GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (GROUP CEO)

Downstream Manager: Five-Year Fixed Term

 

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY: DOWNSTREAM MANAGER: FIVE-YEAR FIXED TERM

CEF SOC

CEF is a Schedule 2 state owned diversified energy company reporting to the Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources. The Mandate of CEF is to contribute to the security of energy supply of South Africa and the Region through exploration, acquisition, development, marketing and strategic partnership. It is derived from the CEF Act (No 38 of 1977) and the Ministerial directives issued thereafter.

JOB PURPOSE:

To provide strategic oversight and performance monitoring of the Group’s downstream portfolio including depots, fuel stations, pipelines, and other fuel infrastructure assets from an investment and commercial performance perspective.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 8) in Engineering/Economics/Finance/ Supply Chain or equivalent qualification.
  • A minimum of 5-8 years in the energy, petroleum or infrastructure investment environment of which 1 to 3 years must be in a strategic, financial or investment oversight role. 
  • Exposure to downstream petroleum value chains and public sector investment frameworks (PFMA, National Treasury guidelines)
  • Master’s Degree (NQF 9) in Business Management/ Project Management /Business Administration or equivalent qualification will serve as an added advantage.

DESIRED ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ COMPETENCIES:

  • In-depth understanding of South African petroleum market, PFMA governance, and public-sector investment management frameworks.
  • Working knowledge of local and international market factors affecting logistics, product costs and global energy landscape
  • Strong understanding of SOE compliance, Delegation of Authority, and audit processes.
  • In-depth knowledge of setting up a downstream market which includes infrastructure and customer base
  • Knowledge of due diligence and valuation methodologies
  • Investment evaluations, Business case development, Value-chain and logistics optimisation
  • Product supply contract management and Downstream portfolio analysis
  • Strategic thinking skills, Commercial acumen and Negotiation skills
  • Stakeholder relationship management
  • Communication, Presentation skills, Integrity and ethical conduct
  • Results-driven, accountable, empathy and cultural sensitivity
  • Collaboration, teamwork, adaptability and resilience
  • Analytical, Proactive and self-motivated

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS:

Strategic Portfolio oversight

  • Maintain a consolidated view of all downstream investments (depots, fuel stations, pipelines, retail assets).
  • Analyse portfolio performance and align investment outcomes with Group strategy and shareholder compact targets.
  • Identify structural, commercial, or regulatory issues affecting portfolio performance and recommend corrective actions.

Investment and Performance Management

  • Monitor financial and operational performance of downstream entities through KPIs, Board packs, and management reports.
  • Assess ROI, throughput volumes, cost-to-serve, and profitability metrics across assets.
  • Advise the COO and Investment Committee on optimisation and divestment opportunities.

Business Development & Growth Opportunities

  • Identify and assess potential downstream expansion, acquisition, or joint venture opportunities that align with Group investment strategy.
  • Lead commercial due diligence, feasibility, and valuation exercises for new projects.
  • Develop investment cases and submissions for EXCO, Investment Committee, and Board approval.
  • Partner with subsidiary operations executives, joint venture partners, and technical experts to ensure alignment on investment performance goals.
  • Provide strategic insights into performance improvement initiatives driven by operational teams.
  • Participate in governance and oversight forums to monitor project execution, compliance, and business sustainability.

Governance and Reporting 

  • Ensure downstream investments adhere to PFMA, shareholder compact, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
  • Review and monitor risk registers, mitigation plans, and governance frameworks for downstream assets.
  • Ensure all partner and subsidiary reporting complies with Group governance and audit standards.

Publish date:    10 November 2025

Closing Date:  19 November 2025

 

NOTE: The successful candidate/s for the advertised position/s will be required to undergo personnel suitability checks, which includes, criminal records, citizenship, financial checks, qualifications and previous employment (Reference checks). It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that foreign qualifications are evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority and the evaluation certificate is attached to the application on submission. If you do not hear from the CEF SOC three months after the closing date of the advertisement, consider your application unsuccessful.  CEF SOC reserves the right to not fill this position. CEF SOC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and it is committed to the achievement and maintenance of diversity and equity in employment, especially in respect of race, gender and disability. This position will be filled in accordance with the CEF SOC Employment Equity Plan.


Sandton, South Africa