Fresh Openings at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

Job Summary

To execute the Network Development strategy through the development and management of a credible NTI/NTC project pipeline, and the retention of Astron Energy’s base network. To be the single point of accountability with respect to Astron Energy’s Real Estate portfolio in the KZN region.

• It is envisioned that the successful candidate will spend a bulk of their time on new business development, as such the role has a primary reporting line to the Business development manager, and will maintain a dotted line to Tenure renewals. Secure new business opportunities and renew Head Leases and Supply Agreements primarily in the KZN region Improve volume and financial performance of a as result of site acquisition and targeted redevelopment of existing service station facilities. Review opportunities to purchase property from existing landlords/customers by performing the appropriate due diligence and financial analysis Ensure legal compliance of site development and site conversions proposals
• that pertain to any transactions including but not limited to 3rd Parties,
• Landlord, Retailers, Branded Marketers, training, development and
• maintenance of legal standards to all support staff, manage Conveyancing
• Developing profitable deals by building financial models
• Assessing risk and financial viability of agreements with Landlords, Agents &/ Property Owners
• Ensure that all asset write offs are completed as per procedure and all documentation completed and submitted to Finance.
• Negotiating New Build and Lease and supply agreements with customers of Astron Energy
• Positive and sustainable customer relationships to ensure continuity and credibility of negotiation and engagements
• Conduit between Astron Energy and customer for all potential negotiations and secures and verifies valuation of real property and goodwill through an approved regional appraisal process.
• Interfaces with Sales and Network Planning teams on a scheduled basis to develop and analyze network priorities. This includes identifying site specific priorities and sequencing requirements for Class of Trade / tenure renewal shifts and being responsible for execution of planned actions related to network development and renewals of supply and lease agreement.
• Meet and engage with the Retail Network team to determine the best layout for the Service Station in order to establish the baseline negotiation agreements
• Facilitate and coordinate with Finance for landlord additional financial support to enhance retail service stations and secure lease and or supply agreements.
• Management of relationships and influence with internal key stakeholders to meet terms of agreements and in a timely manner
• Management of Relationships with Landlords, Agents &/ Property Owners and other appropriate external stakeholders

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• Property Development and Financial Degrees / post Matric qualification and experience Finance will be advantageous

Work Experience:

• At least 3- 5 years in a similar field in negotiating property acquisition, site retention and refurbishment deals;
• Experience in Petrochemical Retail industry is preferred;
• knowledge of the petroleum industry regulations is preferred; New build; Lease and supply agreement negotiations experience is essential

Knowledge and skills:

• Understanding of South African oil industry Retail business,
• Understanding of South African Regulatory system especially environmental and property law, Financial Skills, Marketing, Property and property development, negotiation skills,
• Understanding of South African oil industry Retail business, Understanding of South African Regulatory system especially environmental and property law, Financial Skills, Marketing, Property and property development, negotiation skills.

Closing Date: 23rd, June 2022

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The Refinery Domain Architect is responsible for creating the technical domain architecture that describes how refinery IT components are combined to meet system requirements and capabilities. It is a multi-disciplinary role guiding business and IT teams to meet project objectives; executing on the IT and Enterprise Architecture (EA) strategy, taking a long term view that incorporates IT innovation and digital in the design approach. The main deliverable of the domain architect is to ensure selection and deployment of IT solutions that are fit for purpose; support business needs; are future proofed; cost efficient; flexible and sustainable.

Responsibilities : -

• Support the refinery BRM and the Enterprise Architect by enforcing adherence to IT standards, policies and governance frameworks; execute the long term IT and EA roadmap and strategy
• Work alongside other architects to make long-term, strategic decisions to support the Astron Energy vision and mission
• Support refinery business partners and project management teams to deliver projects on time and on budget and to specification (solution)
• Provide consultancy services to assist business and IT teams during RFI, RFP, project scoping, project budgeting and high level conceptual design specifically: Contract & Project Management
• Ensure compliance to Astron Energy Group IT standards, architecture principles and standards
• Conduct feasibility assessments where requested for proposed application implementations or changes
• Advise, manage and plan for all key technology decisions and changes required
• Support development of solution delivery time, resource and cost estimates
• Design solutions / provide impact assessments to meet project objectives; business requirements; business capabilities that adhere to best IT practices (fit for purpose; adaptable; future proof; cost efficient; secure; maintainable and supportable)
• Participate in governance forums to assess that in house and 3rd party solutions meet IT standards, policies and frameworks that are aligned to the IT and EA roadmap and strategy
• Review solutions after the development and testing phases to ensure that “As Designed” and “As Built” solutions are aligned; rectify design documentation if required
• Identify out of compliance solutions and propose rectification actions
• Scan marketplace for innovative and over-the-horizon energy, refinery and digital trends and technologies; convert these into business proposals
• Participate in IT response teams during major IT incidents (system outage / cyber security)
• Facilitate good corporate governance with specific focus on IT governance

Professional Qualification and Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or other related field, or equivalent work experience.
• TOGAF or similar architecture certification desirable

