CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: VARIOUS CENTRES District Health Services

This senior management position, advertised as Chief Executive Officer for various centres within District Health Services, offers an opportunity to lead a public hospital and its associated catchment clinics in KwaZulu-Natal. The role is based at one of several hospitals, including Greytown, Osindisweni, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Charles Johnson Memorial, Mbongolwane, or Vryheid, and is graded at an all-inclusive MMS salary package level. The CEO reports to the provincial health department and works closely with the hospital's executive management team to ensure the efficient delivery of clinical and administrative support services within the legal and regulatory framework. The incumbent represents the hospital authoritatively at provincial and public forums and provides strategic leadership to improve operational efficiency and health outcomes across the facility and its surrounding clinics.

Candidates must hold a degree or advanced diploma in a health-related field and be registered with the relevant professional council. In addition, they need either a degree or diploma in health management or a degree or advanced diploma in a management field. At least five years of management experience in the health sector is required, either as a health service manager or in a significant management role within a health service environment. Operational managers and clinical programme coordinators with five years of relevant experience in those positions may also apply. A valid, unendorsed Code B driver's licence is essential. Shortlisted applicants must present proof of work experience that is endorsed and stamped by their employers before the interview date. The role demands strong knowledge of legislation such as the National Health Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Public Service Act, along with core competencies in strategic capability, leadership, programme and project management, financial management, change management, and people management. Additional competencies include service delivery innovation, knowledge management, problem solving, communication, and client orientation.

The duties are broad and strategic. The CEO prepares a strategic plan for the hospital aligned with national, provincial, regional, and district plans, including the ten-point plan. Financial management involves maximising revenue collection, establishing sound policies and systems for prudent resource management, and overseeing resource mobilisation, monitoring, evaluation, asset management, and risk management. Facility management ensures business support systems and timely maintenance of buildings and equipment. Human resource management includes developing and implementing HR policies, promoting a safe and healthy working environment, ensuring continuous staff development and training, and monitoring performance. The CEO also implements a fair, transparent, and cost-effective procurement system in line with delegated authority and the PFMA. Clinical and corporate governance duties include overseeing high standards of patient care, establishing community networks, managing institutional risk, and driving the hospital and its clinics towards a clean audit. The role further requires building relationships with community structures, NGOs, and oversight bodies, participating in Operation Sukuma Sakhe and other intersectoral collaborations, and ensuring readiness for audits and quality assurance assessments. The CEO is expected to promote a positive organisational culture and to implement innovative strategies that advance progress towards Universal Health Coverage in alignment with the National Health Insurance framework. This is a demanding leadership position for an experienced health manager seeking to make a significant impact on public healthcare delivery.