Specialist Programmer at Sasol

Purpose of Job

• Responsible for the overall planning systems environment where dedicated support systems are needed to obtain and maintain Planning KPI’s. Develop new and maintain current systems to primarily assist with the planning of the annual shutdowns, T/A’s, G.O.’s and breakdowns and secondly all other systems/architecture that is necessary to support the planning department and partners in fulfilling their main roll.
• Integrate information from planning systems, support systems and other customer and business systems to display an overall picture of the status of the planning cycle from initial Front End Loading until post mortem of any given shutdown, T/A or G.O.
• Provide, with input from our IM partner, an initial entry point for solution development of other critical business system’s needs, including but not limited to Repair Approval (RA), Inspection, X-Ray and Welding system development and support.

Key Accountabilities
FUNCTIONAL OUTPUTS

Operational, Functional and Technical results

• Ensure 98% uptime of Planning and support systems including IT infrastructure which includes: All programming of new systems following the complete development life cycle and maintaining of current systems. All reporting tools including printer and plotter availability, especially during critical peak shutdown time periods. Manage all hardware requirements including servers and network for the support of all systems. Performing continuous enhancements on existing systems done timeously according to client requirements: An internal MOC process to be followed where an accelerated timeframe is used to deliver on client requests. Providing guidance and support to the client on how the system is to be envisaged to ensure easy integration with current and future systems and databases. Design, develop, program and support all new systems in appropriate languages as guided by latest IM Policy The One Sasol Way principle to be followed to ensure alignment with SASOL partners. Approved technology used to prevent a complex multi-language system environment reducing the effectiveness of the provided solutions and supporting the IM future vision and growth direction. Ensure continuous improvement of historic legacy systems: Obtained by re-writing of current systems to new standards/versions as requested by our IM partner in alignment with future growth and technology requirements of the business. The systems specialist must show a high level of forward thinking in the future needs of the business by developing and implementing these solutions before it is requested from a client. Program towards stability in growth of the Artemis planning system which includes: Annual renewal and/or upgrades, through IM, of Artemis licenses to ensure continuous use as principal planning system of shutdowns, T/A’s, projects and G.O.’s. Deliver first line programming solutions to client problems and requests in the shortest timeframe possible. Maintain of Artemis servers through monthly maintenance and continuous upgrades. Maintain of Artemis data through typical system administrator skills using data integration between the various servers, backups of existing data and user maintenance. Support of other SASOL sites nationally and internationally on planning and support systems giving preference to the One Sasol Way. Continuous improvement of Shutdown EIS monitoring and updating systems: By adding innovative ideas from client or own initiative to offer better monitoring and decision-making tools to management during critical shutdown periods. Uptime of these systems are of upmost importance during critical annual shutdowns as any delay in decision making tools can lead to huge financial loss because of late start-up of plants. Ensure 100% workability of offline versions of the updating systems to ensure continuous and timeous completion of the activity sign-off process. 

Key accountabilities continued

• Ensure interface creation and management between planning systems and external data sources (e.g. SAP, Primavera, MS Projects, MuleSoft, PI) to promote data sharing and partnership growth: System specialist to take a lead role in the development of all these interfaces as they are best placed to understand the needs of business. The specialist must be able to give training to all clients on these implementations to ensure effective use of tools. Leadership and Growth results Operational effectiveness within area of responsibility. Correct any deviation from performance requirements and take necessary action. SHE compliance is essential and non-negotiable. Customer and Relationship results Interface with planning departments within the SASOL group for One Sasol Way solutions. This includes current and future SASOL partnerships with local and international companies. Open and honest relationship with business partners to build and maintain trust. Innovation and Improvement results Road forward in renewing of planning system technology as the business grows. Continuous improvement by implement improvement practices. Develop integrated planning systems to fulfill most of the company’s global demand.

Formal Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or NQF7 equivalent qualification.

Working Experience

• Visual Basic 6 (MUST)
• SQL 2019 until newest (MUST)
• VB.NET WEB (MUST)
• 2 years’ experience in a planning environment (WISH)
• Programming knowledge of Artemis 9000 planning system (WISH) 
• Basic SAP transactions (WISH)
• Driver’s license