Faculty Manager (Job ID: 6541) - (2221) at University of the Free State

Description

• The University of the Free State (UFS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Faculty Manager in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
• Reporting to the Dean, the Faculty Manager is responsible for providing strategic leadership and professional management of the Faculty’s administrative, operational, financial, governance and academic support functions. The incumbent will ensure the effective delivery of professional support services, enabling the Faculty to achieve its academic, research and community engagement objectives while ensuring compliance with University policies, statutory requirements and professional accreditation standards.
• As a member of the Faculty Executive Management Team, the Faculty Manager contributes to strategic planning, institutional transformation, operational excellence and continuous improvement across the Faculty.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational management of the Faculty's administrative and professional support services in support of the Faculty's Strategic and Operational Plans. 
• Manage the Faculty's financial planning, budgeting, expenditure monitoring, resource allocation and management reporting to ensure financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of University resources. 
• Lead faculty governance processes, including committee administration, policy implementation, compliance, quality assurance, risk management, regulatory reporting and institutional planning. 
• Manage, develop and support the Faculty's professional services staff through effective performance management, recruitment support, succession planning, talent development and organisational development initiatives, while promoting transformation and Employment Equity objectives. 
• Direct the Faculty's academic administration across the student lifecycle, including admissions, registration, academic records, examinations, graduations, enrolment planning and related academic processes. 
• Build and maintain productive relationships with academic departments, central support divisions, students, professional councils, statutory bodies and other internal and external stakeholders to support the Faculty's strategic objectives. 
• Ensure operational excellence through the effective management of administrative systems, facilities, infrastructure, business continuity, continuous process improvement and institutional reporting.

Inherent requirements:

• An Honours degree or equivalent qualification on NQF Level 8 in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Management, Management, Commerce or a related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in academic administration at a senior level within a higher education environment.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in managing and leading professional or administrative teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Higher Education Act, higher education governance structures, quality assurance frameworks and relevant legislation.
• Experience in servicing executive-level committees and managing governance processes.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, operational management and financial management.

Recommendations:

• A relevant Master's degree on NQF Level 9.
• Experience within a Faculty of Health Sciences or a comparable complex academic environment.
• Knowledge of professional accreditation and regulatory requirements applicable to Health Sciences programmes.
• Experience in organisational change management, digital transformation and business process improvement.

Competencies
Required competencies: 

• Results oriented.
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

Strategic thinking.

• The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• The ability to lead change and manage multiple strategic priorities simultaneously.

Business Acumen:

• The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using all programmes of MS Office.
• Strategic leadership and sound business acumen. 
• Excellent organisational, planning and financial management skills.
• Strong analytical, report writing and presentation skills.

Leading.

• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Strong people leadership, coaching and talent development capabilities.

Building coalitions

• The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.
• The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Closing Date

3/8/2026