Director: Supply Chain Management (post level 5) (Contract appointment: five years, with the possibi

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of the Free State is seeking a Director for Supply Chain Management. This role involves overseeing procurement processes, managing staff, and ensuring strategic alignment with university objectives. Candidates should have a relevant degree and extensive experience in supply chain management, particularly in a managerial role.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Group life insurance

Housing allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years’ working experience in supply chain management.
• At least three years in a managerial capacity.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate systems and policies for improvements in SCM.
• Supervise SCM staff and manage procurement decisions.
• Ensure procurement supports the strategic objectives of the university.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Client Relations Management

Change Management

Education

Professional Bachelor’s degree/Honours degree on NQF Level 8

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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Director: Supply Chain Management (post level 5) (Contract appointment: five years, with the possibi

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:



• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).

• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).

• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities

Change Management

• Evaluate systems and policies in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) environment and recommend possible improvements and changes needed.

• Prepare and compile proposals for management on possible changes to systems and/or University policies and procedures.

• Manage the development, implementation, and training of new systems and/or University policies and procedures.

Client Relations Management

• Liaise with the University community to understand their purchasing needs.

• Liaise with suppliers to negotiate on prices, quality, delivery etc.

• Oversee SCM as the point of entry and exit for all procurement decisions.

People Management

• Supervise staff in SCM, allocate work and make decisions regarding employment, performance appraisals, training and development, salary recommendations, promotions and transfers.

Strategic alignment of supply chain management

• Ensure procurement support the strategic objectives of the University, including BBBEE.

• Ensure fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective procurement principles are followed at the University.

• Manage effective and transparent purchasing processes.

• Ensure a supplier database that is complementary to the needs of the University.

• Oversee maintenance of the supplier database.

• Oversee governance and manage processes associated with tender processes.

• Advise contract owners on tender best practices for their specific needs.

• Assist the tender workgroup to comply with the requirements of the tender policy.

• Provide recommendations on the outcome of tenders to Top Management.

• Approve purchases to in line with the UFS delegation of authority.

• Approve deviations on the University’s procurement policy in line with the UFS delegation of authority.

• Responsible for the management of accounts with suppliers to provide goods and/or services on credit.

• Responsible for the management of contracts relating to the rent or maintenance of photocopy machines, laboratory equipment, and/or fax machines.

• Responsible for the management and coordination of the Gown store during Graduations and the groceries and stationery Stores.

• Ensure SCM practices that support and enhance the BBBEE compliance rating of the UFS associated with preferential procurement.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure that the University’s procurement is done in a fair, equitable, competitive and transparent manner according to the University’s policies and procedures.

• Review of tenders of material monetary value and reputational exposure.

• Oversee and facilitate processes followed in preparation until completion of tenders.

• Review tender recommendations for submission and consideration to the Tender Committee.

• Provide continuous training on the University’s policies and procedures.

Reporting

• Compile reports on:

o Non-compliance to SCM policies to Management.

o Evaluation reports to the Tender committee.

o Expensive equipment business case proposals to Management.

o Quarterly SCM report to relevant institutional structures.

o As required by Management.

Inherent Job Requirements

• A Professional Bachelor’s degree/ Honours degree on NQF Level 8.

• Minimum of eight (8) years’ working experience relating to supply chain management, of which at least three (3) years should be in a managerial capacity.

Recommendations

• Relevant experience in the Higher Education environment.

• Knowledge of SCM policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of tender processes.

• Knowledge of business drivers, business risks, and financial trends in HE.

• Knowledge of financial systems and internal control environment.

• Knowledge of management reporting.

• Results Orientated:

- The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.

- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.

• Strategic Thinking:

- The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.

- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

• Business Acumen:

- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.

- Proficient in using MS Office.

• Leading:

- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

- The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.

• Building Coalitions:

- The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.

- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

23 July 2025

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please contact [e-mail] or phone [phone]. In addition, kindly contact 051 4019848 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

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