Director - Procurement

Director: Procurement Department: FinanceReports to: Executive Director: FinanceLocation: GautengType: Contract - 6 months We're looking for a seasoned Director: Procurement who will turn supply chain into a driver of institutional excellence balancing governance, speed, value for money, and stakeholder trust. In this role, you will actively support the Executive Director in delivering Finances strategic objectives through end-to-end supply chain management, people leadership, robust financial stewardship, and health & safety compliance. Why this role stands out Institution-wide impact: Influence decisions that affect teaching, research, student experience, and major capital projects.Strategic remit: Shape procurement policy, governance, and operating models across a diverse academic environment.Leadership platform: Lead and develop a high-performing team, champion innovation, and build trusted partnerships with Senate, Council and Schools.Public value orientation: Uphold integrity, transparency, and compliance while driving measurable savings and risk reduction. Key Performance Areas & Outcomes 1) Strategy Development & Execution What youll do: Partner with the Executive Director to deliver Finances strategic objectives. Lead planning and performance in supply chain management; provide executive-level reporting to School Boards, Council, Senate, etc.What success looks like: Strategic goals achieved; stakeholder progress reports delivered on time and to a high standard.Core strengths: Resource & people management; governance; quality & risk; strategic partnerships; sound decision-making; compelling communication. 2) Manage End-to-End SCM Processes What you'll do: Oversee sourcing, tendering, adjudication, and contract awards; plan demand; lead negotiations; enforce delegated authorities; ensure quality assurance and logistics excellence; identify and mitigate supply risks.What success looks like: Processes aligned to relevant National Treasury/public procurement regulations and University policies; tender packs and committee submissions are crisp; risks reduced; compliance assured; integrity preserved; capability upliftment plans in place. 3) User Education & Training What youll do: Drive orientation and continuous training on SCM policies, procedures and protocols.What success looks like: Annual training calendar delivered; accurate HR-linked training schedules; strong user awareness; positive training feedback. 4) Policy & Procedure Development What youll do: Contribute to SCM policy design, reviews and audits; file approved policies with the Policy Unit (Registrars Office).What success looks like: Policies are documented, approved, current, and aligned to mission, vision, values and strategic objectives; excellent audit outcomes; strong staff buy-in. 5) Quality Assurance & Risk Management What youll do: Promote innovation in SCM; implement a fit-for-purpose QA system; lead SCM risk planning and reporting.What success looks like: Improved culture; QA system implemented; internal/external QA requirements met; proactive risk plans with regular reporting; positive audit results. 6) Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Management What youll do: Ensure compliance with all SHE policies and procedures.What success looks like: Regular SHE reports; corrective actions implemented; zero major non-conformances. 7) Resource Management: People What youll do: Keep job descriptions current; manage recruitment, induction, performance contracts and reviews; lead coaching, mentoring, training; manage ER issues and leave administration.What success looks like: Timely, policy-compliant HR processes; motivated, well-trained staff; effective PDPs; strong team climate and performance. 8) Resource Management: Budget & Finance What youll do: Input into SCM operating and capex budgets; oversee asset management and fixed asset procurement.What success looks like: Accurate budgeting, procurement and payments; strong account management feedback; assets properly recorded and insured. 9) Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting What youll do: Deliver strategic and operational reports; research and implement best practices; consult widely with stakeholders.What success looks like: ManCo/Council/Committee submissions are timely and insightful; trends identified; improvements recommended; risks proactively managed; no audit qualifications. Minimum Requirements Qualifications: Relevant Degree/Diploma (Supply Chain, Procurement, Commerce, Finance, Public Administration, or related).Experience: 6 to 8 years relevant experience in end-to-end SCM/procurement, including leadership of teams and complex stakeholders. Experience in a higher education or public-sector environment is advantageous.Skills: Strong MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and procurement systems experience; excellent stakeholder communication; robust governance mindset. Bonus/Advantageous: Familiarity with public procurement/National Treasury frameworks and committee governance.Experience with quality assurance, risk management, and capital projects in an academic context.Track record in building procurement capability and delivering measurable savings while protecting compliance. Competencies Technical/professional SCM expertise; contract management; tender adjudicationStrategic planning and resource managementPeople management & performance leadershipBuilding alliances and internal partnershipsQuality assurance and risk managementCorporate governance and ethical conductHealth & safety managementDecision-making and problem-solvingCommunication, presentation and client/student service orientation What we offer Strategic influence at the heart of Finance and institutional decision-makingProfessional growth in a complex, mission-driven environmentOpportunity to innovate procurement practices and build lasting systemsA values-led culture committed to integrity, inclusion, and excellenceSalary - Between R80 000 and R100 000 per month CTC How to Apply Please submit your CV, a brief motivation letter (max 2 pages) addressing your experience in end-to-end SCM, governance/compliance, team leadership, and stakeholder reporting; and three referees.Closing date: 10 December 2025