ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (X1 POST)

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced supply chain professional to take on a leadership role at Ladysmith Regional Hospital, operating under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. As Assistant Director: Supply Chain Management, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the full procurement and logistics function within a busy public healthcare environment. The role sits within the hospital’s finance unit, reporting to the Deputy Director: Finance, and requires a blend of strategic oversight, operational management, and strict regulatory compliance. The incumbent will ensure that the hospital’s supply chain activities support effective service delivery while adhering to public finance and procurement legislation.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 or equivalent qualification, together with an appropriate degree or national diploma in Supply Chain Management or a related field, plus at least three years of suitable supervisory experience in supply chain management. An unendorsed valid driver’s licence is also required. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the Public Finance Management Act, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, Treasury Regulations and practice notes, as well as health supply chain delegations and current health legislation. Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, negotiation, decision-making and problem-solving abilities are essential, along with computer literacy in MS Word and Excel. The ability to handle sensitive financial information confidentially and to work within the framework of the Promotion of Access to Information Act and the Security Management Act is also expected.

Key responsibilities include managing demand planning, procurement of goods and services, and the handling of quotations and bids in line with the hospital’s annual operational plan and approved procurement plan. The Assistant Director will ensure efficient, economical and accountable management of SCM personnel, budgets and resources, while engaging end users and stakeholders to identify procurement needs, service-delivery gaps and compliance risks. The role involves providing sound advice and corrective recommendations to management on procurement and contract matters, implementing SCM circulars and policy amendments, and ensuring transparent, fair, competitive and cost-effective procurement. Duties also extend to technical guidance on acquisition, logistics, contract administration and supplier performance, as well as monitoring internal controls, requisitions, purchase orders, goods receipt and record keeping in preparation for audits. The post holder will compile and analyse monthly performance, procurement, contract, accrual and compliance reports, and will manage staff performance, training and development. A key focus is preventing unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, and ensuring full compliance with relevant prescripts.

The Department of Health is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Appointment is subject to security clearance, credit record, qualification, citizenship and employment verification through the National Intelligence Agency. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one technical and one integrity-based, which will be scored as part of the interview process. Only a completed Z83 form and a detailed CV are required at the application stage, with certified documents requested later for shortlisted candidates. The exact reference number must be indicated on the Z83 and envelope. Please note that due to financial constraints, no subsistence and travel claims will be paid for interview attendance.