Senior Procurement Specialist

Job Description

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

SENIOR PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 07

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for the following, but not limited to:

• Engage in negotiations with external entities to negotiate corporate deals and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to understand customer requirements.;
• Respond to inquiries related to the procurement of items, both from internal stakeholders and external vendors;
• Manage UP credit card purchases in accordance with established policies and ensure accurate reconciliations;
• Manage supplier relationships and liaise with suppliers through various means, including meetings, site visits, and other forms of interaction, to ensure collaborative partnerships;
• Evaluate and grant approval of local and foreign requisitions in the financial system;
• Source relevant suppliers to be registered on the UP database. Responsible for identifying and registering suppliers that align with the UP database;
• Ensure the development and maintenance of a supplier base by maintaining relationships with suppliers;
• Manage online tender advertisements. Evaluate and advise on the drafting of tender documentation in cooperation with stakeholders;
• Ensure the evaluation of tenders, including the B-BBEE status of potential suppliers or contractors and ensure compliance with guidelines and business best practices;
• Coordinate activities associated with the drafting of Service Level Agreements after awarding of tenders to ensure appropriate services and goods are rendered;
• Provide leadership concerning the division’s operational and strategic activities and monitor productivity and absenteeism;
• Manage the performance and development of subordinates. Ensure performance contracts and assessments for the subordinates are completed.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelors/BTech degree;
• 4 years’ experience in the following;
• Commercial/Procurement and or Finance background.
• Specific experience in:
  • Procurement practices & systems;
  • Procurement policy knowledge;
  • Contract Management;
  • Commercial Tender practices.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Procurement Practices and systems;
• Procurement Policy knowledge;
• Contract Management;
• Commercial tender practices;
• Contract management;
• Operational systems;
• Computer literacy;
• Contract evaluation skills;
• Analytical skills;
• Facilitation and presentation skills;
• Language skills;
• Planning and organisational skills;
• Knowledge of products and services in assigned portfolio; Knowledge of products and services in assigned portfolio; Knowledge of products and services in assigned portfolio;Ability to deal with others in difficult and complex situations to achieve resolution;
• Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals, either verbally or in writing, to ensure that they understand the information and the message;
• Ability to explore alternatives and positions to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties;
• Ability to build and maintain ongoing, collaborative working relationships with co-workers to achieve the goals of the work unit;
• Ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, relate and compare data from different sources, and identify alternative solutions.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Postgraduate degree in Procurement/Finance or Honours level professional qualification in a related field;
• 2 years’ experience in the following:
  • Contract Management;
  • Commercial Tender practices;
• Supervisory experience in a procurement or related environment.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 25 August 2026.

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES:

Ms Thandeka Mtswene: thandeka.mtswene@up.ac.za, Tel: (012) 420 4028 for application-related enquiries. and Mr P. Mahlaole, pitso.mahlaole@up.ac.za, Tel: (012) 420 - 3497 for enquiries related to the post content. No applications via email will be considered.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 October 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.