DEPUTY DIRECTOR: MANUFACTURING REF NO: REFS/057150 Branch: Manufacturing

The Deputy Director: Manufacturing position, situated within the Branch: Manufacturing at Umnotho House in Johannesburg, is a senior management role tasked with shaping the province's industrial and manufacturing policy landscape. Operating within the broader economic development framework of the Gauteng provincial government, this post is responsible for developing, reviewing, and promoting policy frameworks and strategies that build a comprehensive and tailored ecosystem for the manufacturing sector. The role demands a strategic thinker who can align sector development with national and provincial objectives, including industrialisation, inclusive growth, township economic development, and job creation. As a management echelon post, the incumbent will work closely with political office bearers, other government departments, private sector stakeholders, and international organisations to drive coordinated industrial policy implementation.

To be considered, candidates must hold a Grade 12 certificate and an NQF Level 7 qualification in Economics, Development Studies, or Development Economics, recognised by SAQA. A minimum of three years' experience at Assistant Director level or equivalent supervisory management experience is required, specifically in economic development, policy development, strategy development, project management, industrial development, or manufacturing sector development. A valid Code 8 or 10 driver's licence is essential. The role calls for a deep understanding of industrial policy and its practical application, as well as the ability to identify key interventions that foster industrialisation, inclusive growth, and township development. Proven experience in managing outsourced projects and designing mitigation strategies is also critical.

The core duties are extensive and centre on policy and strategy development. The Deputy Director will develop and review growth-enhancing strategies for the manufacturing sector, ensuring they remain relevant to industry changes. This includes creating sector-specific plans that align with evolving industrial dynamics, and formulating implementation guidelines for reviewed policies. The role requires benchmarking against best practices locally and internationally, and assessing whether existing policies and strategies are still fit for purpose. A significant portion of the work involves designing new programmes and mechanisms to accelerate growth, sustainability, and job creation, particularly within the ten high-growth sectors and other key manufacturing areas. The incumbent will identify potential partners, develop business cases and terms of reference, and manage the appointment of service providers. This includes drafting memoranda of understanding, service level agreements, and implementation plans, followed by rigorous monitoring and evaluation of project progress. The role also entails consulting with stakeholders across all spheres of government, the private sector, and international bodies, as well as preparing speeches and briefing notes for political office bearers. Reporting on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, the Deputy Director will collect and verify evidence against targets, manage audit queries, and ensure that all outsourced projects are delivered effectively.

Additional conditions apply to this post. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical exercise and an interview, and those reaching the final stage may be subjected to psychometric assessments covering cognitive abilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. All shortlisted candidates, including those for senior management, must complete two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment. Successful candidates will be required to pass a security clearance, including a criminal record check and verification of qualifications. The application process requires a completed Z83 form accompanied by a recently updated CV; only shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies of their qualifications, ID, and driver's licence. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted applicants, and if no feedback is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. This is a demanding but pivotal role for professionals passionate about shaping South Africa's manufacturing future.