HEAD: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: (REF: HSCM)

Introduction:

The Water Research Commission (WRC) is a dynamic hub for water and sanitation knowledge, innovation and intellectual capital, providing leadership and undertakes research, development and innovation of water and sanitation solutions. It engages stakeholdersand partners involving water and sanitation challenges and opportunities, which are crucial to South-Africa's sustainable development and economic growth and is committed to promoting a better quality of life for all. The WRC is a schedule 3A public entity and adherence to all relevant legislation is imperative to the organization's strategy and values.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified, experienced and passionate individuals for the Pretoria-based position of:

The WRC is looking for a qualified and results driven individual to take on the permanent position of Head: Supply Chain Management. This position calls for an energetic and dynamic person to provide strategic, operational, and governance leadership across the full supply chain value chain function of the WRC. The successful candidate will be a member of the Finance Branch and report to the Chief Financial Officer.

Desired Qualifications:

Applicants must be in possession:

• Post graduate Degree or Honours Degree in Supply Chain Management/ Logistics/ Purchasing/Procurement/ Finance/ Public Management, or related field (NQF 8).
• A Master's degree or equivalent (NQF 9) qualification in Supply Chain, Finance, or Business Administration will be an added advantage. Professional registration with Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPC) or equivalent is required.
• A minimum of eight (8) years' relevant Supply Chain Management experience, with at least five (5) years' experience at a middle management level is required.
• Proven knowledge of PFMA, PPPFA/Public Procurement Act, Treasury Regulations, SCM Instruction Notes, and Preferential Procurement Regulations, Public Private Partnership (PPP), Tender related tools (CSD, eTender Publication Portal, Database of Restricted Suppliers and Register for Tender Defaulters is required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• The Head: Supply Chain Management is responsible for providing strategic leadership across the full supply chain value chain, including demand planning, acquisition management, contract and supplier performance oversight, and ensuring strict compliance with PFMA, Treasury Regulations, PPPFA, Preferential Procurement Regulations and BBBEE.
• The role oversees transparent and efficient SCM processes, ensures effective contract lifecycle management, strengthens governance to prevent irregular expenditure, prepares reports for Executive and Board committees, and leads the SCM team to drive accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement of the SCM function. This role is key to strengthening clean‑audit outcomes, ensuring transparent procurement, and enabling the WRC to achieve its mandate efficiently and sustainably.

The appointment in this position, will be made in line with the WRC's employment equity plan and applications from individuals with disabilities are encouraged. Applications must be submitted to Human Resources and CVs should contain at least three (3) contactable references.

No hand delivered applications will be accepted.

[email protected]

Closing date 30 October 2026. If you are not contacted by 31 December 2026, please consider your application as unsuccessful.