DIRECTOR: BUSINESS PLANNING AND MONITORING

This senior management position, Director: Business Planning and Monitoring, is located within the Western Cape Department of Social Development and reports directly to the Chief Director. The role sits at the heart of the department’s strategic architecture, ensuring that business planning, policy alignment, monitoring, reporting, and communication services are delivered in a coherent and effective manner. As the head of the directorate, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating the department’s strategic and operational planning processes, aligning departmental policies with broader government priorities, and driving performance monitoring, review, and reporting systems. The director also oversees corporate communication and customer care functions, making this a pivotal role for ensuring the department remains responsive, transparent, and accountable to the public it serves.

Candidates must possess a relevant NQF level 7 qualification or equivalent recognised by SAQA, together with at least five years of middle or senior management experience. The role demands expert knowledge of legislation, regulatory frameworks, and best practices affecting the line functions, as well as a deep understanding of strategic management processes, information systems, programme and project management, procurement and tendering, and policy development and review. A thorough grasp of modern governance, public service procedures, and the constitutional and legal arrangements governing the South African public sector is essential. The successful applicant will also need to demonstrate knowledge of public finance, human resources, and discourse management, including the Public Finance Management Act, National and Provincial Treasury Regulations, and related financial prescripts. Familiarity with labour relations legislation, performance management, and the broader political, economic, and social dynamics impacting the Western Cape provincial government is equally important.

Core competencies required for this post include strategic capability and leadership, project and programme management, change management, people management and empowerment, and financial management. Practical skills such as numeracy, literacy, computer literacy, project management, and economic, statistical, and financial analysis are also expected, along with strong language, legal administration, and strategic planning abilities. A valid driver’s licence and formal information technology training are listed as additional requirements.

The duties are extensive and span line management, strategic management, people management, and financial management. The director will define and continually review the directorate’s purpose, objectives, and priorities, drive its strategic and business planning processes, and evaluate performance against predetermined measurable standards. Regular reporting to the Chief Director on activities and matters of substantial importance is required, as is ensuring compliance with legislation and proper record-keeping. The role also involves fostering a culture of innovation, participating in recruitment, motivating and training staff, managing performance and discipline, and promoting sound labour relations. On the financial side, the director manages the budgeting process, prepares annual and adjustment budgets, controls expenditure, ensures correct tender and procurement procedures, manages contracts, and assumes accountability for assets and risk management. Full and proper financial records must be maintained in line with prescribed norms.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend interviews on a date determined by the department and to submit duly completed and signed vetting and supporting documentation within a specified timeframe. This is a demanding leadership role suited to an experienced public sector manager who can align strategic intent with operational delivery while upholding governance and financial integrity.