DEPUTY DIRECTOR: DEMAND AND ACQUISITION

This position is a senior managerial role within the Supply Chain Management directorate, based in Johannesburg. The Deputy Director for Demand and Acquisition is responsible for overseeing the entire process of identifying, planning for, and acquiring goods and services needed by the department. This includes managing the annual demand plan, ensuring procurement transactions align with operational and strategic objectives, and maintaining compliance with all relevant supply chain legislation and prescripts. The role also involves supervising the sub-directorate, providing secretarial support to bid adjudication committees, and acting as a key advisor to management on procurement policy and reforms.

To be considered, candidates must have a Matric certificate as well as an NQF level 7 qualification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field. In addition, applicants need at least three to five years of experience at the Assistant Director level, specifically within a Demand Management environment. The role requires a strong working knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, the PPPFA and its regulations, SCM practice notes, and all relevant prescripts. Essential competencies include asset management, analytical and project management abilities, report writing, communication, conflict management, interpersonal skills, planning and organising, leadership, and financial skills. A valid driver’s licence is also required.

The core duties are broad and cover the full demand and acquisition cycle. The incumbent must ensure that the Annual Demand Plan is compiled and aligned with departmental operational plans, monitor lead times between requisitions and supplier turnaround, and analyse and process procurement transactions before the start of each financial year. The role also includes overseeing stores management, checking the validity of SAP transactions, advising management on new procurement policies, and engaging business units on the status of their demand plans. Another significant duty is managing systems to ensure that goods and services are delivered correctly and payments are made timeously. This includes verifying that received goods match purchase orders, capturing good confirmations, following up on outstanding orders, monitoring price tolerances, resolving internal and external queries within two days, and processing invoices within a ten-day turnaround.

Additionally, the Deputy Director provides secretarial support to the departmental demand committee, ensuring that Bid Adjudication Committee agendas are compiled correctly, minutes are distributed at least two days before meetings, and outcomes are communicated in writing. The role also involves acting as an advisor to evaluation panels, coordinating the development of requests for proposals and specifications, and reviewing terms of reference before they are submitted to bid committees. The position further requires managing the sub-directorate itself, which includes handling conflict, developing staff skills, managing performance through the PMDS system, overseeing leave, and addressing audit findings and queries.

Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a comprehensive CV, with certified copies of qualifications only required from shortlisted candidates. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. Those who have not been contacted within three months of the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful. This is an all-inclusive package position and a demanding leadership role that requires a strong blend of strategic planning, operational oversight, and stakeholder engagement.