Head of Tender Office — Procurement & Compliance

UFS International; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Group life insurance

Housing allowance

Leave and sick leave

Service bonus

Study benefits

Job summary

The University of the Free State is seeking a Chief Officer (post level 8) to lead the Tender Office within Finance - Supply Chain Management in Bloemfontein. The role requires steering end-to-end tender administration, ensuring compliance with legislation, governance frameworks and ethical standards across all procurement activities.

You will advise management on procurement strategies, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement while mentoring interns and junior staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in supply chain, accounting, law or related field.
• Minimum of three years in tender administration and procurement.
• Experience supervising staff in a complex environment.
• Knowledge of procurement legislation and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end tender administration to ensure compliant procurement.
• Ensure activities align with legislation, policies, governance, and ethics.
• Oversee tender documentation, ads, and communications.
• Coordinate briefing sessions, bid openings, and evaluations.
• Quality assure evaluations and recommendations for governance.
• Advise on procurement strategies, risks, and compliance.
• Monitor tender performance and prepare management reports.
• Maintain records and stakeholder relationships for service delivery.
• Support contract management and vendor management processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and enforcement of procurement policies.
• Mentor staff and develop interns within the department.

Skills

Results oriented

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Leading

Building coalitions

Education

Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma/B-Tech/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF Level 7 in Supply Chain Management, Accounting, Law or related field

Bachelor’s/Honours or Postgraduate Diploma on NQF Level 8 (recommended)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The University of the Free State is seeking a Chief Officer (post level 8) to lead the Tender Office within Finance - Supply Chain Management in Bloemfontein. The role requires steering end-to-end tender administration, ensuring compliance with legislation, governance frameworks and ethical standards across all procurement activities.

You will advise management on procurement strategies, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement while mentoring interns and junior staff.