ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: STRATEGIC SOURCING (X2 POSTS)

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to public sector efficiency by leading strategic sourcing initiatives for the Gauteng Provincial Government. As an Assistant Director in the Provincial Supply Chain Management unit, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering transversal sourcing services that streamline procurement across the province. The role is central to transforming the tender process, with a specific mandate to reduce turnaround times from 120 days to 90 days, ensuring that contracts are awarded within agreed service level agreements. The work directly supports a broader goal of improved service delivery, making this a high-impact role for an experienced procurement professional.

To be considered, candidates must hold a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF level 7 in Business Management, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, or Procurement Management. In addition, applicants need between three and five years of experience as an administrator in a procurement and/or supply chain managerial position, with a strong focus on transversal sourcing. Demonstrated knowledge of procurement best practices and sourcing strategies is essential, along with practical experience in vendor management and in supporting BBBEE and SMME development. An understanding of the South African market is also a key requirement, as the role involves working with local suppliers and aligning with national economic transformation objectives.

The core duties go beyond simply sourcing goods and services. The Assistant Director will manage contracts to achieve high client satisfaction, actively seeking to improve satisfaction levels and submitting regular status reports. The role also includes ensuring that contracts are properly visible on the SRM and SAP R3 systems, so that the provincial government has accurate, real-time data on procurement activities. A significant performance target for this position is to increase BBBEE preferential procurement spend from 60% to 70%, which places the role at the heart of the province’s efforts to promote economic inclusion and support historically disadvantaged businesses.

This is an OSD-graded position with a competitive annual remuneration package plus benefits. Applicants should be aware of several important special conditions attached to this vacancy. The application process requires strict compliance with the Z83 form requirements, including the completion of all relevant parts and a signed declaration; shortlisted candidates will need to provide certified copies of qualifications and, for foreign qualifications, a SAQA evaluation certificate. All shortlisted applicants must undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity test, and successful candidates will be subject to a personnel suitability check covering vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification and employment verification. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, with a confirmation of disability required from a registered medical practitioner where applicable. Please note that applications must be submitted through the prescribed channel, and the department will not accept posted, emailed, or hand-delivered applications. Due to the expected volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who do not hear back within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.