Chief Procurement Officer

National Health Laboratory Service; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Johannesburg seeks a Chief Procurement Officer to lead procurement strategies and systems. This role requires significant leadership in sourcing critical supplies and services while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Candidates must possess a Master’s degree, extensive experience in Supply Chain Management, and proven capability at an executive level. The position offers an opportunity to influence procurement practices and promote ethical sourcing in a critical public health environment.

Qualifications

• 15 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management with a proven track record.
• 5 years’ experience at executive/senior management level in a large-scale institution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the procurement process across the organization.
• Manage the procurement system to ensure efficient tendering.
• Negotiate and administer complex contracts with suppliers.
• Identify opportunities to modernize procurement practices.
• Conduct regular demand forecasting to ensure timely supply.
• Collaborate with departments to align procurement goals.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare and laboratory regulations.
• Manage and develop the procurement team.

Skills

Ethical and principled decision-making

Strong analytical and critical thinking

High attention to detail

Results-oriented and cost-conscious

Collaborative and influential communicator

Change leadership and adaptability

Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Management

Contract Negotiation & Vendor Management

Risk Management & Compliance

Financial Acumen (cost control, value for money)

Data Analytics for Procurement Decisions

Procurement Policy & Framework Development

Stakeholder Management

Education

Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or Finance

Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) OR Chartered Accountant South Africa – CA (SA)

Job description

Job Title: Chief Procurement Officer

Division: Office of the CEO

Location: Sandringham, Johannesburg

Pay Grade: E5 (five year fixed-term contract)

Reference number: CORP-CPO-12/25-001-01

The NHLS invites suitably qualified and experienced leaders to apply for the Chief Procurement Officer.

The CPO will be responsible for leading and overseeing the procurement process across the organisation, ensuring the acquisition of goods and services is done transparently, cost-effectively and in compliance with regulations. Strategically manage contracts, supplier relations and procurement systems within the framework of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The CPO is additionally responsible for managing the sourcing of critical medical supplies, laboratory reagents, equipment, and services while ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations, optimising inventory, and supporting operational efficiency.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with government policy, including identifying key spend categories, market analysis and sourcing strategies to optimise costs and value.
• Manage the procurement system to ensure efficient tendering processes, fair competition and transparent decision-making.
• Negotiate and administer complex contracts with suppliers, monitoring performance against agreed terms and conditions.
• Identify opportunities to modernise procurement practices, including the identification of new technologies to enhance efficiency.
• Promote and implement policies to support BBBEE objectives within procurement activities.
• Conduct regular demand forecasting to ensure on time supply.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure alignment of procurement goals with organisational objectives.
• Develop and implement reporting and review systems for procurement-related information.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with healthcare and laboratory regulations, including FDA, OSHA, CMS, and HIPAA requirements where applicable.
• Maintain ethical sourcing standards and ensure compliance with organisational policies and industry standards.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant procurement regulations, addressing potential risks associated with procurement activities and implementing robust internal controls.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, evaluating their performance and promoting continuous improvement to achieve cost savings and quality standards.
• Work closely with clinical, laboratory, operations, and finance teams to align procurement strategies with organisational priorities.
• Support new product introductions, research initiatives, and capital projects with timely sourcing and supply chain planning.
• Contribute as a member of the Executive Management team.
• Provide support to all stakeholders on procurement matters through advice, guidance and technical assistance.
• Manage, develop and train the procurement team and provide necessary training and expertise to enhance procurement skills across the organisation – lead, mentor, and develop the procurement and supply chain team.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration across the procurement function.
• Develop and implement public relations strategies that effectively promote the organisation and its products/services to key audiences.
• Manage media relations and proactively secure positive media coverage that enhances the reputation of the organisation.
• Creating publicity campaigns and planning special events to promote the organization.
• Design and manage comprehensive public relations strategies to promote the organization’s services, research, and achievements.
• Oversee brand development and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Manage external stakeholder communications, including patients, healthcare providers, government agencies, donors, and the general public.
• Organize and represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and public forums.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to address sensitive or urgent issues, ensuring transparency and protecting the organization’s reputation.
• Monitor public sentiment and media coverage, responding proactively to misinformation or reputational risks.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team within Strategy, Business Intelligence and Marketing and Communications.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the respective units.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or Finance
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) OR Chartered Accountant South Africa – CA (SA)
• Fifteen (15) years’ experience in Supply Chain Management with a proven track record.
• Five (5) years’ experience at executive/senior management level obtained in a large-scale public or private sector institution.

Key Attributes

• Ethical and principled decision-making
• Strong analytical and critical thinking
• High attention to detail
• Results-oriented and cost-conscious
• Collaborative and influential communicator
• Change leadership and adaptability
• Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Management
• Contract Negotiation & Vendor Management
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Financial Acumen (cost control, value for money)
• Data Analytics for Procurement Decisions
• Procurement Policy & Framework Development
• Stakeholder Management

Closing Date: 12 December 2025

Enquiries may be directed to Nompilo Phungula @ [phone], or e-mail application to [e-mail]