Senior Manager:Finance, Supply Chain and Operations
National Research Foundation
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is the National Facility for Optical and Infrared Astronomy of the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its headquarters are in Cape Town, while its telescopes are at Sutherland in Northern Cape. Distributed between the two sites, SAAO is contracted to operate SALT (the Southern African Large Telescope) on behalf of the international SALT Foundation. SAAO is the premier optical/infrared research facility on the African continent, with global research and outreach collaborations, and contributing to human capital development for South Africa.
Position: Senior Manager:Finance, Supply Chain and Operations
Business Unit: South Africa Astronomical Observatory (SAAO)
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Position Summary
NRF-SAAO seeks to fill the position of Senior Manager: Finance, Supply Chain and Operations to lead and direct the Finance, Supply Chain, and Operational aspects of Buildings, Occupational Health and Safety functions at the Cape Town Facility including the outstation based in Sutherland. The role oversees the financial strategy and sustainability of the SAAO business unit, sound management of operations including facilities maintenance, contract management, planning, reporting, and process oversight, to ensure alignment with the NRF-SAAO strategic objectives, good corporate governance, regulatory compliance and a safe working environment.
Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership to SAAO management in setting, evaluating, and reporting on business unit financial targets, budgets, sustainability, and overall performance.
Ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Finance Department
Oversee and monitor budget execution, ensuring financial targets are achieved and resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
Review, analyse, model and cost operational proposals and feasibility studies (financial and non-financial) for funding instruments, projects, and other initiatives.
Ensure compliance with all applicable governmental, statutory and legislative requirements at the business unit level, including but not limited to the PFMA and GRAP standards.
Ensure the accurate and timely preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, as well as other required business unit reports.
Lead the annual performance planning of the SAAO in line with the guidelines from the NRF Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Policy division.
Develop the Supply Chain Strategy for the SAAO, review and manage and report on the SAAO's Procurement Plan through proactive intervention together with the SCM Manager, and manage procurement risks.
Oversee contract negotiations, pricing and specific contract conditions in line with policies, procedures, systems and strategic objectives.
Provide guidance and lead the development of transformation in procurement.
Lead the development and implementation of infrastructure maintenance and renewal plans, ensuring the long-term reliability, sustainability, and operational effectiveness of infrastructure assets.
Oversee and manage Cape Town site personnel and contractors, ensuring the effective maintenance and upkeep of buildings, infrastructure, plumbing, electrical systems, utilities, painting, and general facilities.
Manage and coordinate leased properties and accommodation, ensuring compliance with governance requirements, effective administration of lease agreements, timely rental collection, and fulfilment of landlord obligations.
Ensure that logistics, staff transport, and resource allocation across sites meet operational requirements.
Oversee the development and implementation of facility standards and standard operating procedures.
Engage with stakeholders such as community groups, the municipality, the SA Heritage Resource Agency and others to represent SAAO’s interests, stay abreast of local concerns and ensure heritage resources are properly maintained.
Oversee the Occupational Health and Safety function
Ensure compliance with Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Act together with all other applicable statutory requirements.
Ensure systems and procedures are in place to mitigate against environmental, occupational health and safety risks.
Lead the operational management of Cape Town facilities and site services, ensuring the efficient, safe, and reliable performance of buildings, utilities, and plant machinery.
Oversee and monitor security, access control, and site security systems and ensure compliance with organisational security standards, policies, and procedures.
Remain current with applicable legislation, regulations, standards, and statutory requirements relevant to SAAO facilities and operations.
Ensure that safety inspections, audits, and assessments are conducted, documented, and appropriately reported, with corrective actions monitored to completion.
Manage the interface with NRF Corporate Office to ensure business unit alignment and compliance with organisational policies, rules, regulations, practice notes, and applicable legislation.
Develop, maintain, and regularly review the Business Unit risk profile, ensuring risks are appropriately assessed, managed, and recorded in the BU and NRF Risk Registers.
Coordinate responses to audit findings and recommendations, ensuring appropriate actions are implemented and tracked to completion.
Establish and implement effective internal controls to address identified gaps, weaknesses, and areas of operational risk.
Ensure that Business Unit assets are appropriately safeguarded, controlled, and adequately insured, in consultation with NRF Corporate Office.
Additional Notes
Able to travel when required to other NRF business units and head office, e.g. for workshops and meetings.
Qualification
Honours Degree (NQF 8 qualification), in Finance, Business Management or a related field.
An NQF level 9 degree or an MBA will be advantageous.
Experience
• Minimum 10 Years relevant experience in Business Management, with significant relevant experience at a management level
• At least 5 years’ hands on experience overseeing finance and supply chain functions
• Demonstrated experience in Facility Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Risk Management and operational compliance.
• Business planning and reporting
• Project management
• Risk management
• Stakeholder engagement
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act and and related National Treasury Regulations, guidelines and Instruction notes.
Working experience with implementing and ensuring compliance with financial reporting standards such as GRAP and/or IFRS and South African Tax Legislation.
Working experience and knowledge of all financial processes, including Asset Management, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Banking and general ledger.
Sound experience with implementing SCM/Procurement business processes ensuring compliance to Legislation, regulations and practice/instruction notes.
Working experience on a Financial and ERP system.
Experience in high-level project and contracts management.
Extensive experience in contract and price negotiations.
Highly computer literate with strong working knowledge of MS Office suite.
Sound knowledge of the OHS Act, safety codes and local regulations.
Sound people management skills including performance management.
Closing Date: Thursday, 19 Nov 2026
The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
