DEPUTY DIRECTOR: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (X1 POST)

The Department of Health is seeking a Deputy Director for Facilities Management at Ladysmith Regional Hospital, a senior managerial role responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of non-clinical support services that keep a busy regional hospital running effectively. This position is critical to ensuring that the hospital’s physical infrastructure, contracted services, and administrative systems operate safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with national health standards. Reporting to the Acting Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will join the hospital’s multidisciplinary management team and play a strategic part in governance, integrated planning, and performance reporting, while also providing technical and operational advice to hospital leadership on facilities and support service matters.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 or Matric certificate, along with an appropriate degree or national diploma in Administration or Management, or an equivalent qualification. At least three years of suitable junior managerial experience in systems management is required, together with an unendorsed valid driver’s licence. The role demands a broad skill set, including sound knowledge of general administration, patient administration, and information systems, as well as familiarity with relevant acts, regulations, and the patient fees manual. Practical experience with the Basic Accounting System (BAS) is essential, alongside an understanding of information technology systems, strong verbal and written communication, computer literacy in MS Word and Excel, and the ability to handle sensitive financial information with strict confidentiality. Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and analysis is also required, as is proven competence in management, negotiation, interpersonal relations, decision-making, and problem-solving.

The core duties are wide-ranging. The Deputy Director will monitor contracted hotel, facilities, and support services to ensure that service level agreements are met, quality standards are upheld, value for money is achieved, and corrective action is taken promptly. This includes coordinating support services such as cleaning, security, laundry, transport, gardening, maintenance, housekeeping, mortuary services, telecommunications, registry, reprographics, and IT (e-Health). A key responsibility is the implementation and monitoring of the e-Health electronic patient record management system, ensuring patient information is captured, retrieved, reported, and protected accurately and securely. The role also requires ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and government regulations, as well as the Ideal Hospital Framework and Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) standards, including coordinating assessments and quality improvement plans.

Financial and human resource management forms a significant part of the position, covering workforce planning, staff supervision, performance management, budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and cost containment. The Deputy Director will develop and maintain disaster preparedness, business continuity, and major incident management plans for facilities and support services, and will assess service delivery alternatives, including outsourcing options, to recommend improvements in procurement, contract management, and operational efficiency. Occupational health and safety, infection prevention, and risk management across all facilities must be strictly adhered to, and the post holder is responsible for managing staff training and capacity building in line with departmental priorities.

This is an equal opportunity, affirmative action post, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The appointment is subject to security clearance, credit record, qualification, citizenship, and employment verification checks. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise testing technical and generic suitability, and one integrity assessment. Candidates must note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, and no S&T claims will be paid for interview attendance. This is an OSD-graded position within the public service, offering an all-inclusive remuneration package with a basic salary and flexible portion. The role offers a challenging opportunity for an experienced facilities management professional to make a measurable impact on service delivery at a regional hospital.