ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: SOURCING AND SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT

This vacancy is for an Assistant Director: Sourcing and Supplier Development within the Supply Chain Management directorate, based in Johannesburg. The role is central to ensuring that the department’s procurement and contracting activities are fair, compliant, and well-coordinated. The incumbent will be responsible for managing the entire sourcing lifecycle, from supplier registration and database management to the facilitation of tender and bid committees, contract administration, and supplier performance monitoring. The position demands a solid understanding of the legislative framework governing public service procurement, including the PFMA, PPPFA, Treasury Regulations, and departmental procedures, and the ability to apply these in a high-pressure environment with strict deadlines.

To be considered, candidates must have a Matric certificate plus an NQF level 6 or National Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a relevant SAQA-recognised qualification, along with at least three to five years of experience in an acquisition and contract management environment. Strong analytical, project management, report writing, communication, problem-solving, conflict management, interpersonal, planning, organising, leadership, coordination, supervision, and staff development skills are essential. A thorough understanding of policy formulation and coordination is also required, as is a valid driver’s licence.

The duties of the post are wide-ranging. The Assistant Director must ensure the ongoing updating of the departmental supplier database, register new suppliers, and maintain effective systems and procedures for supplier registration and accreditation. The role involves procuring goods in line with the PFMA, PPPFA, Treasury Regulations, and Supply Chain Management guidelines, as well as implementing and enforcing relevant policies and procedures. The incumbent will submit approved tender specification packs to the Government Distribution Framework for advertising on the e-Tender Portal and Government Tender Bulletin, conduct briefing sessions, and guide role players on policy and procedures during tendering. They will present SCM processes to Bid Evaluation Committee members, facilitate all bid committees, ensure the preparation of BSC, BEC, and BAC minutes, and prepare submissions to the Adjudication Committee. The role also includes managing and coordinating all Public Adjudication Committee processes, presenting tender and sourcing processes to end-users, and compiling monthly, quarterly, and annual tender reports for management and Provincial Treasury.

Other key responsibilities include administering the invitation of quotations from listed suppliers, overseeing the obtaining of quotations, ensuring that goods and services are sourced from suppliers scoring the highest points under the PPPFA, maintaining records of requests for quotations, and communicating information about unreliable service providers. The Assistant Director will interact with CIPRO/DTI and National Treasury, advise service providers on departmental requirements, facilitate approval of quotation awards, and supervise the regular verification of VAT registrations and preferential point systems. Risk identification, assessment, and prioritisation across supply chain projects are also required, along with measuring, analysing, and managing supplier performance, ensuring vendors perform contracted services, and monitoring contract and commitment registers to prevent under or overpayment. Additional duties include checking BAC agendas, distributing agendas and minutes at least two days before meetings, ensuring accurate minute-taking, informing clients in writing of outcomes, acting as advisor to adjudication evaluation panels, arranging ad hoc meetings, recording deliberations, and managing staff performance, leave, training, and development while coordinating the division’s activities.

Candidates should note that this is a public service position subject to standard application conditions. A fully completed and signed new Z83 form must be submitted together with a recently updated comprehensive CV; only shortlisted candidates need to provide certified copies of qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Applications that do not comply with these requirements will not be considered, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should regard their application as unsuccessful.