview, followed by psychometric assessments for up to three candidates, covering cognitive abilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. A pre-entry certificate is required prior to appointment, and successful candidates must complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted, and foreign nationals or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance from their country of origin. The Department of Water and Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer, with employment equity imperatives taken into account, and women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and those who do not receive feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the post.