Work Experience

• 10 or more years IT experience in a refinery or chemical processing environment

Knowledge and skills

• Strong strategic planning capabilities – to effectively partner with the refinery leadership team, the refinery BRM and EA 
• Deep understanding of the manufacturing technology stack to include OS, DB, middleware, application layer, OT, IoT, virtualisation, and cloud technologies
• Ability to work under pressure in stressful situations to tight timelines on multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Strategic insight and detailed orientated
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Background in architecture, application development and operations, business processes and technology 
• Strong vendor and contract management skills
• Thought-leader and change agent
• A ‘can-do’ attitude

Closing Date: 8th, July 2022

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Job Description:

Partners with retailers to achieve profitable operations, growth in volumes and improved profitability. Monitors that service station facilities and dispensing equipment are properly maintained. Resolve any field related problems that may arise whilst ensuring attainment of Credit KPI’s
Sales and Operations Management

• Ensure Marketing customers are profitable in terms of supply chain and customer profitability direction
• Utilizes MOS system and tools to inform account planning and NOI improvements to high-grade the customer network
• Responsible for area value chain optimization plans to maximize gross margin. Plans and executes marketing strategies, processes, programs, standards and operations across the various classes of trade for fuels, lubricants and additional profit centers, consistent with the business plan and the AE way
• Achieves financial and operational goals, and for integration of all marketing-related activities within designated territories
• Manages a professional and healthy business relationship between AE and Retailers within the designated territory
• Partners with retailers to achieve profitable operations, growth in volumes and improved profitability
• Achieves financial and operational goals including image stewardship, customer first, brand, health environment and safety. Conducts business advising calls as per agreed call cycle to review, measure, report and assist retailers towards achieving agreed business plan targets, counseling retailer on profitability and suggesting actions, then reporting progress and/or recommendations to AE management
• Ensures complete and robust account plans for the district to ensure profitability at customer level, plus monitors monthly performance and agreed action plans to ensure NOI targets are achieved
• Ensures consistent and disciplined execution of processes/procedures/programs and systems towards achieving business plan commitments within the sales area and channel, across class of trade for fuels, lubricants and additional profit centers as appropriate, consistent with the business plan and the AE way
• Monitors that service station facilities and dispensing equipment are properly maintained. Resolve any field related problems that may arise whilst ensuring attainment of Credit KPI’s

Planning & Reporting

• Utilizes MOS system and MOS tools on a daily basis to manage customer profitability and track OEAT and NOI metrics. Annually conveys AE business plan targets and requirements for inclusion in future plans and reviews and aligns and negotiates retail site plans, customer account plans and profitability improvement plans to achieve these on a regular basis
• Handles and submits on time any documentation required as well as all internal company reports and surveys. Shares this information with the Retailers and AE management to assist with business strategies

Retailer Selection / Identification of new business opportunities

• Assists with retailer selection process of new retailers - this includes initial interview, business plan panel and thereafter site installation
• Interfaces with all affected business units to manage a seamless implementation. Carefully monitors the market and competitor moves and strategies to identify new business opportunities, volume growth opportunities and solutions for Retailers related to growing business and shared strategic planning which dovetails AE growth areas and anchor markets with that of the customer

Retailer Development

• Assists the retailers with in-house training as and when required, ensuring that all retailers and relevant staff are developed to a high standard of proficiency in the sale of our product range and the AE systems to run the business

Market Intelligence

• Monitors and benchmarks external trends including competitors, regulations, industry trends and structure, as well as new business opportunities and keeps informed of competitive acquisition activity
• Recommends policy updates to Management to meet competitive market conditions. Tracks and benchmarks competitive activity within the territory, then analyses to understand the implications of external environment changes on the business to enhance decision making

OE and Compliance

• Implements and monitors Corporate operational excellence safety standards and programs for all customers
• Ensures that the retailer is aligned with all AE processes as well as government regulations such as health environment and safety, licensing and local ordinances
• Complies with the operational excellence / health environment and safety Corporate standards and incorporates into daily guidelines. Ensures full compliance with company policies/SOX as it relates the marketing

Required Qualifications:

• Successful candidate should have a Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Commerce, Marketing etc. or the equivalent
• A clear understanding of marketing operations within South Africa and is able to develop relationships with stakeholders i.e. customers, retailers, partners, service providers, etc.
• 3-5yrs sales experience preferably in a Retail environment.
• Proven experience in dealing and engaging with external business partners
• Affinity for brand building, well developed negotiation, relationship building and problem solving skills
• Knowledge and experience of both fuel and non-fuel retailing as well as OEHES requirements at retail sites
• An unendorsed driver’s license and availability to travel and deal with retailer emergencies after hours

Skills required:

• Leadership capacity and capability
• Proven track record of Operational Excellence delivery
• Strong financial and analytical skills
• Business acumen and organizational savvy
• Excellent verbal & written communication and presentation skills
• Creative and critical problem solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills

The successful candidate must have the following:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Commerce, Marketing etc. or the equivalent

Closing Date: 26th, June 2022