DEPUTY DIRECTOR: CONTRACTS AND PERFORMANCE

This position is a senior contract management role within the Supply Chain Management Construction Procurement unit for Health, based at the Head Office. The Deputy Director: Contracts and Performance is responsible for ensuring that construction-related contracts are administered properly, delivered on time, and meet all agreed specifications. The role sits at a managerial level and requires a combination of technical construction procurement knowledge, financial management expertise, and strong leadership capabilities. The successful candidate will be expected to manage a sub-directorate, oversee staff performance, and ensure that the unit’s operational plan is developed and implemented effectively.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 in Supply Chain Management or Finance, along with at least five years of contract management experience, of which three years must be at ASD level competencies. This suggests the role is suited to individuals who have already operated in a supervisory or specialist capacity within the public service or a similar environment. A thorough understanding of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Construction Industry Development Board Act of 2000, the PFMA, the Division of Revenue Act, Treasury Regulations, and relevant provincial and departmental supply chain management policies is essential. Familiarity with the Competency Standards for Construction Procurement issued by the CIDB is also required. Practical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, change management, technical report writing, and computer-aided technical applications are expected, as is the ability to work well within a team while maintaining strong attention to detail.

The core duties revolve around the full lifecycle of contract administration. This includes monitoring contract compliance, determining whether goods and services are delivered at the right time, quantity, quality, place, and price, and taking appropriate action where there are deviations. The role also involves evaluating applications for price adjustments, variations, amendments, and cancellations, as well as invoking penalty clauses where necessary. Dispute resolution is another key responsibility, requiring the preparation of all relevant documentation. The Deputy Director will maintain ethical relationships with suppliers, manage human resources functions, and ensure discipline and performance development within the unit. Administrative responsibilities include compiling reports, serving on transversal task teams, rendering procurement and asset management for the sub-directorate, planning and allocating work, and quality-controlling the output of employees.

Several important conditions apply to this post. The successful candidate must enter into a performance agreement within three months of assuming duty. Shortlisted applicants will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments, one practical exercise and one integrity assessment, and may also undergo personnel suitability checks including criminal, citizenship, credit, and qualification verification. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, with a confirmation of disability required from a registered medical practitioner. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.