DIRECTOR: RISK SERVICES

(Permanent;PC13-4)

Office of the Executive Director

Properties and Services

The Department of Properties & Services is responsible for managing all UCT’s many buildings and properties. It oversees the safe, secure, functional operation of the university including project managing the erection of all new buildings, re-designing the spaces in existing buildings, maintaining existing properties, access control, security, transport, traffic control, cleaning, gardening, and postal services.

Properties and Services, among other diverse areas of campus management, is responsible for managing and guiding the strategic direction by making a significant contribution to campus life, through the planning and coordination of physical risk management. The incumbent must therefore ensure effective, full-scope management of the physical risk and safety to the University, its employees, students, customers, reputation, assets and the interests of stakeholders by identifying and managing all threats to the achievement of its objectives.

The Director: Risk Services is a national role which oversees and manages the various units within physical Risk Services, i.e. Campus Protection Services, Investigations, Traffic, Transport and Safety, Health and Environment units, whilst providing a client-orientated service and building strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will support the Executive Director: Properties & Services by effectively utilizing their professional skills and knowledge to provide the vision, strategic oversight and leadership for the overall University’s Physical Risk, Transport and Safety plan.

Requirements for the job:

• NQF 7 qualification, with at least 10 years relevant experience, of which at least 5 at a senior management level in an organization of similar complexity and unionized environment.

Or

• NQF 6 qualification, with at least 15 years’ relevant experience, of which at least 5 is at a senior management level in an organization of similar complexity and unionized environment.

 The senior management experience should encompass:

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Expert knowledge of Security Management at both a strategic and tactical level.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks which governs safety and security.
• Knowledge of the transport and logistics system.
• Contracts management experience.
• An ability to interact successfully with individuals from a wide range of professional and non-professional backgrounds, including internal (UCT) and external clients. This includes stakeholder management across the entire University community (students, staff, unions, all depts and faculties)
• Project management experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Projects at an intermediate level and other relevant software.
• Ability to manage budgets with strong knowledge of budgeting and resource allocation procedures.
• A friendly disposition coupled with sound interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to communicate design and project information to committees clearly and confidently across all levels within the university.
• The ability to multi-task, work in a team or on an individual basis with minimum supervision.
• The ability to cope in a highly stressful environment and be responsive and available to attend to emergencies after hours.

Advantageous:

• Prior experience in the higher education environment
• PSIRA registration

Responsibilities (further detailed in the attached position description):

• Oversees Emergency Response planning and management to ensure business continuity, Close Circuit Television Network (CCTV), and relationship building with Groote Schuur Improvement District. 
• Provide strategic advice to the Executive Management Group. 
• Be responsible for and have oversight for managing resources including financial control and operations budgets within the units that fall within/under Risk Services.
• Ensuring effective communication and stakeholder management. This includes serving on planning and project committees, representing the University at external forums and managing relationships and the work of external specialists and consultants.
• Managing the workload and resources within the department for efficient operational and project implementation.

The annual cost of employment including benefits is between R 1 670 679,00 and R 1 965 508,00.

To apply, please visit the UCT Jobs site to create a candidate profile and to submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Cover letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position.
• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency assessments and references may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Hlubi Ntsizi at hlubi.ntsizi@uct.ac.za or 021 650 2163.

Closing Date:  25 February 2025

Website:         https://hr.uct.ac.za/                         

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.