Position Summary

Campus: Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
EE position: EE/AA
Level: Executive

Introduction

The University is seeking to appoint a dynamic, decisive, innovative, motivated, qualified, and energetic leader of high professional standing as Chief Operating Officer. Reporting directly to the University’s Vice-Chancellor & Principal, and being a Member of the Executive Committee (‘MEC’), the primary responsibility of the Chief Operating Officer is to provide exceptional strategic and executive leadership to advance and elevate further the University’s Operations, Campuses, Protection Services, Information & Communication Systems, Human Resources and Transformation in support of its 2025 strategic objectives and in the context of the fourth industrial revolution.

Job description

The successful incumbent is expected to deliver competently on the following:

Determine, articulate and lead the Portfolio‘s strategic and executive initiatives in accordance with the University’s Strategic Plan, namely, attaining Global Excellence and Stature (GES) in the context of 4IR, with regard to:

Operations, Campuses & Protection Services:
  • Provide executive leadership and ensuring operational management on all capital projects relating to the University’s approved Capex and Campus masterplan.
  • Oversee the strategic and executive management for the full operational function of the University at a central level, as well as the operational functions of the four campuses.
  • Ensure safety and security of staff, students and all other visitors/stakeholders, and security of UJ property on and off campuses properties.

Information & Communication Systems:
  • Oversee the implementation of fit for purpose ICS related strategies and interventions in line with 4IR objectives. 
  • Oversee the alignment of cyber-security strategy with best practice.
  • Ensure that the University’s infrastructure, network, and systems supports the University’s objectives.
  • Ensure optimisation of “Work from Anywhere” principle.

Human Resources:
  • Oversees the development and rollout of employment strategies for University staff that builds proportions of black, women, disabled, and international staff in line with relevant legislation. 
  • Oversees all aspects of people management strategies for the university, including Resourcing, Talent Management and Development, Performance and Reward, and Employment Relations.
  • To acquire and enhance the University international staff complement to assist in achieving its objectives towards Global Excellence and Stature.
  • Maintains strategic relationships with all stakeholders, including Unions.

Transformation:
  • Oversee the effective implementation of the institutional transformation plan and related transformation initiatives in line with the institution’s culture and principles. 
  • Lead and advance the transformation agenda in all UJ environments whilst inculcating an inclusive institution.
  • Create an Enabling Leadership Culture that creates a shared direction, shared values and alignment and commitment to transform the institutional culture that will support global excellence and stature.
  • Ensures leadership and change capability of the institution.

Further key requirements include:
  • Maintain and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners, nationally and internationally;
  • Effectively manage related administrative and professional support staff, including development (recognition, retention and recruitment);
  • Ensure the highest level of portfolio governance, efficient administration and systems functioning;
  • Ensure effective and efficient management and utilisation of the portfolio’s finances and resources;
  • Respond to Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) related policy documents, draft proposals and reports and initiate policy, when required.
  • Oversee staff development and management, including retention and recruitment.
  • Ensure high-quality divisional governance, administration and systems functioning.
  • Ensure institutional compliance with the relevant local and international statutory and regulatory framework in which the University functions;
  • Promote, sustain excellence, and manage risks within the Portfolio.

Minimum requirements

  • Substantive academic stature, with a Masters’ qualification (or equivalent) as a minimum academic qualification.
  • Extensive experience in information security management, system analysis and synthesis, enterprise architecture, software engineering/SDLC, life cycle management of systems and technology.
  • Extensive executive management and leadership experience in Human Resources, especially talent management and transformation. 
  • Extensive executive management and leadership experience in Operations, including Campus Management, Protection Services and Property Management, with technical knowledge of and experience in the operational environment of large multi-dimensional organisations.
  • In-depth understanding of current trends and developments related to the fields associated with the portfolio.
  • Proven resource, project and contract management, strategic management and people management skills, with exceptional ability and resilience to function under pressure.
  • Good administrative skills, along with the ability to develop and maintain excellent collaborative networks.
  • Well-respected executive leader who is able to inspire and motivate the UJ community. 

Recommendation:
  • Where applicable, professional registration with a relevant South African statutory body.
  • Relevant PhD (or equivalent qualification).
  • Experience within a tertiary environment.

Terms of appointment:
The position of Chief Operating Officer is a five (5) year contract appointment, with an executive-level remuneration and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. The appointment may be renewed for a further term of office, subject to performance.

Retirement age:
The normal retirement age for members of the Executive Leadership Group is 65. Consideration will be given to candidates who would be able to serve for a 5-year term. 

Application:
To apply, please send a detailed Curriculum Vitae and a letter of motivation outlining a possible vision and strategic direction for the position you are applying for. The names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least 3 traceable and credible referees, should accompany applications.

Applications should be marked "Confidential" and addressed to the Executive Director: Human Resources, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006 or e-mailed to bdumezweni@uj.ac.za

Enquiries: Ms Tokoza Kwinana, email: tkwinana@uj.ac.za


 

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.

If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za

Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

 

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