ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: DEMAND MANAGEMENT

The Assistant Director: Demand Management position is a key supervisory and analytical role within the Supply Chain Management Construction Procurement component of the Health directorate, based at Head Office. Operating within the broader public service framework, this post focuses on strengthening demand management as the foundation of an efficient procurement system. The incumbent will be responsible for shaping how the department identifies, plans, and procures its requirements, ensuring that every acquisition is justified, aligned with strategic objectives, and compliant with public finance and supply chain regulations. As an assistant director, the role carries significant responsibility for both technical procurement work and the management of a team, making it ideal for an experienced SCM professional seeking to contribute to the effective delivery of health sector infrastructure and services.

To be eligible, candidates must possess an undergraduate qualification at NQF Level 7 in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Economics, Accounting Sciences, or Cost and Management Accounting. In addition, a minimum of three years’ supply chain experience is required, with at least two years spent at a supervisory level. The role demands a thorough understanding of the Public Service Regulatory Framework, the department’s strategy, and SCM policies and procedures. In-depth knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, financial delegations, and risk management is essential. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong communication, computer literacy, analytical, presentation, and report-writing skills, along with the professional attributes of being a team player, working independently, maintaining confidentiality, performing under pressure, and consistently producing quality-driven work.

The duties of the post are wide-ranging and centre on the demand management process. The Assistant Director will analyse requirement needs, undertake market research, and develop or refine proposals for implementation. This includes interpreting research results to advise on appropriate procurement methodologies, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and determining whether specifications should include special conditions. The role involves collecting information from relevant stakeholders using prescribed templates, engaging critically with that information, and confirming the availability of budget before consolidation into a procurement plan to be tabled for approval by the accounting officer. Where no specification exists for a commodity, the post holder will oversee the collection and collation of information and guide the compilation of specifications or terms of reference. The Assistant Director is also responsible for compiling and publishing requests for proposals, performing quality assurance on supplier database information, and verifying supporting documents. In addition to these technical functions, the post holder will supervise employees, allocate duties, monitor the quality of work delivered, provide guidance and leadership, and manage the performance, conduct, and discipline of supervisees, while ensuring that all team members are adequately trained and developed to deliver high standards of work.

This position is advertised within the public service environment and includes the standard benefits associated with an assistant director level post. The department actively encourages youth, people with disabilities, coloured, Indian, and white candidates to apply, and applicants with disabilities must attach a confirmation certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment, both of which will be scored as additional criteria during the interview process. Suitable candidates will also be subject to a full personnel suitability check, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a South African Qualifications Authority evaluation certificate. Given the high volume of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should accept that their application was unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment and may utilise other recruitment processes.