Senior Manager: Commodity Planning, Distribution and Optimization at Central Energy Fund (CEF)

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree/BTech degree (NQF level 7) in Engineering/ Logistics/ Energy Economics or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in commodity trading specifically in Petrochemical products.
• 5 years’ experience in management, of which 1-3 years must be Senior Management in commodity trading.
• Experience in Supply chain, commodity logistics or refinery planning
• Experience in managing public sector projects or working in a state-owned entity will be advantageous.
• Postgraduate qualification (NQF level 8) in Engineering / Logistics/ Energy Economics or related field will serve as an added advantage.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

Commodity planning & Scheduling

• Prepare medium- and short-term commodity plans aligned with supply contracts, demand forecasts, and refinery production schedules.
• Coordinate crude oil intake planning and refined product dispatch to minimize operational disruptions
• Direct and participate in market and commodity analysis.
• Develop and maintain new business opportunities and sustainable partnerships to ensure maximum growth and profitability of the business unit.
• Ensure business unit optimally trades quality products on time and within budget to create maximum economic value.

Distribution management

• Oversee entire fulfilment process, from order placement to delivery
• Ensure timely and efficient supply of products to customers, manage both coastal and inland by coordinating the distribution processes, transportation and inventory
• Coordinate transport and distribution activities across modes (pipeline, road, rail, sea) to meet customer and depot demand and ensure product delivery is efficient and cost-effective.
• Liaise with logistics service providers and national infrastructure entities (e.g., Transnet, port authorities).
• Manage logistics activities to optimise costs associated with product delivery, transport and inventory management

Inventory optimisation

• Implement effective inventory management practices in line with SANPC refinery’s policies and procedures to minimise stockouts and excess inventory
• Monitor stock levels at the refinery and depots to ensure product availability and cost-effective storage.
• Support decisions on stock holding policies and buffer requirements

 Data analysis and reporting

• Compile and analyse data to inform scheduling, pricing, and distribution decisions.
• Generate reports for internal decision-making and external regulatory compliance.

Governance and compliance

• Ensure adherence to SHEQ standards, energy regulations, and product handling legislation.
• Manage audit processes and resolve non-compliance findings.

Stakeholder engagement

• Engage with internal departments (Refining, Marketing, Finance) and external partners to align distribution and planning activities.
• Represent the refinery in coordination forums when delegated.

Budget management

• Responsible for annually developing departmental budget and submitting it for approval.
• Responsible for ensuring that expenditure is contained within budgetary guidelines and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Responsible for the effective execution of the SCM processes to procure goods and services on time