Snr Specialist Tools & Modelling

Job Req ID

13140

Closing Date

25 September 2026

OME

Sasolburg and Natref Operations

Location

Sasolburg, Free State

Purpose of Job

To lead the development, implementation, validation and maintenance of Natref linear programming (LP) models and related optimisation tools in order to enable robust refinery planning, improve margin, support BE50 and continuous improvement initiatives, and maximise value across the Natref refinery value chain.

To ensure that Natref LP models accurately represent current refinery configuration, operating constraints, yields, utilities, crude and product properties, and planned business or project changes.

To investigate and introduce fit-for-purpose modelling methodologies and technologies, while leveraging support from Sasol Group, Haverly, TotalEnergies and other approved specialist partners to build sustainable internal Natref modelling capability.

To provide technical guidance, training and support to Natref LP users, planners, analysts, Process Engineering, Operations, Finance and Commercial stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities

• Design, build, implement and maintain Natref LP models, sub-models and related optimisation tools for production planning, crude evaluation, operating-mode optimisation, budgeting, forecasting, project evaluation and business studies.
• Ensure alignment and consistency between the Natref planning model, retro-run or backcasting models, sub-models, economic assumptions and relevant Sasol Group models or shared modelling frameworks.
• Maintain accurate representation of the Natref refinery configuration, unit operating envelopes, capacities, yields, utility balances, crude assays, product qualities, logistics constraints and commercial assumptions.
• Develop, maintain and enforce Natref modelling standards, governance procedures, model documentation, data ownership, change control and version control.
• Plan and perform routine model validation, calibration, sensitivity testing, audits and health checks to identify gaps and continuously improve model performance and decision quality.
• Work with the Refinery Analyst, Production Planner, Business Analyst, Process Engineering and Operations to implement recommendations arising from retro-run or backcasting analysis and close model-versus-actual performance gaps.
• Translate approved refinery modifications, Hybrid Project changes, shutdown impacts, new crude or product options, process upgrades and commercial changes into validated LP model updates.
• Provide timely optimisation scenarios and recommendations that support BE50, margin uplift, utilisation improvement, value protection, reliability and continuous improvement objectives.
• Manage and coordinate the delivery of approved LP technology vendors and specialist support providers, including Haverly, TotalEnergies and Sasol Group resources, ensuring clear scope, quality, knowledge transfer and value for Natref.
• Partner with Information Management to ensure compliance with Natref and shareholder governance, cybersecurity, licensing, software deployment, access control and business-continuity requirements.
• Build sustainable internal Natref LP capability through structured training, coaching, user guides, model clinics, succession development and competency assessment for planners, analysts and relevant technical users.
• Facilitate the Natref LP governance forum or Model Matrix, communicate model changes and assumptions, and ensure stakeholders understand the business and operational impact of model recommendations.
• Maintain an LP model improvement roadmap, proactively manage modelling risks and dependencies, and report progress, constraints and support requirements to VPS and Natref leadership.
• Promote safe, ethical and fact-based decisions by ensuring optimisation recommendations are technically feasible, transparent, traceable and aligned with SHE, operational and commercial requirements.

Formal Education

• BEng/BSc Engineering or equivalent four year technical degree.
• A postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Economics or Business is advantageous.

Work Experience

8 years relevant refinery, petrochemical, energy, optimisation, planning or LP modelling experience, including practical model development, calibration and business decision support.

Certification and Professional Membership

Professional registration and/or recognised Linear Programming (LP) modelling or optimisation-tool training is advantageous.

Required Personal and Professional Skills