Executive Opportunity: Chief Procurement Officer (Johannesburg), 5 year term

Public Sector Executive Management Strategic Impact

Are you a visionary procurement leader ready to drive transformation, strengthen governance, and ensure the seamless delivery of critical healthcare and organisational services? A prominent public?sector organisation in Johannesburg is seeking an exceptional Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to lead its procurement, supply chain, and strategic communications functions with integrity, innovation, and purpose.

This is a rare opportunity to influence national impact—ensuring transparent, cost?effective procurement while safeguarding the supply of essential medical and laboratory resources that support life?saving operations.

The Role

As the Chief Procurement Officer, you will provide strategic leadership across the full procurement value chain, ensuring compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and all relevant healthcare regulations. You will champion modernisation, strengthen supplier partnerships, and drive operational excellence across procurement, supply chain, and strategic communications.

This executive role requires a dynamic leader who can balance governance with innovation, manage complex stakeholder environments, and uphold the highest standards of ethical sourcing and public accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with government policy and organisational priorities.
• Identify key spend categories, conduct market analysis, and implement sourcing strategies that optimise value and reduce costs.
• Oversee efficient tendering processes that promote fairness, transparency, and competitive procurement.
• Ensure full compliance with PFMA, healthcare, and laboratory regulations (including FDA, OSHA, CMS, HIPAA where applicable).
• Modernise procurement systems and introduce technologies that enhance efficiency and governance.

Supply Chain & Medical Sourcing

• Lead the sourcing of critical medical supplies, laboratory reagents, equipment, and specialised services.
• Optimise inventory, demand forecasting, and supply continuity to support clinical and operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with clinical, laboratory, operations, and finance teams to ensure seamless alignment.

Contract & Supplier Management

• Negotiate and manage complex contracts, ensuring performance against agreed terms.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, driving continuous improvement, cost savings, and quality standards.
• Promote BBBEE objectives and ethical sourcing across all procurement activities.

Governance, Risk & Reporting

• Implement robust internal controls to mitigate procurement risks.
• Develop reporting and review systems that enhance transparency and decision?making.
• Provide expert guidance, technical support, and advisory services to internal stakeholders.

Leadership & Organisational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop high?performing teams across Procurement, Supply Chain, Strategy, Business Intelligence, Marketing, and Communications.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute actively as a member of the Executive Management team.

Strategic Communications & Public Relations

• Develop and execute public relations strategies that elevate the organisation’s reputation and visibility.
• Manage media relations, secure positive coverage, and oversee brand consistency across all channels.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response to protect organisational credibility.
• Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and public forums.
• Monitor public sentiment and proactively address reputational risks.

Who We’re Looking For

A seasoned executive with:

• Deep expertise in public?sector procurement and PFMA compliance.
• Strong experience in healthcare, laboratory, or medical supply chain environments.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex stakeholder landscapes.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and negotiation skills.
• A passion for public service, ethical leadership, and operational excellence.

Non-negotiables:

• No less than 15 years' experience in supply chain management, 5 years' holding an executive / senior management title within large public sector / private sector entity
• Masters' degree - Supply Chain / Business Administration
• Finance member MCIPS or CA

Key competencies / attributes:

• Change management
• Leadership
• Strategic
• Contract management
• Vendor management
• Negotiation
• Financial acumen
• Collaboration
• Influencer
• Adaptability
• Risk management and compliance
• Analytical
• Decision making
• Results driven
• Communication