Specialist Programmer

Sasol; Secunda; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global integrated chemicals and energy company seeks a Systems Specialist to develop and maintain planning systems crucial for annual shutdowns and operational efficiency. The role requires proficiency in Visual Basic 6, SQL 2019, and VB.NET. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and 2 years of planning experience. This position offers a supportive work environment that values professional development and diversity.

Qualifications

• Must have proficiency in Visual Basic 6, SQL 2019, and VB.NET WEB.
• 2 years experience in a planning environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of Artemis 9000 system is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain planning systems for annual shutdowns and breakdowns.
• Ensure uptime of 98% for planning systems and IT infrastructure.
• Integrate planning systems with external data sources like SAP.

Skills

Visual Basic 6

SQL 2019

VB.NET WEB

Customer Focus

Quality Control and Reliability

Planning and Organisation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or NQF7 equivalent

Tools

Artemis 9000 planning system

SAP

Job description

About Sasol

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: 10833

Closing Date: 19 December 2025

Purpose of Job

Responsible for the overall planning systems environment where dedicated support systems are needed to obtain and maintain Planning KPI’s. Develop new and maintain current systems to primarily assist with the planning of the annual shutdowns, T/A’s, G.O.’s and breakdowns and secondly all other systems/architecture that is necessary to support the planning department and partners in fulfilling their main roll.

Integrate information from planning systems, support systems and other customer and business systems to display an overall picture of the status of the planning cycle from initial Front End Loading until post mortem of any given shutdown, T/A or G.O.

Provide, with input from our IM partner, an initial entry point for solution development of other critical business system’s needs, including but not limited to Repair Approval (RA), Inspection, X-Ray and Welding system development and support.

Key Accountabilities

Functional Outputs: Operational, Functional and Technical results.

Ensure 98% uptime of Planning and support systems including IT infrastructure which includes: All programming of new systems following the complete development life cycle and maintaining of current systems. All reporting tools including printer and plotter availability, especially during critical peak shutdown time periods. Manage all hardware requirements including servers and network for the support of all systems. Performing continuous enhancements on existing systems done timeously according to client requirements: An internal MOC process to be followed where an accelerated timeframe is used to deliver on client requests.

Providing guidance and support to the client on how the system is to be envisioned to ensure easy integration with current and future systems and databases. Design, develop, program and support all new systems in appropriate languages as guided by latest IM Policy. The One Sasol Way principle to be followed to ensure alignment with SASOL partners.

Approved technology used to prevent a complex multi-language system environment reducing the effectiveness of the provided solutions and supporting the IM future vision and growth direction. Ensure continuous improvement of historic legacy systems: Obtained by re-writing of current systems to new standards/versions as requested by our IM partner in alignment with future growth and technology requirements of the business.

The systems specialist must show a high level of forward thinking in the future needs of the business by developing and implementing these solutions before it is requested from a client. Program towards stability in growth of the Artemis planning system which includes: Annual renewal and/or upgrades, through IM, of Artemis licenses to ensure continuous use as principal planning system of shutdowns, T/A’s, projects and G.O.’s.

Deliver first line programming solutions to client problems and requests in the shortest timeframe possible. Maintain Artemis servers through monthly maintenance and continuous upgrades. Maintain Artemis data through typical system administrator skills using data integration between the various servers, backups of existing data and user maintenance.

Support other SASOL sites nationally and internationally on planning and support systems giving preference to the One Sasol Way. Continuous improvement of Shutdown EIS monitoring and updating systems: By adding innovative ideas from client or own initiative to offer better monitoring and decision-making tools to management during critical shutdown periods.

Uptime of these systems is of upmost importance during critical annual shutdowns as any delay in decision making tools can lead to huge financial loss because of late start-up of plants. Ensure 100% workability of offline versions of the updating systems to ensure continuous and timely completion of the activity sign-off process.

Ensure interface creation and management between planning systems and external data sources (e.g. SAP, Primavera, MS Projects, MuleSoft, PI) to promote data sharing and partnership growth. System specialist to take a lead role in the development of all these interfaces as they are best placed to understand the needs of business. The specialist must be able to give training to all clients on these implementations to ensure effective use of tools.

Leadership and Growth results: Operational effectiveness within area of responsibility. Correct any deviation from performance requirements and take necessary action. SHE compliance is essential and non-negotiable.

Customer and Relationship results: Interface with planning departments within the SASOL group for One Sasol Way solutions. This includes current and future SASOL partnerships with local and international companies. Open and honest relationship with business partners to build and maintain trust.

Innovation and Improvement results: Road forward in renewing of planning system technology as the business grows. Continuous improvement by implementing improvement practices. Develop integrated planning systems to fulfil most of the company’s global demand.

Formal Education

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or NQF7 equivalent qualification.

Working Experience

• Visual Basic 6 (MUST)
• SQL 2019 until newest (MUST)
• VB.NET WEB (MUST)
• 2 years’ experience in a planning environment (WISH)
• Programming knowledge of Artemis 9000 planning system (WISH)
• Basic SAP transactions (WISH)
• Driver’s license

Required Personal And Professional Skills

• TC_Quality Management Procedures and Standards
• BC_Customer Focus
• TC_Analyse Alternatives and Recommend Solutions
• BC_Plans and Aligns
• TC_Review and Reporting
• BC_Self-development
• BC_Drives Results
• TC_Planning and Organisation
• TC_Quality Control and Reliability
• BC_Balances Stakeholders

Sasol is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Inspired by our Purpose of “Innovating for a better world”, Sasol acknowledges that diversity is intrinsic to the fabric of our organisation and is the key to our growth and success. Sasol is committed to the full inclusion of all suitably qualified individuals. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups and people with disabilities according to Sasol’s Employment Equity Plan. This includes reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Our automated process is designed to efficiently assess a large volume of applications. Should you not hear from us within 60 days of the advert closing then kindly consider your application unsuccessful. Thank you once-more for your interest in Sasol as your employer of choice, and we wish you all the best with your career aspirations and future applications with us.