DEPUTY DIRECTOR: STRATEGIC SOURCING

In the Gauteng Provincial Government’s Provincial Supply Chain Management directorate, a vacancy exists for a Deputy Director: Strategic Sourcing. This Johannesburg-based role is tasked with managing strategic sourcing services for the entire provincial government. As a junior management position, it sits at a level where leadership, planning, and cross-functional coordination are essential. The incumbent will be responsible for shaping procurement strategies that not only deliver value for money but also advance government policy goals, particularly around broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) and efficient service delivery. The role requires close collaboration with various departments, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to ensure that transversal sourcing contracts are well managed and that procurement processes are continuously improved.

To be considered, applicants must hold a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF Level 7 in Business Management, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, or Procurement Management. In addition, the post requires between three and five years of experience in transversal sourcing at a junior management level, typically identified as ASD Level. This experience should include exposure to the management of contracts that cut across multiple provincial departments, as well as a solid understanding of supply chain regulations, tender processes, and preferential procurement legislation.

The duties of the role are varied and outcomes-driven. One of the key performance areas is managing the increase of BBBEE preferential procurement spend from the current 60% to a target of 70%. The successful candidate will also need to manage the operational budget closely, ensuring that at least 98% of the allocated budget is spent within the financial year. Improving tender turnaround times is another central objective—reducing the process from 120 days to 90 days—which demands efficient planning and stakeholder engagement. Contract management is equally important, with a focus on achieving high client satisfaction and increasing overall customer satisfaction. The post also carries responsibility for the timeous submission of reports and for the management and development of staff, meaning that strong supervisory skills and disciplined reporting practices are essential.

There are several important conditions attached to this post. The department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from the coloured, Indian, and white population groups to apply, and applicants with disabilities must submit a confirmation letter from a registered medical practitioner. Those shortlisted will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments—one practical exercise and one integrity assessment—and both will be scored as part of the interview process. A comprehensive personnel suitability check will also be undertaken, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to fill the post or to use other recruitment processes, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If no response is received within three months after the closing date, candidates should assume their application was unsuccessful.