Network Planning Manager at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

Job Purpose

Accountable for the management of the following:

EXISTING Retail network

• Ensure proper planning and execution of all redevelopment projects.
• Participate in appropriate existing network discussions to inform both the new and existing network development.

NEW network investment projects

• Develop and grow the retail network footprint of Astron Energy through:
• The development and maintenance of a clear network strategy.
• The assimilation and incorporation of appropriate market intelligence, competitor activities, pricing strategies, economic trends.
• Investment recommendations, evaluation and business cases presented to Astron Energy Investment Committee for consideration and approval.
• Leads the Network Planning team to plan, design, evaluate and optimize the Retail network for an efficient network.

Financial Perspective

• Direct responsibility for managing and monitoring the Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet for the Retail network planning function. Prepare annual capital and opex budgets for network planning.
• Ensure the proper follow up of the investment execution according to our internal procedures and achieve CAPEX, commitment and liquidation targets for the Retail and Marketing Business Unit.
• Develop and update standard cost models with Strategy i.e. Robust Discounted Cashflow Tool with Cost Input from Engineering Team, Volume Input from Sales & Operations Team, Non-Fuel Income Input from Convenience Retail Team, Integrated Margins from the Finance and EVCO Team.
• Ensure the approved / appropriate parameters are used for economic evaluations i.e., define Investment Hurdle Rate for Growth Projects by Categories such NTI, KDR, NTC (CORO, CLRO, RORO, ROWA), Optimization Projects by Categories such Shop Upgrade etc.

Customer Perspective

• Manage and retain relationships with existing clients.
• Continuous interaction with business partners to support ongoing business and foster business relationships
• Ensure new offers pertaining to customer identified needs are put together, piloted, and proposed to be implemented in the Retail Network.
• Work with the Marketing Team (Convenience Retail) in consideration of potential Alliance Partners in the offer development strategy.

Business Excellence

• Organize regular Network Development Review Sessions with pipeline and projects with appropriate status.
• Ensure the New Investment Project validation process is adhered to, and the stakeholders kept updated.
• Ensure stakeholders are effectively consulted when negotiating and concluding deals.
• Ensure the planning and investment teams consider the new offers in their scenarios.
• Ensure that the yearly Network Planning Segmentation is performed.
• Assist with the preparation of project files for all DIT Areas in the validation process.

• Work with the Real Estate Portfolio Team in guiding which Leases to be negotiated, left to expire, and parameters for negotiations.
• Provide advice to and collaborate with the Retail & Marketing teams in analysing projects and preparing proposals.
• Work with Environmental Team in obtaining Environmental Authorization for Brownfield (KDR’s, NTC’s, Tank Optimization etc) and Greenfield Developments (NTI’s).
• Ensure all legal and regulatory requirements (incl. EIA, DMRE licenses, Traffic Impact Assessment approval and Town Planning) for proposed developments are in place before handing the projects over to the Engineering Construction Team.
• Continually network with relevant role players in the property development industry.
• Hold regular meetings with the Engineering Team for project status updates.
• Work with other Retail divisions to ensure smooth handover of investment projects to Sales & Operations Team.
• Ensure adequate reporting at all Site Development Stage Gates and provide necessary support and guidance in cases of strategic acquisitions of NTI’s and NTC’s to the New Business Development Team.

Governance

• Ensure there is effective risk management and internal control adherence and the development of appropriate policies and procedures for approval pertaining to identification gaps.
• Appropriate asset management for your area of responsibility.

• Ensure all relevant documentation is appropriately filed, both electronically and physically in a secure location.
• Compliance to internal procedures and governance and taking accountability of subordinates.
• Projects do not deviate from what has been approved and deviations are validated via approved amendments.

People Management

• Responsible for the structure, appointment, and development of a professional Network Planning Team
• Ensure all HR functions are executed according to the Groups practices and principles.
• Develop and implement systems and processes that drives productivity and efficiencies within the team
• Manage and encourage timeous and accurate reporting on all activities, as well as customer-service orientation.
• Ensure team understand and complies with Procurement policy and procedures, and that non-compliance to procurement procedures will be addressed
• Build a high-performance team culture through effective performance management, individual development, and reward and recognition mechanisms resulting in growth and job satisfaction

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• Business Degree and minimum 6-8 years’ experience gained in a petrochemical marketing and sales industry or comparable business environment.

Work Experience:

• Track record in network planning and business growth
• Minimum 8 years’ business / network planning / real estate related experience, 3 of which must have been in management
• Extensive knowledge and experience of retail network, the regulatory framework plus leading and motivating teams to achieve exceptional business results

Knowledge and skills:

• Understand and able to apply business and legal fundamentals and industry skills,
• Analyse and interpret financial statements / results either in studies or work experience.
• Knowledge of investment process and all related financials and applied property management.
• Possess key business skills such as analytical and synthetical skills, modelling skills, project management skills and sales experience.
• Business and commercial acumen with a global mind-set whilst exercising sound judgement.
• Good networking and interpersonal skills
• Negotiation and conflict resolution, creating alignment, result orientation and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge and application of Astron Energy Code of Conduct / Ethics, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent relationship/stakeholder management. Proven ability to persuade and influence stakeholders; build relationships and partnership for win-win outcomes.
• Excellent written, presentation and oral communication skills
• Excellent intelligence gathering skills.
• Excellent mentoring and people management skills

Attention to detail and Team player