Latest Vacancies at Astron Energy (Pty) Ltd.

The HES Environmental Specialist provides expert technical consultation to the workforce, project teams and leadership on a wide range of environmental matters spanning the design, fabrication, installation, operations and decommissioning of Astron Energy assets.

Support refinery’s Environmental performance by planning, developing and administering refinery environmental policies and programmes with objectives to ensure compliance with all National Environmental Management Acts & Regulations and company requirements regarding Air Emissions, Ground level concentrations, Hazardous Waste, Soil and Groundwater and Effluent Water discharge. Coordinates applications/renewals of relevant environmental authorisations/ licenses and  monitoring and reporting for compliance.

• Contributes locally to the development of environmental processes, procedures or technical standards in an environmental area
• Contributes to a technical network or community of subject matter experts by sharing best practices, lessons learned and emerging technology
• Develops local environmental manuals or procedures
• Contributes to HES risk assessments and develop mitigation plans
• Reviews / approves facility SPCC Plans
• Participates on local environmental audits and review teams
• Assists Corporate Affairs or other HES group by providing technical input to shape the local organization’s viewpoint on proposed environmental regulations
• Coordinates the preparation of complex permit applications including those requiring air or water modeling
• Coordinates implementation of cleanup programs, restoration plans, and site remediation plans
• Performs sizing and performance engineering calculations for environmental control systems or mitigation
• Develops local environmental training programs and materials

Minimum Qualifications and Experience required:

• B.Sc Eng, Environmental Science or Equivalent Environmental law course
• 5 years environmental monitoring and reporting experience.
• Experience with environmental license application processes, engagement with enviro authorities.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Driver’s license
• Advanced computer and numeracy skills and analytical thinking
• Good communications skills (report writing, verbal communication – formal and informal)
• Specialised knowledge of relevant SME areas - Air, GHG/Climate Change, Waste, Soil and groundwater, EIAs.

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About the Job

The responsibilities of the Business Analyst are to gather, analyse and prepare documentation such as detailed impact assessments and any functional specification documents required for Astron Energy corporate functions and shared platforms. They will also report on any IT generated demand as well as business generated enhancements required. The Business Analyst is responsible to facilitate reporting standardisation across functional areas by identifying standardisation opportunities and optimising the existing reporting framework.

• The Business Analyst supports the corporate functions domain architect and corporate functions BRM by preparing accurate business requirements and support any required business cases for IT generated projects
• The business analyst supports the domain architect by accurately documenting business reporting and enhancement requirements and by improving reporting standardisation across the different functional areas
• Leads workshops with Business & IT to gather the requirements for IT projects including functional and non-functional
• May lead small to medium projects as required or serve as project resource
• Is responsible to document these requirements and transfer knowledge to project delivery teams
• Generate the Project Scope for Corporate functions & shared platforms IT generated projects
• Support the development of comprehensive requirement specifications that will determine the estimate of cost, time and resources to deploy solutions in conjunction with other IT SME’s
• Highlight / identify gaps in existing functionality and review requirements with stakeholders
• Contribute to business impact analysis reports to assist business partners with appropriate information about new business requirements and alignment to prioritised IT roadmap

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or other related field, or equivalent work experience.
• BA Certification desirable
• SAP Certification desirable, preferably SAP FI and MM

Work Experience: 

• 2-3 years IT BA experience 

Knowledge and skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for liaising with stakeholders
• Good communication - the ability to liaise with business stakeholders and to influence multiple stakeholder groups to agree on a single set prioritised requirements
• Proven analytical skills – the ability to understand business requirements for enhancements and reports. Experience of analysing and breaking down problems and information
• Proven problem solving skills
• Development background required to provide guidance on technical/development solutions and oversight of vendors delivering such solutions
• Strong customer focus – improve turnaround time on business requirements for enhancements and reports
• Understanding of the SAP environment and related corporate function applications e.g. Concur, PaySpace, interfacing/middleware, virtualisation/BI reporting/Fiori, and cloud technologies

 Key Processes Supported:

This role supports to following critical Head Office processes:

• Finance
• Financial Planning & Analysis
• HR
• Procurement
• Facilities Management
• Legal
• Security

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Job Description

• Secure new business opportunities and renew Head Leases and Supply Agreements primarily in the KZN region. Grow sales revenue by employing a targeted new site acquisition approach and identifying mar opportunities
•  Improve volume and financial performance of a as result of tenure renewal processes, site acquisition and targeted redevelopment of existing service station facilities.
• Review refurbishment opportunities with the view of improving the performance of service stations
• Review opportunities to purchase property from existing landlords/customers by performing the appropriate due diligence and financial analysis
•  Develops and ensures approval of business cases for site upgrades and Knock Down Rebuilds (KDR) in the KZN region
•  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.

