Network Development Specialist - Inland at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

• To plan, prepare and execute strategic network plan to ensure the Astron Energy Retail Network of filling stations and convenience stores are robust, competitive and improves customer experience to grow volume and turnover and improve Astron Energy assets and financial position by:
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive the network strategy and ensure the network plan is successfully delivered.
• Collaborate with the Engineering Team to drive Front End Loading Project Management of the execution of Knock-down-rebuild (KDR), Minor/Major site upgrades, Non-Fuel Retail (NFR) Projects including Shop and QSR upgrades as well as any Roll-out and /or Special Projects such as Site Closures (part of Tail Management) as required in future.
• Negotiating terms for upgrades to achieve economic returns as per AE Investment Hurdle Rate.
• Preparing and presenting Business Cases for Investment Committee approval.
• Attending to conclusion of necessary Contracts and Addendums as may be required.
• Participating in Network Planning for the upgrading of existing sites in the network to improve volume and financial performance, ensure sites remain competitive and Astron Energy imagine is protected.
• Participate in development and formalizing of Network Planning processes such as the following:

Network Planning Strategy

• (Definition and Refresh)

Tactical Delivery

• (Data Curation, Predictive Modelling, Model Verification and Tactics Workshops)

Growth Projects Pipeline development

• (NTI, NTC, KDR etc.)

Network Optimization

• (Driving Value)

Divestment Decisions

• (Tail Management)

Mergers & Acquisitions

• (Saturation Curve Analysis, Hot Spot Analysis, Financial Assessment, Real Estate and NFR Considerations)

Integrated Network Planning

• (Multi-Year Planning, “MYP”, Cycle)

Post Implementation Reviews, “PIR”

• (Key Performance Indicators, “KPI”)

Continuous Improvement, “CI”

• (Ongoing Processes and Proactive Assessment)

Work Experience:

• At least 5-years in a similar field in negotiating property deals and refurbishments or Project Management or Construction Management.
• Experience in Petrochemical Retail industry is preferred; knowledge of the petroleum industry regulations is preferred.
• Knowledge of the petroleum industry regulations including the Regulated Accounting System [RAS]; Lease and supply agreement negotiations experience is essential.
• Commercially savvy Property negotiator with an in depth understanding of Commercial Property law and Finance.
• Business case development
• Independently leading Real Estate negotiations and some experience in town planning

Knowledge and skills:

• Proficiency in project management
• Proficiency in commercial negotiations with reputation for closing deals.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of finance, budgeting forecasting, contracting and business analysis and project evaluation techniques. Running discount cashflow model (RET) to assess commercial and financial viability of a deal or project ie: NPV, IRR, Payback etc.
• Experience in contract management and administration.
• Experience in managing budgets and project expenditure;
• Ability to work successfully in an ever-changing environment and navigate ambiguity;
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and a capacity for attention to detail.
• Effective time management skills;
• Capacity to think critically and problem solve.

Advantageous:

• Understanding of South African oil industry Retail business,
• Understanding of South African Regulatory system especially environmental and property law,
• Ability to apply knowledge of the regulatory requirements in the marketplace to advance the organization’s financial goals;
• Ability to build mutually beneficial and credible relationships with landlords and retailers within the Astron Energy network.
• Well networked, bringing good social capital into the role such as work relationship with local authorities.