City Of Umhlathuze Municipality Chief Operations Officer Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The City of uMhlathuze Municipality, one of South Africa's rapidly growing municipalities, is seeking a highly experienced and qualified individual to join its team as a Chief Operations Officer. This permanent appointment is based in Richards Bay at the Civic Centre and offers a pivotal role in the municipality's leadership.

The Chief Operations Officer position is a crucial extension of the City Manager's office, providing strategic support to the City Manager, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Speaker, and Executive Committee. The role is central to managing and coordinating the municipality’s day-to-day operations and activities, ensuring integrated service delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Grade 12/Matric Certificate.
• A relevant Postgraduate Degree or a relevant qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework at NQF Level 8 with a minimum of 120 credits.
• A minimum of 7 years’ experience at senior and middle management level, of which at least 2 years’ must be at Senior Management level.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• A Certificate in Municipal Financial Management Programme (MFMP) or Certificate Programme in Municipal Development (CPMD) is essential. If not currently in possession, candidates must complete it within eighteen (18) months from the date of employment, failing which, the employment contract will terminate automatically within one month after the applicable period.
• Good knowledge and interpretation of policy and legislation.
• Good knowledge and understanding of institutional governance systems and performance management.
• Good knowledge of Supply Chain Management regulations and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act No 05 of 2000).
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in local government and registration with a relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Operations Officer will be responsible for a range of strategic and operational duties, including:

• Developing, implementing, and managing strategic goals, policies, procedures, and plans for the Department, ensuring alignment with the Municipality’s strategic objectives.
• Integrating service delivery within the context of the Council’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and overseeing its implementation.
• Developing and implementing an intergovernmental protocol through the coordination of the IDP.
• Managing the development and implementation of external relations between the Municipality, stakeholders, other spheres of government, and international partners to achieve IDP alignment.
• Managing the Department’s budget planning, implementation, and review to support deliverables related to the IDP.
• Managing the development, implementation, and review of the Municipality’s vision and long-term strategy.
• Providing advice and support to Council, the City Manager, and other office bearers on all departmental functions, including Integrated Development Planning, Service Delivery, Enterprise Risk Management, Communications, Public Participation and Councillor Support, Performance Management, Internal Audit, Research, Knowledge and Innovation, and Safety, Health, Environment and Quality.
• Managing and coordinating the day-to-day operations and activities of the uMhlathuze Municipality.
• Providing both strategic and support services to ensure the Municipality delivers on its mandate in an integrated and coordinated manner.
• Ensuring the Municipality is responsive, accountable, transparent, compliant, and enhances service delivery.
• Ensuring proper coordination and management of the integrated planning processes of the Municipality, maintaining a focus on customers and continuous engagement in planning, implementation, and review processes.

What the Work Involves

As Chief Operations Officer, you will be based at the Civic Centre in Richards Bay, operating as a key strategic support to the municipal leadership. Your day-to-day work will involve high-level coordination and oversight, ensuring the seamless operation and strategic alignment of various municipal functions. This includes managing departmental budgets and plans, fostering external relations, and providing expert advice to the City Manager, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Speaker, and Executive Committee on critical areas like service delivery, risk management, and integrated development planning. You will play a central role in driving the Municipality's vision and ensuring that all operations are customer-focused, compliant, and geared towards enhancing service delivery for the community.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply for this position. Applications must reach the address as indicated below by 15 September 2026.

To apply, please email your application to: SM_Vacancies@umhlathuze.gov.za

Candidates must clearly state the position to which appointment is sought (i.e., CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, REF: S56002/2026) and furnish telephone number/s at which they may be contacted.