Logistics Operations Manager

Sasol; Alberton; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global chemicals and energy company is seeking a Logistics Operations Manager to oversee national distribution activities. The role involves managing relationships with transporters, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing logistics operations. Ideal candidates should have extensive experience in logistics management and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• 9+ years relevant experience in logistics/distribution management.
• Strong safety and compliance focus required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee adherence to legal, safety, and governance standards.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and operational knowledge transfer.
• Optimize distribution activities for efficiency.

Skills

Costing and Budgeting

Performance Improvement

Demand Management

Logistics Administration and Analysis

Process Safety / Environmental

Commercial Agility

Business Ownership

Innovation

Customer Centricity

Collaboration

Leadership and Talent Development

Self-Development

Partnerships

Delivery Excellence

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Post-Graduate Diploma or Master’s in Business Administration

Job description

Sasol is a global integrated chemicals and energy company with a 70-year heritage. Through our talented people, we use our expertise and selected technologies to safely and sustainably source, manufacture, and market chemical and energy products globally. When you join Team Sasol, you are joining a company that puts people at the center of everything we do.

Sasol invests in its employees along every stage of the career path and offers development opportunities to help you cultivate your career in a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion.

Job Req ID

8610

Closing Date

22 May 2025

OME

MSA: Energy Marketing & Sales

Location

Alrode

Purpose of Job

To oversee all aspects of Own-fleet, 3rd party transporters vehicles loading across storage facilities nationwide, input to scheduling and route planning, product movement for the assigned portfolio within Logistics, in accordance with the distribution plan whilst ensuring the most efficient utilization of Sasol assets and external logistics resources, balancing speed and responsiveness against cost. To ensure sufficient integration with internal and external stakeholders to enable the best possible version of the Outbound Logistics operations’ function.

The Logistics Operations Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the national distribution activities of all white products, heating fuels, and lubricants distribution activities and personnel involved in these activities, including 3rd party logistics service providers. This role ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements related to the transportation of dangerous goods. Responsible for stakeholder and service provider management related to distribution activities. To departmental safety performance, customer experience related to delivery of Quality Product, On-Time, In-Full for our Retail, Commercial, and Indirect Channel of Trade. This role involves working across various internal and external teams to evaluate customer landscapes and invent innovative solutions to ambiguous problems. It is an entrepreneurial role within a dynamic, fast-paced, ambiguous, and collaborative environment.

This is a management position that plays a key role in shaping Outbound Logistics operations by developing transportation strategy and managing relationships with 3PL providers. The leader will work closely with carriers and internal stakeholders, addressing challenging operational issues through deep analysis and innovative solutions, influencing short- and long-term operations.

Key Accountabilities

• Operational Management: Oversee adherence to legal, safety, and governance standards; lead initiatives for performance, compliance, and cost efficiency; foster and coach distribution teams.
• Ensure competency of FDOs and 3PL drivers; establish performance criteria; report on targets and standards.
• Maintain financial discipline with budgets for maintenance, Capex, and Cost to Serve.
• Optimize distribution activities for efficiency; manage inventory movements and balances.
• Ensure timely POD submission; manage operational risks.
• Collaborate with technology providers to identify issues and improve practices; ensure adherence to Sasol standards.
• Communicate operational goals and long-term plans effectively; demonstrate One Sasol behavior.
• Manage stakeholder relationships and operational knowledge transfer.
• Ensure compliance with safety and management of change processes; report safety metrics.
• Develop and maintain systems and procedures aligned with industry standards.
• Maintain certification standards (CAIA SQAS, ISO 14001, 45001, 9001).
• Prepare operational continuity plans for incidents.

• Service Provider Management: Draft scope of work; oversee procurement and compliance; ensure safe execution of distribution activities; manage SLAs and forums with 3PL providers.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure capacity planning and hazard mitigation; communicate operational and long-term goals; promote continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Manage operations knowledge and document processes for sustainability.
• Provide summarized reports for senior management; lead or participate in forums.
• Manage inventory and contribute to Sasol’s bottom line through innovation and leadership.

This role requires a proactive approach to distribution management, strong safety and compliance focus, and leadership in a high-performing, multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have extensive logistics/distribution management experience, excellent communication skills, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Formal Education

Bachelor's Degree; Post-Graduate Diploma or Master’s in Business Administration (preferred).

Working Experience

9+ years relevant experience.

Required Personal and Professional Skills

• Costing and Budgeting
• Performance Improvement
• Demand Management
• Logistics Administration and Analysis
• Process Safety / Environmental
• Commercial Agility
• Business Ownership
• Innovation
• Customer Centricity
• Collaboration
• Leadership and Talent Development
• Self-Development
• Partnerships
• Delivery Excellence

Sasol is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. Our automated application process will notify candidates within 60 days if unsuccessful. We thank you for your interest and wish you success in your career pursuits with Sasol.