DEPUTY DIRECTOR: CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

This position is a senior management role within the Supply Chain Management directorate of a national government department, based in Johannesburg. The Deputy Director: Contract Management is responsible for the overall administration, oversight, and strategic direction of contract management functions, ensuring that all contractual arrangements are compliant with legislative frameworks and deliver value for the state. The role operates in a complex public sector environment where adherence to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and supply chain management frameworks is critical. The incumbent will lead a sub-directorate, manage personnel and resources, and drive the automation of contract administration processes through SAP, making the position central to improving data integrity, compliance, and audit readiness within the unit.

Candidates must possess a Matric certificate as well as an undergraduate qualification at NQF level 7, recognised by SAQA, in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Purchasing, Public Administration, or a related equivalent field. A minimum of three to five years of relevant experience at the Assistant Director level within contract management or a broader supply chain management environment is required. A valid driver’s licence is essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong people management and leadership capabilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication, problem-solving, analytical, and time management skills. The ability to perform under pressure is crucial, as is strategic leadership experience and involvement in policy development. Advanced knowledge of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and SCM frameworks is expected, along with project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Computer literacy, particularly in relation to SAP and system-driven contract administration, is also required.

The core duties of the role are extensive and include managing and analysing contract administration actions to ensure proper execution, evaluating applications for variations, amendments, and cancellations, and developing proposals for approval. The Deputy Director will maintain ethical relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods and services, while also coordinating, reviewing, and monitoring contract compliance. A key responsibility is identifying and implementing a risk management plan for the directorate. The role also involves driving SAP automation and effective system management for contract administration, leading the implementation, optimisation, and automation of SAP processes, and overseeing the integration of contract management processes with SAP to improve data integrity, compliance, and audit readiness. The incumbent will monitor system-generated reports to track contract performance, commitments, and expenditure, and ensure adherence to system controls, governance frameworks, and audit requirements. Additionally, the position entails managing sub-directorate resources and personnel, allocating duties, performing quality control, developing and implementing work systems and processes, and addressing enquiries while providing advice and guidance on asset allocation and control.

Employment equity targets apply to this vacancy, with preference given to suitably qualified African males, Indian males, Coloured males, and Persons with Disabilities. Youth candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an OSD-graded position within the public service, offering an all-inclusive remuneration package. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct while contributing to the modernisation and efficiency of contract management within the department.