Head of Operations & Chartering

Head of Operations & Chartering page is loaded Head of Operations & Charteringlocations: Cape Towntime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 4 Days Agotime left to apply: End Date: February 25, 2026 (9 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR001723The Head of Operations and Chartering leads is a "centre of expertise" deployed in service of the Optimisers. The role works closely with the Optimsers and is responsible for managing the end-to-end physical movement of crude oil and refined products, ensuring efficient chartering, replenishment planning, and primary transportation. This role ensures operational excellence, cost efficiency, and alignment with EVCO's enterprise value chain strategy while maintaining safety, compliance and regulatory obligations and mitigating risks in marine and inland logistics. Role works closely with London who charter vessels and ensuring local compliance and commercial entity approval.Leads a "centre of expertise" with the resources deployed and taking daily direction from the Optimisers in service of executing the optimised plan in a "natural" team under direction of the OptimisersIn conjunction with the Optimisers implement a scheduling optimisation strategy for shipping, scheduling, operations and marine bunkering to ensure optimal asset utilisation of assets (vessels, pipeline, tanks, rail and road tankers) whilst meeting customer service levels, minimising delays, demurrage and lossesLead, manage and ensure activity cover as required in oil operations, maintaining a focus on safety, efficiency, reliability, losses and regulatory compliance.Local commercial accountability for Time and Spot Charter activities in support of the contract owner in London.Train, develop, lead on succession planning and deploy Operations and Chartering people resource across in support of execution activities as required. This includes skills upliftment and mentoring to ensure expertise and continuity of operations.Manage crude oil and refined product import/export operations, ensuring seamless execution and compliance with regulatory requirementsLead marine bunker business operations, optimising commercial and operational performanceCoordinate and oversee chartering activities, including vessel selection, freight negotiations, and voyage execution to minimise costs, loss and risksProfessional Qualifications & Certifications:Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) preferred.Work Experience:5+ years in a leadership role within supply, operations, trading, logistics, or chartering.Experience in oil/petrochemical supply, scheduling, trading, or supply chain optimisation.Prior experience in refinery operations, vessel chartering, or marine logistics is an advantage.Knowledge & Skills:Deep understanding of Southern African market conditions, supply chain infrastructure, and logistics constraints.Strong knowledge of oil operations, product qualities, and the economics of oil product movement.Expertise in trading markets, price risk management, contract negotiations, and freight economics.Experience in vessel chartering, freight negotiations, and marine logistics operations.Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across departmentsStrong analytical and critical thinking skills for decision-making and supply chain optimisation.Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and relationship management skills.Strong business reporting, commercial acumen, and financial and operational decision-making skillsProficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and logistics/supply planning software tools.Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple priorities in a structured and strategic way. Application deadline: 24 February 2026Astron Energy is a leading supplier of petroleum products in South Africa, with a vast network of Caltex-branded service stations that make us one of the country's top two petroleum brands. We are strongly committed to being a responsible corporate citizen, promoting education, health and economic development in an effort to build stronger communities and drive sustainable economic growth. We own and operate the country's third-largest crude oil refinery in Cape Town, which has a capacity of 100,000 barrels a day, and a lubricants manufacturing plant in Durban.