DEPUTY DIRECTOR: LOSS CONTROL AND VEHICLE MONITORING

This role is a senior operational management position within the Transport Support Services directorate, based at the department’s Bedfordview centre. The Deputy Director for Loss Control and Vehicle Monitoring is responsible for leading the unit that protects the government’s fleet assets, ensures vehicles are used only for authorised purposes, and minimises operational losses arising from theft, misuse, or technical failure. The post operates at a managerial level, requiring a blend of strategic planning, operational oversight, stakeholder coordination, and people management in a fast-moving fleet and telematics environment.

To be considered, applicants must hold an NQF Level 7 qualification in Transport Management or Logistics and have between three and five years of relevant experience in the vehicle tracking industry and within a fleet management environment, gained at a supervisory or management level. A valid driver’s licence is compulsory. The department looks for demonstrated knowledge of fleet management operations, loss management, monitoring and compliance, financial management, investigations, risk management, data analysis and reporting, and stakeholder management. These competencies are applied across the full spectrum of the role, from strategy development to hands-on incident response.

The core duties are broad and include managing vehicle tracking operations and risks by developing and implementing a loss prevention and vehicle security strategy, monitoring fleet movement to identify risk anomalies and unauthorised usage, investigating vehicle incidents, and establishing procedures that reduce operational losses. The post also coordinates with law enforcement agencies and external stakeholders when vehicles are stolen, manages recovery efforts, and keeps accurate records of theft incidents, recoveries, and associated performance data. A further responsibility is the management of customer support and technical service delivery, which involves supervising technical support personnel and field technicians, maintaining strong knowledge of telematics and fleet technology, reviewing service contracts and provider performance, resolving complex operational escalations, and ensuring compliance with service level agreements. Continuous improvement forms a key part of the role, including monitoring fleet activities and critical alerts, implementing best practices for fleet visibility, managing tracker device communication failures, and using advanced Excel tools to analyse fleet performance and generate management reports for executive decision-making. In addition, the Deputy Director manages human and financial resources, including employee performance management, personal development plans, the PMDS cycle, preparing and managing the unit’s budget in line with organisational priorities and the PFMA, and ensuring that resources are used effectively, economically, and efficiently.

Other important information for prospective applicants is that the department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the departmental equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document, and driver’s licence before or on the day of the interview. They should also expect to undergo screening and security vetting, including checks on criminal records, citizenship status, creditworthiness, employment references, and qualification verification. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority. Candidates should take care to complete all sections of the application form and submit a detailed CV with at least three contactable references, as incomplete information will automatically disqualify the application. Unsuitable or unsuccessful candidates will not be contacted, and anyone who has not received feedback within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment. Any SMS-specific pre-entry requirements and competency assessments that apply elsewhere in the public service may also apply should the post be classified accordingly.