Area Manager Logistics Operations (STO) at Sasol

Purpose of Job

• To manage and optimise the execution of logistics and product movement activities within Secunda Tank Farm Operations (STO), ensuring the safe, reliable and cost-effective receipt and distribution of products through rail and road networks, while maintaining inventory accountability and delivering operational excellence in support of business and customer requirements.

Key Accountabilities
Safety, Health, Environment and Risk

• Drive Goal Zero and process safety excellence.
• Ensure compliance with SHE legislation, transport regulations, Major Hazard Installation (MHI) requirements and Sasol standards.
• Lead risk assessments, audits, incident investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Ensure emergency preparedness, business continuity readiness and crisis response capability.
• Promote operational discipline, safe work practices and a proactive risk management culture.
• Ensure service provider compliance with SHE and operational requirements.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

• Lead and optimise logistics operations across rail and road distribution networks.
• Ensure the safe, reliable and cost-effective receipt and distribution of products in line with business and customer requirements.
• Optimise product movement strategies to maximise service delivery and logistics efficiency.
• Manage inventory reconciliation, stock accountability and product movement governance.
• Maintain alignment between Production, Supply Chain and customer demand requirements.
• Develop and implement logistics improvement initiatives to enhance capacity, service levels and cost competitiveness.

Operational Performance

• Deliver operational performance targets relating to:
• Customer service
• Product availability
• Rail loading performance
• Road loading performance
• Logistics throughput
• Inventory accuracy
• Cost optimisation
• Operational reliability
• Monitor and improve logistics productivity, efficiency and asset utilisation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and customer satisfaction.
• Establish, monitor and report on key logistics performance indicators.

Inventory Accountability and Governance

• Maintain end-to-end accountability for product inventory under logistics control.
• Ensure stock reconciliation accuracy across logistics operations.
• Lead inventory loss control and stock governance processes.
• Ensure compliance with stock accounting, product stewardship and governance requirements.
• Manage inventory-related risks and implement corrective actions where required.

Financial and Business Performance

• Develop and manage departmental budgets and cost forecasts.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and value-creation opportunities.
• Evaluate operational and financial impacts of logistics network changes.
• Support business planning, strategy execution and operational optimisation initiatives.

Asset Performance and Reliability

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering and Maintenance teams to ensure availability and reliability of logistics infrastructure.
• Optimise utilisation of rail, road loading and logistics assets.
• Provide operational input into reliability improvement initiatives.
• Support capital projects, commissioning activities and operational readiness programmes.
• Ensure logistics infrastructure supports current and future business requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with:
• Production Operations
• Supply Chain
• Customers
• Service Providers
• Transport service providers
• Regulatory authorities
• Ensure effective communication and alignment across the value chain.
• Drive customer-centric service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Represent the logistics function in operational and strategic forums.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary logistics team.
• Create a high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive performance management, succession planning and capability development.
• Coach and mentor team members to achieve operational excellence.
• Promote employee engagement, inclusion and collaboration.

Formal Education
Essential

• Bachelor's Degree or BTech in:
• Logistics Management
• Operations Management
• Chemical Engineering

Advantageous

• Postgraduate qualification in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations or Management

Working Experience
Experience:

Minimum

• 10 years' relevant experience in:
• Logistics operations
• Bulk liquid distribution
• Petrochemical operations
• Supply chain execution
• Rail and/or road logistics

Advantageous

• Experience in Major Hazard Installation (MHI) environments.
• Experience managing rail logistics operations.
• Experience managing road loading and transport operations.
• Experience managing large operational teams and contractor workforces.
• Experience in fuel and petrochemical distribution environments.