Manager Fuel Management at South African Airways (SAA)

Job Purpose    

• Fuel represents 30–40% of an airline’s operating cost and is a key driver of profitability, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainability performance.
• The Manager Fuel Management is responsible for the end-to-end strategic management of aviation fuel across the airline’s entire network, including fuel contracts, supplier governance, fuel data analytics, tankering optimisation, invoice control, regulatory compliance (JIG/ICAO/IATASACAA), and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) implementation.
• This role is responsible for airline fuel cost optimisation, risk management, contract governance, and cross-department operational efficiency in collaboration with Flight Operations, Dispatch, Fleet, Finance, Procurement, and Sustainability teams.
• Please note:  This position involves extensive traveling.

Principal Accountabilities    
Fuel Strategy and Cost Optimisation:

• Develop and implement the airline’s fuel management and tankering strategy across the route network
• Analyse fuel consumption trends by aircraft type, route, and operational practice
• Work with Flight Operations to optimise fuel policies (CI, contingency, reserves, routing)

Fuel Procurement & Contract Management:

• Lead negotiation and management of fuel supply agreements with fuel suppliers and into-plane operators globally
• Conduct annual fuel tender processes and supplier benchmarking
• Manage fuel price exposure and provide input into Treasury hedging strategies
• Establish fuel purchasing governance across the network

Fuel Data Analytics & Monitoring:

• Develop fuel performance dashboards per route, aircraft, and crew practice
• Identify fuel inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities
• Monitor fuel uplift accuracy and detect invoice leakages

Budgeting & Cost Analysis:

• Develop, monitor, and report on the company's fuel budget, and identify opportunities for cost savings through supply, facility, and logistical improvements

Fuel Invoice Reconciliation & Risk Control:

• Oversee verification and reconciliation of all fuel invoices
• Detect and eliminate fuel billing discrepancies and losses
• Implement fuel audit controls and reporting mechanisms

Market Analysis:

• Perform technical and fundamental analysis of global trends impacting jet fuel prices, supply, and hedging strategies

Regulatory & Quality Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with JIG, IATA, ICAO, ISO, and SACAA fuel standards
• Conduct supplier audits and hydrant system compliance reviews. Maintain airline fuel policy and governance documentation

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work with Fleet, Flight Ops, Dispatch, Finance, Procurement, and Sustainability
• Support aircraft performance and route economics initiatives

Sustainability & SAF Implementation:

• Lead the airline’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel strategy and implementation
• Support CORSIA, EU ETS, and carbon reporting requirements
• Monitor environmental impact of fuel operations

Analytical & Financial Skills:

• Proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting, forecasting, and analysing complex data is critical

Qualifications & Experience    

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Aviation Management, or related field
• Knowledge of international fuel standards (IATA, ICAO, JIG, ISO) and national regulatory requirements
• 8-10 years’ experience in Aviation fuel management, aviation fuel procurement, or Airline Operations (aviation/transport industry preferred)
• Experience with fuel data analysis, cost modelling, and performance monitoring
• Exposure to fuel hedging principles and fuel price risk management
• Experience with SAF and carbon compliance frameworks is advantageous

Knowledge and Skills    

• Financial management
• Quality assurance
• Leadership and supervision skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Project management
• Communication & collaboration skills
• IT proficiency
• Business communication skills
• Report writing skills
• Attention to detail skills

Attributes    

• Strong knowledge of fuel operations
• Regulatory compliance
• Technical understanding
• Financial acumen
• Integrity & accountability
• Safety-focused mindset

Deadline:23rd February,2026