Financial Perspective

• Developing profitable and sustainable deals by building sound financial deals that meet/exceed defined financial performance metrics, taking full accountability of all inputs.
• Assessing risk and financial viability of agreements with Landlords, Agents &/ Property Owners.
• Ensure that all assets write offs are completed as per procedure and all documentation completed and submitted to Finance.
• Understands deal making, costs, pricing exposure elements to suggest potential solutions in managing such costs and risks for maximizing profitability
• Tracks results and makes continuous improvements on total profitability. Ensure margins are achieved for the Retail portfolio for which they have responsibility.

Customer Perspective

• Negotiating New Build and Lease and supply agreements with customers of Astron Energy.
• Manage the Growth of New business within the Retail Business (KZN NTI’s and NTC’s).
• 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. 
• Manage landbank portfolio including all requirements and obligations.
• Understanding of competitor environment and through Market Intelligence monitors key market forces such as market size, annual growth rate, profit margin, competitive intensity, regulatory environment, technological requirements, margin vulnerability and environmental impact.

Internal Processes

• 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.
• Responsible for seeing new deals through to the execution phase including the correct SOCA approvals.

People Management

• 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:

• Business Degree or equivalent
• 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 including the Regulated Accounting System [RAS]; Lease and supply agreement negotiations experience is essential
• Commercially savvy Property negotiator with an in depth understanding of Commercial Property law and Finance as well as business case development
• Independently leading Real Estate negotiations and some experience in town planning relationships with local authorities will be an advantage.

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.
• Strong Project management experience and the ability to understand and review legal documents
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, legal, financial, and analytical background, together with significant industry and trade-class-specific experience, as well as experience in the execution of complex cross-functional projects.
• Budget management with strong Influential skills
• Must be highly networked and bring own social capital into the role.
• Strong Presentation Skills with proven record of accomplishment in constructing differentiated customer value propositions. 
• Analyzes a problem and often resolves them with little assistance from supervisor or peers.
• Ability to build mutually beneficial and credible relationships in the Investor community. 
• Must understand and provide expert decision support on investor trade class programs, retail support offerings, and strategic portfolio decisions. 

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About the Job

Primary responsibility is to oversee and shape the economic policy landscape of your organization or jurisdiction. Overall, the Economic Policy & Regulation Lead plays a critical role in shaping key , implementing, and evaluating economic policies and regulations to support the organisations’ strategy and further promote economic stability, growth, and fair competition within jurisdiction that Astron Energy operates in..

Key Roles & Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Economic Analysis: analyse economic trends, market dynamics, and regulatory impact to provide insights and recommendations for policy adjustments or interventions. This includes conducting cost-benefit analyses and assessing the potential consequences of proposed policies.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: establish mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness and impact of economic policies and regulations. Regular evaluation and reporting on key performance indicators will help refine policies and ensure their alignment with changing economic conditions.
• Economic Forecasting: responsible for providing economic forecasts, conducting scenario analyses, and assessing the potential risks and opportunities associated with economic policy decisions.
• Proactively shape the regulatory dialogue to ensure optimal trade-offs, timelines, doable commitments withing a sustainable business climate.
• To create capability to translate strategy into advocacy messaging
• Be the bridge between concept advocacy and specific engagement with policy makers when legislation and regulation is crafted in reaction to developed policy
• Policy Development: lead the development and implementation of economic policies and regulations in line with the organization's objectives. This involves conducting research, analysing economic data, and consulting with stakeholders to formulate effective policies.
• Regulatory Compliance: ensure that economic policies and regulations are effectively communicated and complied with by relevant stakeholders, such as businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies. This may involve monitoring and enforcing compliance measures.
• Stakeholder Engagement: collaborate with various stakeholders, such as government officials, industry representatives, and advocacy groups, to gather input, address concerns, and build consensus around economic policies. Effective communication and negotiation skills are essential in this role.
• Provide timely information and materials for effective decision making
• Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy: advocate for favourable legislative and regulatory changes that align with the organization's goals. This may include drafting proposals, providing expert testimony, and engaging in lobbying efforts.
• Lead regulatory and policy team that drives regulatory & policy risk to shape long term policy
• Role includes providing guidance, fostering a collaborative work environment, and ensuring the team's professional development.

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• Advanced degree in Economics or a related field : A master’s or doctoral degree in economics, public policy, or a closely related discipline/ 4 year degree/University Bachelor’s Honours/Engineering/Masters PhD

Work Experience:

• At least 8+ years’ relevant experience with deep understanding of Economic policy regulation.
• Prior experience in the Oil & Gas industry would be beneficial.

