Manager: Strategic Sourcing

Position Reports to: Lead: Acquisition Management Division : Enterprise Service & Support Location : Head Office Advert Closing Date : 06 November 2026 About the Position SARS is seeking a dedicated, organised, flexible and self-motivated professional with a methodical approach and strong attention to detail to manage the ICT Strategic Sourcing function and lead a highly skilled team of sourcing specialists. The ideal candidate must be able to perform effectively under pressure. The incumbent will contribute to the higher purpose and service orientation of SARS by developing and implementing ICT category and sourcing strategies, ensuring effective management and reporting, and strengthening compliance within the Strategic Sourcing business area. The incumbent will be expected to deliver on their accountabilities timeously, provide input into and support the management of the principal accountabilities, and oversee the overall administrative and operational functions of the ICT sourcing portfolio. Experience in a Supply Chain Management environment will be a key consideration, as this role is located within the Procurement function of SARS. Job Purpose To develop and deploy category management strategies to deliver value through strategic sourcing for designated categories, formulate implementation plans for a portfolio of strategic commodities and manage relevant commodity teams. To execute strategic sourcing initiatives relating to SARS supply chain management area of operation, leading to the creation of a competitive, fair, equitable, transparent and cost-effective procurement system Education and Experience Minimum Qualification & Experience Required Relevant Bachelor's Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Supply Chain Management AND 8-10 years' experience in Procurement/Supply Chain or similar environment, of which 3-4 years at Junior Management level Alternative Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 15 years’ experience in Procurement/Supply Chain or similar environment, of which 3-4 years at Junior Management level Job Outputs: Process Actively support and develop accredited small BEE and SMEs through providing guidance. Assist staff to resolve complex or out of policy operation problems. Ensure that the needs of SARS are met and take appropriate actions by co-ordinating the implementation of contract negotiation, communication with suppliers or modifying procedures to ensure customer satisfaction. Ensure that the procurement function complies with all statutory and Treasury requirements and SARS policies and procedures. Responsible for contributing to the development of sourcing and procurement strategies for specific commodity areas. Responsible for staff scheduling to include: work assignments/rotations, employee training, employee vacations, employee breaks, overtime assignment, back-up for absent employees, and shift rotations. Responsible for tender management, by reviewing all tenders and recommending and adjudication in line with delegations of authority. Responsible for vendor performance management. The application of risk management techniques to high value, high-risk procurement activities. Unpacking technical and user specifications with users. Act as the bottom-line drivers of tactical implementation within the context of business unit excellence and performance improvement. Direct, control, coordinate and optimise budgeted resources to meet specific objectives and deliver agreed results and productivity requirements. Ensure the development and implementation of a practice in alignment with operational policy and procedural frameworks. Implement tactical strategy and delivery plans through the development of operational activities, ensuring the achievement of operational targets. Plan for handling work outputs, pull together interdependent activities & specify priorities, standards & procedures to ensure tactical implementation. Proactively identify interconnected problems, determine its impact and use to develop best fit alternatives; implementing best practice solutions. Provide periodic reports on performance against plan & progress on short-term initiatives & use to realign tactical plan and objectives appropriately. Recommend changes to optimise processes, systems, policies and procedures, and execute the implementation of change and innovation initiated by the organisation. Timeously communicate top down policy and associated single practice area modification, objective achievement progress and critical success factors to impacted stakeholders. Use the insights gained through integrated business reports to measure success & realign tactical strategy implementation objectives appropriately. Governance Implement governance, risk and compliance policy in own practice area to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability. Manage and or advise on the translation and application of policy in a specific functional area. People Create a positive work climate & culture to energise employees & give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity. Develop & implement appropriate people capacity plans in line with delivery & efficiency targets, on budget & in partnership with specialised area. Plan & implement enhanced organisational efficiency by identifying and addressing development requirements & providing tools for people resources. Translate performance expectations into specific metrics and goals to identify and provide effective services, solve problems, and achieve objectives. Finance Draw up a budget aligned to tactical delivery plans, monitor planned vs. actual, minimise expenditure and report on cost efficiency. Implement and monitor financial control, management of costs and corporate governance in area of accountability. Client Structure long-term vendor and end-user relationships. Build strong relationships and implement service level agreements that promote SARS with internal and external stakeholders. Develop and ensure implementation of practices which builds service delivery excellence and encourages others to provide exceptional client service. Manage an integrated service excellence culture, which builds rewarding relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service. Behavioural competencies Fairness and Transparency - Management and review Accountability (V) - Manages and evaluates the activities of self, others and the business area Stakeholder Engagement and Management - Forms relationships with cross functional teams and external customers Honesty and Integrity (V) - Work to build commitment and engagement to improve the behaviour Conceptual Thinking - Clarifies complex concepts Championing the Mandate - Takes initiative Influencing Others - Adapts message Mobilising Teams - Aligns the team Driving for Excellence - Monitors performance Leveraging Diversity - Describes how to influence culture Accurate Understanding - Infers and understands differences Developing Others - Develops leaders Trust - Displays strong levels of commitment and trust Respect (V) - Constructive engagement Problem solving and analyses - Tactical analysis Building Sustainability - Professionalises GOC - Confidential Technical competencies Functional Policies and Procedures - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Tax Knowledge - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill and requires guidance but not constant supervision. Is proficient in the interpretation and application of the relevant taxes. Financial Acumen - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Risk Management - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Managerial Budgeting - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provides technical guidance when required Effective Business Communication - : Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Problem Analysis and Judgement - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Planning, Management and Measurement - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Decisiveness - Takes decisions to benefit the business Business Acumen - Considers factors influencing the businesses strategic direction Negotiation Skills - Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Expenditure Management - Advanced knowledge and skills to provide advise and guidance, in terms of expenditure management principles and procedures Supply Chain Management - Contributes to the supply chain management function by integrating and optimising functional activities, processes or systems across an internal value chain and ensuring adherence to an operational framework of policies Procurement and Asset Management - Level: Applies concepts of knowledge / skill without requiring supervision; also able to provide technical guidance when required Compliance Competency Compliance to Procurement Principles and Legislation. GOC Confidential Finance for Procurement Professionals Procurement Process Management (PPM) ADVANCE Procurement Contract Selection and Legal ADVANCE Risk Management (Risk) ADVANCE Negotiation Skills (Neg) ADVANCE Supply Base Analysis (SBA) ADVANCE Customer/Client Management ADVANCE Contract Management (CM) ADVANCE Employment Equity The Employment Equity policy of SARS will be considered as part of the recruitment and selection process and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an oath of secrecy, pre-employment screening, case study, pre-assessment, psychometric assessment and or vetting, and a declaration of private interest. The appointment is also subject to appropriate reference(s) and security clearance where applicable. Protect yourself. Never pay for a job. Recruitment Fraud Alert: SARS never asks for payment for vacancies, interviews, or appointments. Any such request is a scam. SARS official reporting channels: <[email hidden]> ; <[email hidden]> ; <[email hidden]> ; SARS Hotline number (0800 00 28 70).