Regional Terminal Operations Manager

Puma Energy; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Puma Energy is seeking a Regional Terminal Operations Manager to drive safety, governance and operational excellence across all regional petroleum storage terminals and depots. You will provide technical leadership and support to country operations teams to ensure safe receipt, storage, handling and dispatch of products while maintaining compliance and efficiency.

Responsibilities include standardising procedures, monitoring KPIs, conducting audits, and leading continuous improvement programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline related to petroleum storage.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or master’s) is advantageous.
• Certifications in Operations Management or Process Safety desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and assurance for terminal and depot operations across the region.
• Standardise operating procedures and drive KPIs and continuous improvement.
• Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and change management processes.
• Collaborate with HSSE, engineering, commercial teams and regulators.
• Support capacity planning, asset integrity, and digital transformation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Operational excellence

Risk management

Process safety

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, petroleum engineering

MBA or master’s degree (advantageous)

Tools

ATG systems

Terminal Management Systems (TMS)

Automation tooling / data analytics

Job description

Function

The Regional Terminal Operations Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence, process safety, governance, and assurance across all petroleum storage terminals and depots within the region. The role provides technical leadership and operational support to country operations teams to ensure the safe, reliable, compliant, and efficient receipt, storage, handling, and dispatch of petroleum products. The incumbent will establish/maintain regional operational standards, monitor performance, identify operational risks, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and build operational capability across all terminals. The role serves as the regional subject matter expert for terminal operations and works closely with country management, commercial teams, supply, engineering, HSSE, and external stakeholders to optimize storage asset performance while maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards.

Regional Operations Excellence

Provide technical leadership and operational assurance for all terminal and depot operations across the region. Standardize operating procedures and ensure consistent implementation of operational best practices. Drive operational excellence across all product handling activities including: Product receipt Product storage Product transfers Product loading Product dispatch Monitor Terminal operations performance using defined KPIs and initiate improvement programs where required. Conduct Terminal operations reviews, audits and assurance visits across all operating countries. Support countries in resolving complex Terminal operational challenges and developing sustainable solutions. Lead regional initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, reliability and cost optimization of storage infrastructure.

Stock Management & Inventory Assurance

Oversee and enforce compliance with the regional inventory management standards. Ensure robust stock reconciliation processes across all terminals. Monitor stock gains and losses and implement initiatives to reduce product losses. Drive inventory accuracy through effective measurement systems and controls. Support investigations into inventory discrepancies and recommend corrective actions. Support optimization of working capital through effective inventory management Promote best practices in product accounting and stock integrity.

Terminal Operations Assurance

Provide technical oversight and assurance for all terminal operations, including: Product receipt by: Marine vessels Pipelines Rail wagons Road Tankers Safe product storage and tank farm operations Product transfer operations Truck loading operations Product dispatch operations Tank changeovers and product interface management Asset integrity and operational readiness Storage capacity utilization Product quality assurance Terminal housekeeping and operational discipline

Process Safety & Operational Risk Management

Ensure implementation of process safety management principles across all terminals and depots Support hazard identification, risk assessments, and mitigation plans Support investigations into major operational incidents and high‐potential incidents Promote a strong operational risk management culture across all terminals and depots Ensure emergency preparedness and response capabilities remain effective Serve as the regional custodian for the Management of Change (MOC) process across all terminals and depots

Terminal Automation & Digital Transformation

Support implementation and optimization of terminal automation systems. Drive adoption of digital technologies to improve operational efficiency. Ensure integrity of automated inventory management systems. Support implementation Terminal Management Systems (TMS), Automated Tank Gauging (ATG) and loading automation platforms. Identify opportunities for operational digitalization and data‑driven decision making.

Distribution Infrastructure Planning

Support long‑term regional storage infrastructure strategy. Assess depot and terminal capacity against business growth requirements. Identify, infrastructure bottlenecks and operational constraints. Support investment planning for terminal expansions and upgrades. Provide technical input into new depot developments and capital projects. Participate in due diligence for acquisitions and new business opportunities.

Stakeholder Management

Influence stakeholders to achieve alignment on operational priorities and continuous improvement initiatives. Build strong relationships with: Country General Managers Country Operations Managers Supply & Logistics teams Engineering HSSE Commercial teams Regulatory authorities Joint venture partners National or Private 3rd party Terminal Operators Industry associations

Capability Development Coach and Mentor

Terminal or Depot managers Develop regional terminal operations competency frameworks Support succession planning for terminal / depot leadership Share operational best practices across countries Lead regional workshops and forums on terminal operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, petroleum engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification (MBA or master’s degree) is advantageous.
• Professional certifications in Operations Management, Process Safety, or Project Management are desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in petroleum storage infrastructure, depots, terminals or refinery operations.
• At least 2 years in a senior operational leadership role with responsibility for multiple facilities or countries.
• Demonstrated hands on experience managing petroleum storage terminals or depots.
• Strong background in inventory management and hydrocarbon product accounting.
• Proven experience managing multi-modal product receipt and distribution operations, including marine, pipeline, rail, and road transport.
• Experience implementing operational excellence programs.
• Experience with terminal automation systems.
• Exposure to capital projects and infrastructure development.
• Experience working across multiple countries and cultures is highly desirable.

Company

Puma Energy is a leading global energy business which supplies, stores and distributes petroleum products in 48 countries across six continents. Founded in 1997, Puma Energy has its headquarters in Singapore and Geneva and employs over 8,000 people globally with regional hubs in South Africa, Puerto Rico, Australia and Estonia and have recently setup a Global Delivery Center in Mumbai, India. Puma Energy has a network of 100 storage terminals, more than 3,000 retail sites, and a presence at over 80 airports. Our mission is to energize communities to help drive growth and prosperity by sustainably serving our customers’ needs in high potential countries around the world