ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: ACQUISITIONS

This position of Assistant Director: Acquisitions is based at the Department of Community Safety’s Head Office in Johannesburg and operates within the Goods and Services Sub-Directorate, specifically the Acquisition and Contract Management component. The role is a supervisory supply chain management post responsible for managing procurement processes for goods and services, ensuring alignment with the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, departmental strategy, and the broader Public Service Regulatory Framework. The incumbent will oversee the full acquisition cycle, from tender preparation to the evaluation and adjudication of bids, while also leading a team of procurement staff and maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the unit’s supply chain operations.

To be considered, applicants must have an undergraduate qualification at NQF level 7, recognised by SAQA, in Supply Chain Management or Finance, plus at least three years of supply chain experience, of which two years must have been at a supervisory level. A valid driver’s licence is essential. The role requires in-depth knowledge of SCM policies and procedures, financial delegations, risk management, and the department’s strategic objectives. Strong communication, computer literacy, analytical, presentation and report-writing skills are also necessary. The ideal candidate is a quality-driven, professional, confidential team player who can work independently and perform effectively under pressure.

The duties are extensive and cover both strategic and operational elements. The Assistant Director will act as secretariat to both the Bid Evaluation Committee and the Bid Adjudication Committee, including obtaining the necessary approvals. They will compile bid documents, publish tender invitations, receive and open bid documents, and prepare terms of reference to invite service providers for expressions of interest. They will coordinate, review and source quotations from the supplier database in line with National Treasury threshold values, then receive, evaluate and adjudicate those expressions of interest and compile and maintain a database of approved suppliers. A significant portion of the role involves supervision: allocating duties, performing quality control on deliverables, advising and guiding supervisees, managing performance, conduct and discipline, ensuring staff are trained and developed, and implementing work systems and processes that enable efficient and effective service delivery.

The Department of Community Safety has attached several special conditions to this advertisement. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity, or ethical conduct, assessment. Both will be scored as additional criteria during the interview process. Suitable candidates will also undergo a personnel suitability check, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification and employment verification. The department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and coloured, Indian and white candidates to apply, with a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner required where applicable. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment. Applications must be submitted through the prescribed process; late, incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should accept that their application was unsuccessful.