INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: SENIOR MANAGER: COMMODITY PLANNING, DISTRIBUTION AND OPTIMIZATION

CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.

JOB PURPOSE:

To manage the end-to-end planning, distribution, and optimization of crude oil and refined product flows, ensuring efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations across the supply and logistics value chain. The role contributes to secure commodity availability, optimized inventory levels, and effective coordination between refinery operations, logistics partners, and external stakeholders.

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.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES:

• Strong understanding of the petroleum industry commodity markets and national distribution infrastructure.
• Experience in the public sector or regulated energy environment is advantageous
• Regulatory knowledge in petroleum sector
• Knowledge of bulk logistics and storage systems
• Knowledge of South African legislation relating to SHEQ, Public Finance Management Act, Supply planning and execution.
• Negotiation skills, Strategic thinking skills and Risk Management skills
• Communication skills, Interpersonal skills and Critical reasoning skills
• Systems thinking skills, financial acumen and Presentation skills
• Initiative and Results orientation
• Empowering leadership skills, Resilience & Ethical conduct
• Operational awareness and Collaboration

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

Publish date:   17 July 2025

Closing Date:  27 July 2025

NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which includes, criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right not to fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Eq