Operations Manager at Transnet

Position Purpose

• The Operations Manager is responsible for the management of all the resources within the Depot i.e. operations, finance, employees and assets to ensure that the pipeline and network on the depot is operated and maintained efficiently and safely. The incumbent is responsible for the intake and delivery of petroleum products to the satisfaction of both TRANSNET PIPELINES and its destination clients, according to the right specification which includes the execution of the business plan.

Position Outputs

• MANAGEMENT CONTENT PLANNING (1-3 months planner) only budgets on annual basis  Plan personnel availability in accordance with Operation Notice  Compile leave roster in accordance with Operations activities/shifts  Training and refresher courses for subordinates  Vehicle utilisation servicing and maintenance to be planned  Control operating budget  Schedule in-house maintenance/defects  Operations planning (method handling interfaces blending rates, new operations methods)  Implementing revised operational procedures  Contingency planning in conjunction with local JPC
•  Pollution prevention measures  Security evaluation and contingency planning  Monitor housekeeping and equipment maintenance in accordance with SAP, OHSA and Water Act (monthly)  Compile manifold alterations and other minor projects plans  Monitor maintenance and repair work  Monitoring standard of workmanship and safety, (including contractors) by regular inspection and testing  Decide on method of plant and vehicle repairs and maintenance  Leave and relieve arrangements  Plan estimated time of completion of a task  Plan a ± time to be taken to complete a task  Manpower planning  Plan method of storing material  Compile estimates for small projects  Scrapping of equipment  quarterly management review
• Annual budget planning and reviews  Budget reviews  Annual testing of diesel and foam stocks  Regular water quality testing (Adhoc)  Plan and execute weekly/monthly depot staff meetings and information sharing  Plan and organise shifts in order to minimize overtime  Audit weekly slop and dockets then report to relevant persons  Monitor DRA injection and send weekly consumption report
• ORGANISING  He/She is responsible for arranging all the resources (Operations, Mechanical and Electrical, Manpower, equipment availability and materials e.g. pigs, spheres, QC equipment, etc.)  He/she is to organise the training of his personnel in accordance with the shortcomings he has identified  He is fully responsible for the optimum deployment of his staff  Motivate and complete requisition for filling of vacancies  Organise the repair of priority problems and defects  Organise meetings with the Oil company representatives to resolve contentious issues  Organise program to monitor: ✓ Quality of product to be taken in ✓ Quality of attitude towards clients ✓ Quality of product after injections and transfers ✓ Quality of documentation done by staff  Organize and chair JPC Meetings  Manage Performance appraisals with staff
• DIRECTING AND SUPERVISING  Ensuring that employees are focused on their objectives (e.g. quality, quantity and security standards) providing guidance, motivating his team to achieve their objectives and utilising the staff in a participating manner to get the best solution to the problem. This is achieved by conveying regular morning meetings, group discussions and progress meeting  The operations manager monitor the performance of his staff, identifies strengths and shortcomings and initiates appropriate training action to address these shortcomings  Subordinates are encouraged to accept responsibility for their actions by delegating specific tasks to them, to report on  Revive and improve working methods to improve equipment life and reduce expenditure  The Operations Manager must be able to identify a problem before it actually happens must be proactive
• He is responsible for arranging all the resources (e.g. material, equipment and manpower) necessary for performing the work he had planned, valve repair, electrical and mechanical maintenance’s and the work for which he has been made responsible.  Responsible for depot security and personnel  He is fully responsible for the optimum deployment of his personnel  Cross-discipline, liaison with other Operations Managers/Supervisors to make joint arrangements  Communicate daily with staff where problems areas are discussed and finalisation in the best way to rectify the problem  Ensuring that the depot is run effectively and efficiently by ensuring all problems are solved  Managing the depot assets and stock by doing asset checks and stock checks  Keep record of depot tools and perform regular checks on them
• MONITORING AND CONTROLLING  Monitors operations plan on a daily basis to meet changing needs from Operations Notice (unplanned shutdowns etc)  Personnel performance is monitored in order to identify strengths and shortcomings  Product quality, quantity measurement and interface growth are monitored daily to ensure compliance with TRANSNET PIPELINES norms to satisfaction of the external clients  Defects statistics are analysed to determine problem areas  Personnel availability and attendance  Regular inspection of fire- fighting equipment (e.g. fire pump) and electrical supply standby plant to ensure that a state of readiness is maintained  To ensure all TRANSNET PIPELINES administration functions are adhered to and carried out.
•  Oversee and monitor contractor compliance  Ensure implementation of company policies and procedures  The Operations Manager is responsible to monitor and control: ✓ Monthly report and project progress, Petty cash documents, Pollution and untoward occurrence report, Staff shift roster, Injuries on duty, Safety controllers’ reports (SHE Reps reports), Incident reports, Vehicle log sheets, Timesheets, Allocation sheets, Works order and budget sheets, Concessions for travelling arrangements for staff, Incoming and outgoing correspondence, Stores request (multi and single), Telephone record,
