Manager Chartering & Operations

Job Requisition ID

13413

Closing Date

30 October 2026

OME

CML: Supply Chain

Location

Sandton/ Durban 

Purpose of Job

The purpose of the Manager Chartering and Operations role is to manage all chartering, shipping and operational activities of sourced crude oil, petroleum products, fuel blending components and other refinery feedstocks to the best commercial advantage, ensuring all contractual obligations are met and all operational activities are conducted in compliance with relevant operating standards.The Manager Chartering and Operations has to develop, implement and maintain shipping game plans, policies and procedures. The incumbent must direct chartering and trading operations activities in such a way to limit costs, improve customer services and manage contracts with various operational service providers. The incumbent is also responsible to ensure the necessary trade finance facilities are in place for each deal.

Key Accountabilities

Management of Chartering Operations

• Develop and implement the spot, medium and long term crude oil, components and petroleum product chartering game plans in accordance with relevant Sasol guidelines.

• Develop and implement the crude oil, components and petroleum product shipping policies and procedures in accordance with relevant Sasol guidelines.

• Ensure compliance with shipping regulatory matters in the different geographical regions.
• Evaluate, recommend and manage various shipping service providers:
  • Ship brokers.
  • Ship agents.
  • Inspectors.

Commercial Chartering

• Secure transportation for trading or supply purposes at optimal freight rates, while complying with trading requirements contractual terms and company policies.
• Negotiate and manage the chartering of crude oil, components and petroleum product vessels.
• Manage, coordinate and control all aspects of crude oil and refined product trading and shipping operations.

Charter Parties and Contracts of Affreightment (CoA)

• Evaluate and recommend shipping contracts for approval.
• Manage cargo insurance through Sasol Insurance Services.
• Manage and maintain healthy relationships with ship owners, service providers and within Sasol.
• Accountable for chartering operations for supply to Natref.
• Reduce and manage costs related to demurrage, dead freight, losses, contamination, etc.
• Recover demurrage where appropriate from co-loaders and other contractual partners.
• Process insurance claims for internal approval.
• Monitor contract compliance with charter parties according to international and local rules, as well as company policies.

Chartering Reporting and Analysis.

• Monitor the world crude oil and clean product freight markets with regards to pricing status, freight movements and trading patterns.
• Accountable for all reporting and benchmarking for chartering, including regulatory agencies.
• Pro-active support for traders – highlighting potential problems and actively seeking to eliminate them.

Vessel Operations

• Ensure all funds and paperwork in place to minimise delays at load and discharge ports
• Appoint cargo surveyors and liaise with them regarding specific contractual quality issues.
• Monitor vessel ETAs at load and discharge ports to ensure timely arrival to meet contractual dates.
• Ensure freight paid to owner as per charter party.
• Approve all voyage-related expenses and ensure prompt payment.

Contract Execution

• Ensure signed contracts are in place for spot purchases of crude oil and products.
• In conjunction with Trader and Finance Manager ensure relevant method of payment in place by agreed dates.
• Ensure any valid expense incurred is paid / claimed as per contract.

Management Responsibilities

• Responsible for performance management, in-job training and day-to-day activities of the Trading Operator.
• Mid and back office trading systems developed and implemented.

Formal Education

• Relevant B-degree (International Logistics, Maritime Business or related filed) or an alternative industry acceptable qualification in shipping.
• Membership of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers would be advantageous.
• 9 years’ experience in a similar role in chartering operations, preferably in a crude oil or components or petroleum products trading environment.
• 3 – 5 years’ managerial experience.
• Scheduling or finance experience would be an advantage.
• Previous experience with CTRM (Commodity Trading and Risk Management) systems.
• Experience of chartering, operations and logistic flows of tankers (oil & product tankers preferred; chemical and/or gas tankers would be advantageous).
• Experience of contract negotiation and contract management.
• Experience in crude oil and clean product shipping policies and procedures and alignment of processes.
• Knowledge Required:
  • Knowledge of Incoterms and experience of General Terms and Conditions applicable in the oil industry.
  • Knowledge of the different types of Letter of Credit available and the appropriate use of same
  • Knowledge of The Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP600)

Required Personal and Professional Skills