Stellenbosch University Faculty of Science Deans Office Director Designate: Faculty Management (Job Level 5) (Stellenbosch Campus) Ref. NW00/302/1024 The Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University (SU) is comprised of eight academic departments ranging from the fundamental Biological and Physical Sciences to Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science. It is also home to the Stellenbosch Water Institute and Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. We offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to approximately 3500 students and has a staff component of approximately 320 of which 50% are academic and 50% professional support staff. Our academic offering and research transpire in thirteen buildings on the central Stellenbosch campus. On the retirement of the Director: Faculty Management at the end of 2025, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as Director designate in 2025 to continue in the position of Director in 2026. This Director is responsible for the delivery of effective business management services to the Facultys staff, students and other clients. The Director coordinates functional support to the Faculty environments, manages relevant service level agreements, and ensures compliance with University policies and procedures, including relationship management with other support environments within the University. We therefore seek a skilled, self-motivated, high performing professional for this position. Duties: Operational excellence: Supporting the establishment of a financially sustainable Faculty through innovative, future-focused supporting mechanisms. Establishing and maintaining a clear financial strategy linking the budget with the Facultys overall strategy. Collecting, analysing and maintaining relevant data and management information to advise the Dean and executive about internal and external impacts on financial and operational strategies. Providing timely and accurate information to key stakeholders and ensuring compliance with the Universitys policies. Leading the management of effective Faculty administrative operations. Finance management: Managing the annual budget-related responsibilities, including overall financial forecasting, risk analysis, preparation of budgets and allocation of funds. Managing allocated central funds. Monitoring and computation of student fees and bursary funding. Liaising with the Finance Division regarding financial policies, regulations, guidelines and service level agreements. Procurement: Monitoring procurement at the Faculty environments to be within policies and guidelines, and ensuring accurate financial reporting and asset management. Human resources: Drafting, monitoring and managing the annual Faculty personnel plans of the environments within the allocated funding framework and monitoring of expenditure. Ensuring adherence to human resources policies and guidelines for appointments, equity and transformation. Facilities management: Overall management of Faculty facilities to provide an optimal environment for teaching and research. Managing facility project requests. Acting as an interface between the Faculty and Facilities Management for optimal space utilisation and provision of services. Ensuring adherence to safety policies and protocols and employing sustainable practices. Academic support: Administrative management and support of the academic offering of the Faculty through intentional enrolment planning, provisioning and maintenance of the academic spaces, and liaising with relevant institutional divisions. Strategic initiatives: Engaging with institutional stakeholders to achieve the Facultys vision and contributing to the formulation and implementation of strategic plans. Requirements: An honours degree in the sciences or applicable related field with at least eight years experience in a senior management role, or a masters degree with at least four years experience in a senior management role, with an honours in a science or related field. A strong track record in financial, human resources, and operational management preferrably within the higher education sector. A deep understanding of business management theories, practices, and policies. Proven leadership and supervisory ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, projects, teams and individuals. Strong ability to manage budgets and develop comprehensive business plans. C andidates will be required to take aptitude, psychometric and proficiency tests. Recommendations: Prior proven experience and an understanding of the operational requirements of science laboratories will be a distinct advantage. Demonstrated excellence in strategic analysis, decision-making, and problem-solving. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to act as negotiator and decision maker. Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of policy and procedures related to science teaching and learning, assessment and research in higher education environments. Relevant experience in student administration, enrolment and recruitment strategies at a tertiary institution. A working knowledge of academic and financial administration systems in a tertiary environment. A proactive and innovative approach to improving operational processes. Advanced Microsoft Excel and Office 365 skills. In-depth knowledge of business analysis and methodology. Familiarity with the science and technology framework of South Africa.