SENIOR ADMIN OFFICER: TOWING AND AUCTIONS

This senior administrative post, located in Bedfordview within the Fleet Maintenance directorate, is responsible for the end-to-end administrative oversight of the department’s towing and auction services. The role is essentially a coordination hub between the entity, contracted towing merchants, auction houses, assessing teams, client departments and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will ensure that all vehicles withdrawn from service or involved in the departmental fleet lifecycle are correctly managed through the towing, assessment, storage, auction and disposal processes. This includes working closely with RT46 contract administrators and towing merchants, verifying that police clearances and related documentation are properly recorded, and maintaining simple but effective record-keeping systems that support transparency and audit readiness. Because the department also manages relief vehicles, this officer will coordinate the request, allocation, return and monitoring of those vehicles, checking that approvals, mileage, fuel levels, condition and return dates are accurately logged and followed up.

To be considered, applicants need a minimum three-year National Diploma at NQF Level 6 in Public Management, Public Administration or Business Management, along with two to three years of direct experience in towing and auctions in a relevant administrative capacity. Practical knowledge of vehicle assessment procedures, the ability to deal with towing merchants and RT46 contract administrators, and experience coordinating relief vehicles according to approved policy are all essential. A valid driver’s licence is also required. The role demands strong organisational and liaison skills, because the officer will handle enquiries from multiple parties relating to withdrawn vehicles, arrange assessments, verify TransUnion market values for disposal decisions, and compile the weekly, monthly and quarterly reports that keep senior management informed.

In terms of day-to-day responsibilities, the officer supervises the unit’s resources, manages staff performance and ensures sound human resources administration within the section. This includes recommending budgetary allocations, monitoring expenditure, and ensuring staff development opportunities are identified and encouraged. The officer also reviews operational processes, recommends continuous improvement actions, participates in approved projects, and assesses the impact of new initiatives on towing, auctions and vehicle assessment activities. Maintaining strong stakeholder relationships is central to the role, as the incumbent must engage, negotiate and communicate with internal and external parties to promote compliance with assessment and towing requirements. Supervision of administrative functions such as auction documentation, vehicle assessment reports and maintenance control records also falls within the scope of the post.

As a government position, the department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable candidates from underrepresented designated groups in line with the departmental equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates should be aware that they will be subjected to security vetting and screening, which includes verification of criminal records, citizenship status, creditworthiness, previous employment references and qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Candidates who are shortlisted will need to avail themselves for interviews and must present certified copies of their qualifications, identity document and driver’s licence prior to or on the day of the interview. This is a demanding but rewarding administrative role for a person with strong coordination, reporting and stakeholder management skills within a specialised vehicle fleet environment.