Distribution Requirement Planner - Lead Planner at Sasol

Purpose of Job

• To supervise and analyse the optimal balancing of the demand requirements and dynamics for the Base Chemicals portfolio of products, through working with key P&O, production, marketing, sales and logistics stakeholders.
• To translate the sales & operations plans input into operations schedules to direct the execution of the sales & operations plan as well as analyse capacity challenges in order to influence key decision-making stakeholders.
• Scrutinize/ Analyse Operations schedules, include aligning with refinery plans and activities, to pro-actively identify threats and opportunities in the DRP environment.
• To oversee shorter-term scheduling related interactions and enable DRP coordination systems to streamline job execution.
• The role also supervises and analyses the planning and execution of all stock transfer orders to ensure that inventory is kept at healthy levels at all depots to enable fulfilment of customer demand whilst maintaining working capital at optimal levels.
• The screening, prioritization, and recommendation of optimization opportunities for further development.
• This includes capital and non-capital opportunities / solutions, and covers factors impacting the full Profit & Loss statement and investments decisions on the Base Chemicals SBU value chains.

Key Accountabilities

Business Results Core Elements of Job

• Support the translation and execution of S&OP plans taking into account SC capacities and constraints by means of accurate analysis, tools and techniques.
• Initiate and drive the execution of techno-economic analyses for the Base Chemicals Supply Chains in order to improve business results through optimal utilisation of business value drivers
• Participate in overall supply chain as well as Central, SBU and Hub optimisation discussions to ensure that Group and Value Chain perspectives are considered.
• Give input, translate and implement Base Chemicals Supply Chain strategy (Primary)
• Manage risk associated with all inventory related activities within area of responsibility
• Supervise and support the translation and execution of long term and short-term plans to ensure that sales demand is adequately fulfilled
• Supply Chain Unit Distribution Cost tracking and reporting
• Manage optimal inventory levels at all Base Chemical owned, JV's and 3rd party depots
• Create and maintain distribution planning tools and platforms for inter-hub or inter-plant transfers
• Support Planning as well as Excise and Catalyst Inventory activities when required due to resource constraints.

 Leadership and Values 

• Supervise all DRP activities effectively and also ensure that the team members have the required skills to execute their activities especially when new dashboards and tools get developed.
• Provide leadership role in management of multi-module logistics providers. Drive the integration processes that impact the DRP role to ensure alignment is established and maintained. Comply with safety regulations in line to Sasol’s best practice. Lead by example through demonstrating and living the Sasol critical behaviours. Support changes and continuous improvements initiatives such as the embedding of DDMRP plans/tools and principles within the supply chain and P&O environment 

Relationships, Teamwork and Collaboration 

• Maintain meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Maintain proactive engagements with value stream stakeholders to enable effective delivery for DRP role Ensure the DRP role is executed in line with the base chemical’s operations strategy. Ensure effective role representation by attending relevant meetings and discussions. To manage and maintain sound working relations with Stakeholders Focus on risk, Key Undesirable Events and critical controls through visible leadership by visiting sites and through walkabouts. Re-instate quarterly coastal site alignment meetings, in order to build relationships with execution stakeholders."

Formal Education

• University Bachelor’s Degree:
• Engineering: Industrial
• Supply Chain

Working Experience

• Typically 4 years relevant experience     
• Certification & Professional Membership