ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT (X1 POST)

This position of Assistant Director: Acquisition Management is a supply chain management supervisory role within the Limpopo Department of Education, stationed at the Mopani district centre. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the full acquisition and procurement lifecycle for the district, from demand planning through to contract management, bid evaluation, and supplier database administration. The role operates within the broader public service regulatory framework and requires a firm understanding of the legislative environment governing state procurement.

Candidates must hold Grade 12 or Matric together with a recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 in Supply Chain Management, as evaluated by SAQA. In addition, at least three years of experience at a supervisory level, or as a Supply Chain Officer or Admin Officer within a supply chain management environment, is required. A valid driver's licence is essential, although applicants with disabilities are exempted from this requirement. The role demands sound knowledge of the Public Service Acts, Treasury Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act, the Division of Revenue Act, and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, as well as practical knowledge of supply chain management and procurement procedures, policy analysis and interpretation. Strong skills in problem solving, decision making, team leadership, financial management, communication, computer literacy, people management, planning and organising are also required.

The core duties of the post revolve around managing the district's demand for goods and services. This includes developing, facilitating approval of, communicating, and monitoring the procurement plan, as well as monitoring budget projections aligned to district needs analysis. The Assistant Director will manage the acquisition of goods and services by implementing supply chain management policies and strategies, managing transversal contracts, consolidating requests for quotations, verifying specifications, analysing quotations, issuing purchase orders, and approving received goods against specifications. A significant portion of the role involves bid evaluation committee work: providing secretariat services, facilitating the appointment of BEC members, arranging logistical support for meetings, monitoring adherence to advertised evaluation criteria, preparing evaluation reports, and facilitating the clearance of successful bidders. The position also oversees the supplier database, including registration, liaison with the Construction Industry Development Board, and verification of suppliers and professionals.

In addition, the post carries resource management responsibilities. The incumbent must monitor and report on the utilisation of equipment, evaluate and monitor staff performance, ensure staff capacity development, maintain motivation and a performance management culture, manage discipline, provide job descriptions to subordinates, and manage leave matters within the division.

Applicants should note that this is a public service post subject to the prescribed application process. Applications must be submitted on the official Z83 form, accompanied only by a CV at the initial stage; shortlisted candidates will be required to produce certified documents. Photocopied or faxed application documents are not accepted, and any withdrawal of an application must be done in writing. The post is based at Mopani, and the relevant reference number must be quoted when applying.