Regional Deputy Operations Manager

Main Purpose

The position is responsible for overseeing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of energy infrastructure facilities across the AMEP region. This includes ensuring full compliance with all statutory regulations and Impala Terminals' operational standards. The role covers the management of stock and blending operations, vessel and truck loading/unloading, capital and operational cost control, and the assurance of product quality and availability.

Provide senior leadership fostering a high-performance culture, developing talent within the team, and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external partners. Ensure the Terminals operate to the highest Impala and International Standards of Safety, Quality and Customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:

• Related to Operations: Ensure the operations of all terminals in the region are safe and reliable. This will include:
• Guarantee product availability and maintain robust stock control to meet customer and third-party requirements.
• Serve as the regional point of contact for all terminal operational matters within the business unit.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, government authorities, and other external partners
• Manage storage agreements in coordination with the commercial team, ensuring terms are clearly defined and driven efficiently.
• Oversee blending operations (where applicable), ensuring they meet Impala’s quality standards and customer expectations.
• Proactively communicate potential operational risks or constraints to internal and external partners.
• Ensures the implementation of preventative maintenance programs across all terminals.
• Minimizes operational downtime by rapidly diagnosing and resolving equipment failures, while planning for likely breakdown scenarios.
• Develop and implement standardized operational processes, procedures, systems, and training programs to ensure consistency, safety, and efficiency.
• Manage operating expenses in line with approved budgets.
• Ensure adherence to Impala Terminals Standards, including IMAS and Operational Excellence programs.
• Work Health & Safety: Ensure full compliance with all statutory and corporate requirements related to health, safety, environment, and security:
• Enforce adherence to Impala’s safety management system (IMAS) and applicable ISO standards.
• Lead proactive initiatives to manage HSE risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain readiness for emergencies through effective response plans, coordination with local emergency services, and regular drills.
• Ensures all operations personnel are appropriately trained and competent.
• Oversee strict implementation of the Permit to Work system and related safety controls across terminals.
• Ensures the availability and continuous update of procedures, risk assessments, and Management of Change (MOC) documentation.
• Verify that all terminal licences are valid and compliant with applicable conditions.
• Actively participate in incident and near-miss investigations, promoting a culture of learning and accountability.
  
  

3. Product Availability: Maintain optimal product availability and quality across all terminals by:

• Monitoring daily and forecasted supply levels.
• Communicating proactively with internal partners and customers regarding supply constraints
• Managing raw materials, additives, chemicals supply to ensure consistent product quality
• Ensuring tight inventory control, investigating and resolving any losses exceeding acceptable thresholds.
  
  

4. CAPEX : Support and lead capital projects in the region, including:

• Collaborating with Regional Operations Management across Feasibility, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction phases.
• Ensuring all projects meet Impala, ISO, and international quality and safety standards.
• Managing the full project lifecycle with a focus on design safety, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery.
• Guaranteeing full compliance with IMAS during construction and commissioning phases.
  
  

5. Maintenance: Oversee all maintenance activities across terminals to ensure asset reliability and operational continuity:

• Establish and maintain a structured maintenance management system and schedule.
• Ensure accurate and effective use of Impala’s CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
• Manage maintenance contractors and activities in alignment with IMAS standards.
• Supervise major terminal upgrades and equipment shutdowns (TARs), ensuring adherence to safety and permit systems.
• Financial: Control operational and capital spending, ensuring financial efficiency
• Coordinate annual budgeting and investment planning for terminal operations.
• Monitor actual expenditures against forecasts and implement cost-control measures.
• Identify and replicate cost-saving initiatives across terminals.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including throughput volumes, operating costs, HSE metrics, and training completion rates.
  
  

7. Leadership/Team Development: Provide strong leadership to develop high-performing teams and support talent growth:

• Offer clear direction and senior-level leadership to direct reports and operational teams.
• Conduct regular site visits and field audits to maintain operational transparency and engagement.
• Ensures thorough planning and coordination across projects, maintenance, and operational initiatives.
• Set and review performance goals, provide constructive feedback, and apply performance management practices.
• Celebrate achievements and cultivate a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Encourages continuous development and create opportunities for team members to grow professionally.
  
  

Experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 15 years in the petroleum business, managing Fuel Terminals, including up to 6-7 years in a leadership role, managing a fuel storage business.
• Experience in managing commercial relationships and contracts
• Engineering degree in an industrial subject area advantageous.
• Work experience in various countries in Africa
• Experience in implementation and maintaining ISO certification
• Skills:
• Strong Intuition for business
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
• Managerial and leadership skills, with a hands-on approach
• Good English written and oral communication skills.
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Power Point).
• Ability to draw on a broad network of relevant industry contacts.
• Driven, Energetic and ability to perform under pressures in a multifaceted environment
• Project management and commissioning experience
• Competencies
• Accountability: Holding oneself and others accountable for meeting commitments.
• Effective Communication: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs or different audiences
• Drive Results : Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Build Effective teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Persuades: Using compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment of others.
• Develops Talent: Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization's goals.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Action Orientated : Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm.
• HSE Awareness: Permanent state of awareness of HSE risks and the ability to take ownership for personal and team member's safety
  
  

Key Relationships And Department Overview

Internal

• Terminal Managers, Ops Coordinators and supervisors in the region
• Direct Reports
• Operators & Ops Management
• Other internal stakeholders as required (e.g. Legal, Insurance, etc)
• Maintenance and HSE Departments
  
  

External

• Authorities
• Suppliers / Counterparts & other external stakeholders as required
• Customers