Knowledge and skills:

• Economic Expertise: A deep understanding of economic principles, theories, and concepts is essential. This includes macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, and economic modeling. Proficiency in analysing economic data and trends, conducting cost-benefit analysis, and evaluating the impact of policies on different stakeholders is crucial.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks, laws, and policies related to economic activities is necessary. This includes familiarity with financial regulations, competition laws, consumer protection regulations, industry-specific regulations, and international trade policies. Understanding the role of regulatory bodies and their mandates is important.
• Policy Formulation and Evaluation: The ability to develop, evaluate, and implement economic policies is a key skill. This involves assessing the potential impact of policies on various stakeholders, conducting policy analysis, and understanding the trade-offs involved in decision-making. It also includes knowledge of policy implementation strategies, monitoring, and evaluation techniques.
• Data Analysis and Research: Strong quantitative and analytical skills are crucial for data-driven decision-making. Proficiency in statistical analysis, economic modeling, and data interpretation is important. The ability to gather and analyze economic data, conduct research, and draw meaningful insights is highly valuable.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Effective communication and stakeholder management skills are essential. The Head of Economic Policy Regulation should be able to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, industry representatives, regulatory bodies, and the public. The ability to communicate complex economic concepts in a clear and concise manner is important for building consensus and explaining regulatory decisions.
• Leadership and Management: As a leader, the Head of Economic Policy Regulation should possess strong leadership and management skills. This includes the ability to lead teams, coordinate efforts, and foster collaboration across different departments or agencies. Effective decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills are necessary.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the specific industries or sectors subject to economic regulation is beneficial. Understanding the dynamics, challenges, and opportunities within industries such as finance, energy, telecommunications, transportation, or healthcare helps in crafting effective policies and regulations.
• Legal and Compliance Understanding: A solid grasp of legal frameworks, compliance requirements, and regulatory enforcement mechanisms is important. This includes knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and the ability to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

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About the Job

The Enterprise Risk Manager is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within Astron Energy. This position works closely with senior management, department heads, and cross-functional teams to develop and implement an enterprise-wide risk management framework. to ensure delivery on business objectives and enhance continuous improvement.

Key Roles & Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Risk Management Framework: Develop and maintain an enterprise-wide risk management framework, including policies, procedures, and tools to identify, assess, and monitor risks. Establish risk appetite and tolerance levels in alignment with the organisation's strategic objectives
• Risk Identification and Assessment: Identify and assess risks across various areas of the organization, including operational, financial, legal, regulatory, reputational, and strategic risks. Conduct risk assessments, evaluate potential impact and likelihood, and prioritize risks based on their significance.
• Risk Monitoring and Reporting: Establish mechanisms to monitor and report on key risk indicators (KRIs) and other risk metrics. Develop risk dashboards and reports for senior management and the board of directors, providing insights into the organization's risk profile and progress in risk mitigation efforts.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: Collaborate with department heads and cross-functional teams to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and action plans. Recommend appropriate risk treatment options, such as risk avoidance, risk transfer, risk reduction, or risk acceptance
• Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Stay current with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards related to risk management. Ensure the organization's risk management practices and policies are in compliance with regulatory requirements and recommend improvements when necessary.
• Lead, co-ordinate and provide overall enterprise risk management and compliance to enable the business
• Establish clear accountabilities and competencies in systems of governance to lead the business to achieve it ERM objectives
• Drive and ensure an integrated ERM, Compliance support to enable business, support delivery on business objectives and enhance continuous improvement
• Direct and lead the planning, coordination and/or facilitation of strategic business risk reviews and key project risk managing across the business
• Training and Awareness: Develop and deliver risk management training programs to employees at all levels of the organization. Raise risk awareness, promote a risk-aware culture, and provide guidance on risk identification and mitigation strategies.
• Incident Management and Response: Establish procedures for reporting and responding to risk incidents, including the identification of root causes and the development of preventive measures. Coordinate incident response efforts and ensure proper documentation and communication of incidents and their resolutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the risk management framework and processes. Identify areas for improvement and implement enhancements to strengthen the organization's risk management capabilities.
• Lead and manage Enterprise Risk team to effective performance results

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, risk management, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) and relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Risk Manager, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) are advantageous.

Work Experience:

• At least 8+ years’ experience with risk management skills.
• Prior experience in the Oil & Gas industry would be beneficial.

Knowledge and skills:

• Proven experience in enterprise risk management or a similar role, preferably in a complex organisational setting.
• Strong knowledge of risk management principles, frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and standards related to risk management
• Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Ability to evaluate and assess risks, analyse data, and make informed decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate risk-related concepts to stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams, build relationships, and facilitate discussions to drive risk mitigation efforts.
• Experience in incident management, including incident response planning and coordination, is desirable.
• Proficiency in risk management software, data analysis tools, and MS Office applications.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ethical conduct and a high level of integrity.