Fuel Procurement Lead

**Our client is looking for a Fuel Procurement Specialist (Lead) to join their team**:
**Job Title: Fuel Procurement Lead**

**Company Background**:
They are a leading company operating in the energy sector, specializing in fuel procurement and supply chain management. With a strong presence in multiple countries (AFRICA etc) they are committed to providing cost-effective and reliable fuel solutions to their clients. They are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Fuel Procurement Lead to join the Operations team.

**Office**:
Pretoria

**Position Summary**:
Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the Fuel Procurement Lead will be responsible for managing our company's sourcing capabilities and supply chain for fuel. The primary objective of this role is to develop innovative and cost-effective procurement strategies, negotiate with suppliers and vendors, and ensure the efficient acquisition of fuel while minimizing procurement expenses.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Procurement**:

- Develop inventive and cost-effective fuel procurement strategies.
- Provide guidance on sourcing and procurement processes for fuel.
- Identify and engage reliable suppliers and vendors for fuel procurement.
- Negotiate with suppliers and vendors to secure advantageous terms.
- Prepare and review new contracts and ensure the ongoing feasibility of existing contracts.
- Manage all aspects of procurement, from negotiation to delivery of fuel.
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with fuel vendors and suppliers.
- Approve purchase orders and organize delivery of fuel.
- Evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, and delivery speed.
- Interview vendors and visit suppliers' plants/distribution centers to examine fuel.
- Control the procurement budget and promote a culture of long-term savings on fuel procurement costs.
- Streamline activities to reduce operating costs and improve transport and distribution needs.
- Oversee systems that track shipments, inventory, and fuel supply.
- Conduct data analysis and prepare procurement reports.
- Ensure the fuel supply meets the required standards and specifications.
- Ensure timely closure of contracts and purchase orders, resolving claims when required.
- Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to clarify specifications and expectations.

**Risk and Compliance**:

- Manage risk and compliance related to fuel procurement.
- Report safety breaches to management.
- Ensure supply security and quality control.
- Adhere to the company's policies and procedures on supply chain management.
- Perform risk assessments on potential contracts and agreements.
- Ensure adherence to HS&E and environmental requirements.

**Qualifications and Skills**:

- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, purchasing, logistics, business management, or a relevant field.
- Additional courses in relevant fields will be advantageous.
- 4+ years of proven experience in a similar role.
- Proven experience managing supply chain operations across African territories.
- In-depth knowledge of contract preparation and review, invoicing, and negotiating terms.
- Experience in managing vendor relationships and global logistics management.
- Ability to scale with business growth.
- High level of commercial acumen.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong management and leadership skills.
- Excellent multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

**Personal and Behavioral Traits**:

- Analytical thinking: ability to identify issues, obtain relevant information, compare information from different sources, and propose alternative solutions.
- Building partnerships: ability to develop and utilize collaborative relationships to achieve work goals.
- Business administration: knowledge of appropriate financial/accounting practices and procedures, including resource allocation, procurement planning, budgeting, and contract oversight.
- Financial skills: ability to allocate resources, plan procurement, and oversee budgets and contracts to ensure fiscal stability.
- People management: ability to effectively manage and evaluate the performance of reporting staff members and/or consultants.
- Strong interpersonal skills: ability to communicate and work well in a team environment, as well as independently.
- Strong customer focus: dedication to meeting customer expectations and requirements, utilizing customer feedback for continuous improvements.
- Character: enjoys hard work, full of energy to meet challenges, seizes opportunities, and takes action when necessary.

Future Career Prospects: At our company, we prioritize the growth and development of our employees. As the Fuel Procurement Lead, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge within the energy sector and progress within the or