• Material request, Dips accepted report, Petty cash as per SAP, Reconciliation of Petty Cash and its replenishment, Log Sheets, Lifting equipment, Plant and equipment, Operations log sheets, Maintenance progress certificates, Project Documentation, Expenditure (Cost reports), Monitor the progress of material orders, All operation documentation, Project records, Time cards and expenditure information are constantly monitored to ensure that the objectives set are achieved and that plans can be amended timeously if the progress is not on track, Volume control, Overtime, Stores level (consumable products).
• Managing Budget:  Compile a comprehensive budget to align with the financial requirements and cost centres management within area of responsibility.  OPEX budget management (Analysis of Cost reports)  Submit the budget for approval in accordance with guidelines, policies and procedures.  Manage and monitor the expenditure against the approved budget.  Account and respond to monthly overspending/underspending on the budget.  Ensure adherence to Financial and procurement policies, procedures and legal requirements.  Request expenditure within Delegation of Authority in line with position requirement  Ensure that Fixed Asset registers are reviewed and are up to date.
• The Operations Manager has delegated freedom to act (no referral required as follows)  As per Delegation of Authority (DOA)  Authorise withdrawal of normal stock items within his authority from TRANSNET PIPELINES stores  Authorise overtime in accordance with operations notice/emergencies  Authorise leave for subordinates as per regulations  Decision to operate the pipeline considering the safety thereof, condition of equipment and product quality  Arrange maintenance schedule within policy
•  Decide on category for disciplinary infringements and handle category “A” infringements to the end  Identification and recommendation of training needs for subordinates  Housekeeping and safety decisions within the boundaries OSHA, the Water Act and pipeline safety code  Meter/dip comparison and quality discrepancy resolution with company  Utilisation of personnel  Method of minor pollution clean up  Authority to stop contractor working in areas of jurisdiction if they are in contravention of pipeline safety codes  Transfer of equipment (e.g. lawnmowers, flash point testers, etc)  Authorised expenses and hotel accommodation
• Authorises travel arrangements of vehicles (2 500km per month average)  Plan capital and operating budget requirements in conjunction with the Field Operations Manager  Scrapping of assets per delegated powers  Determine responsibilities of subordinates  Utilisation of assets to the best advantage of the company  Petty Cash R 2500  Negotiate unscheduled intakes  Advances to R500-00  Overtime authorisation for sub ordinates  Make recommendations to change Policies – to Chief Operating Officer  Change sequence of PPI within the Policy in event of emergency
• Human Capital  Direct and manage a highly effective skilled workforce which operates across the region.  Managing personnel with sensitivity taking into account the interests of TRANSNET PIPELINES and staff. This requires sound judgment at all times when making various decisions relating to sensitive personnel issues.  Ensuring a motivated, well trained and fully equipped team taking into account TRANSNET PIPELINES’s Employee Equity Policy.  Agree performance measures (SPOs), on-going performance management and appraisal for direct reports,  Drive capability development initiatives for direct reports,
• Align skills development plans for direct reports,  Manage disciplinary action and any other employee relations matters  Implement succession planning in the region  Drive the values and behaviours required to create a positive motivational culture in the region  Ensure that employees IDP’s are approved and are set in line with their role and statutory requirements.  Participate in the recruitment process by specifying staff attributes and requirements, shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews and making final selection in accordance with Transnet’s HR policies.
• Ensure Governance Compliance and Reporting:  Analyse relevant governance principles, policies and internal control to develop action plans for ensuring compliance.  Support and participate in the reviews of procedures and work instructions.  Comply with reporting requirements in terms of structure, timelines and quality as prescribed by executive and senior management.  Manage and attend visits by the Government bodies as assigned, for inspection purposes to ascertain compliance with relevant legislation, statutes and regulations.

Qualifications and Experience

•  Matric/Grade 12  National Higher Diploma in Technical (Electrical, Mechanical, MC& I or chemical or Degree in Operations Management/Supply Chain Management) with 3-5 years supervisory/management experience. OR  N3 in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, and Instrumentation) with applicable 15 years Petrochemical experience, of which 5 years must be in a supervisory/management environment.  Valid driver’s license DESIRABLE BUT NOT ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: Technical background  M+3 degree in business management  Project Management  Advanced computer skills ADDED ADVANTAGE:  Petrochem experience in operations  Knowledge of National Key Point regulations  Hazardous Materials Handling and Safety Management Systems