DIRECTOR: CONSUMER PROTECTION REF NO: REFS/057148 Branch:

This senior management position, graded at director level within the Consumer Affairs Directorate of the Gauteng provincial government, is based at Umnotho House in Johannesburg and reports into the broader public service management echelon. The role is central to the province’s consumer protection mandate, combining strategic leadership with operational oversight to ensure that businesses and trade comply with both national and provincial consumer protection legislation. The director will be responsible for shaping and implementing policy frameworks, guiding investigative and enforcement processes, and representing the interests of consumers, particularly through the Consumer Affairs Court. As a Senior Management Service post, the role requires a blend of legal expertise, managerial acumen, and the ability to engage with multiple stakeholders, including other government departments, regulatory authorities, and the public.

Candidates must hold a university degree in law at NQF level 7 and be admitted as an attorney or advocate in terms of South African law governing the legal profession. In addition, the successful applicant must possess the Nyukela Certificate for entry into the Senior Management Service from the National School of Government, which must be submitted prior to appointment. At least five years of experience at a middle or senior managerial level within a legal environment is required, preferably with exposure to civil litigation, consumer protection or regulatory enforcement, complaints and investigations, compliance inspections, and stakeholder relations. A valid driver’s licence (code 08) is also mandatory. This combination of qualifications and experience ensures the incumbent has both the legal depth and the leadership maturity to manage a high-stakes public protection portfolio.

The duties are wide-ranging and demanding. The director will develop or review departmental consumer protection strategies, policies, procedures, and implementation frameworks, aligning them with provincial and national legislative requirements. This includes monitoring compliance by businesses with applicable legislation, advising on legislative reforms, and overseeing the implementation of new or amended consumer protection laws and their transitional arrangements. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing consumer complaints, deciding on appropriate action for matters outside the office’s mandate, and reporting on complaint trends per business sector, including identifying emerging risks and proposing mitigation measures. The director will also oversee the assessment, allocation, investigation, and resolution of complaints against set turnaround times and performance standards, and analyse complaint data to inform corrective interventions.

The role carries significant statutory and representational responsibilities. The director will assume functions delegated by the Consumer Protector, issue prescribed pleadings and notices against businesses engaged in unfair practices, ensure consumers are represented before the Consumer Court, and facilitate enforcement of court orders. The position also involves handling reviews and appeals of administrative decisions, engaging with cluster departments and regulatory authorities to create an investor-friendly province, and collaborating with the communication unit on public awareness initiatives. Additionally, the director is responsible for strategic and operational planning, stakeholder relationship management, and full oversight of administrative, people, financial, and asset management functions within the directorate.

Shortlisted candidates should note the stringent selection process. All SMS applicants undergo a technical exercise and an interview, with a maximum of three candidates proceeding to psychometric assessments covering cognitive ability, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. Shortlisted candidates must also complete two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one on ethical conduct, which are scored as part of the interview. Successful candidates will be subject to security clearance, criminal record checks, and qualification verification. Applications must be submitted online, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; if no feedback is received within three months of the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.