Director: Procurement - Post Number

Overview

With more than 34,400 students and approximately 1,700 staff, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading university of technology located in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. DUT was founded in April 2002 through the merger of the ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal and has evolved into a modern, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907. DUT is recognised for excellence in teaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement.

DUT is a member of the International Association of Universities and, in the 2025 Webometrics Rankings, ranked among the top 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide. DUT’s Philosophy of Education emphasizes meaningful impact for societal transformation, guided by ENVISION
2030 and a Living Values Framework that prioritises people-centred, engaged, innovative and entrepreneurial approaches.

Director:
Procurement
Post number:
To provide strategic leadership and direction for the University’s procurement and supply chain management function, ensuring ethical, transparent, cost-effective and compliant procurement practices. The role emphasises sourcing, contracting and performance management of infrastructure development, maintenance, facilities management and capital projects, in support of DUT’s operational sustainability and long-term strategic objectives.

The position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and operates at an executive level within the Finance Division.

• A Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level
  8) in Supply Chain Management, Strategic Procurement, Business Administration or Finance.
• A minimum of ten years’ progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management, of which at least five years must be at senior management level.
• Proven experience in a public sector or higher education environment with complex regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic sourcing, PFMA and PPPFA compliance, audit and governance oversight, e-procurement systems and supplier performance management.
• Strong leadership, financial, analytical and stakeholder management capabilities.
• A valid driver’s licence.

• Ability to obtain applicable security vetting and sign annual declarations of interest (where required).
• Membership with a recognised professional body such as CIPS or SAPICS.
• Experience in procurement transformation, digital procurement systems and advanced contract negotiation.
• Exposure to infrastructure, facilities management and capital project procurement.

• Developing and implementing a university-wide procurement strategy aligned to the institutional strategic plan.
• Providing strategic procurement input into capital development, infrastructure, maintenance and facilities programmes.
• Ensuring full compliance with PFMA, PPPFA, Treasury Regulations, Preferential Procurement Regulations and institutional SCM policies.
• Overseeing end-to-end tender and contract management processes, including infrastructure and facilities-related procurement.
• Managing supplier relationships, performance management frameworks and transformation objectives, including BBBEE and supplier development.
• Providing financial oversight of procurement budgets, cost containment and value-for-money initiatives.
• Leading, mentoring and developing a multi-disciplinary procurement team.
• Preparing high-level reports and dashboards for Executive Management, Council and relevant Committees.
• Driving procurement modernisation, digitalisation and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Epitomises values- and principles-driven leadership and management, the DUT DNA and The DUT Way.
• Fosters visionary and transformative leadership that is efficient, effective and impactful internally and in broader society.
• Embeds systems thinking and management in plans and projects, with a focus on sustainability.
• Takes leadership in ensuring that our education philosophy statement “our innovation and entrepreneurship shapes adaptive graduates that transform society” is enacted across DUT.
• Is creative, innovative, deliberative and decisive; a leader, a strategist and…