Head, Energy Sourcing & Regulatory Relations

Job Summary

• To provide strategic leadership for energy sourcing, with primary responsibility for coal procurement, supplier and vendor management, and regulatory stakeholder engagement. The role will ensure a reliable, cost-effective, and quality-compliant supply of coal to support uninterrupted cement production, while driving alternative energy and fuel-sourcing opportunities that enhance operational efficiency and long-term business sustainability.
• The role will lead commercial negotiations, develop strategic supplier partnerships, manage energy supply-chain risks, and maintain effective relationships with relevant government institutions and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance, security of supply, and sustainable value creation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Energy Sourcing and Procurement

• Develop and implement the organisation’s energy sourcing strategy, with coal procurement as the primary focus, in alignment with production requirements and business objectives.
• Lead the identification, evaluation and selection of reliable coal suppliers.
• Negotiate coal prices, supply agreements, quality specifications, payment terms, delivery schedules, and other commercial conditions.
• Ensure the timely availability and delivery of coal in the required quantities and quality specifications to support uninterrupted cement production.
• Monitor coal market trends, price movements, global supply conditions, and other factors affecting availability and cost.
• Develop sourcing strategies that balance cost competitiveness, quality, reliability, supplier diversification and supply security.
• Collaborate with Production, Logistics, Finance, Quality Assurance and Plant Management to forecast demand and optimise procurement and inventory plans.
• Evaluate opportunities to source alternative fuels and energy inputs where commercially, technically and operationally viable.
• Benchmark sourcing costs and commercial terms against relevant market indicators to identify opportunities for improved value.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with approved budgets, delegated authority limits, procurement policies and applicable laws.

Vendor and Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain a robust network of qualified coal suppliers, energy providers, logistics partners and other strategic vendors.
• Lead supplier due diligence, commercial evaluation, qualification and performance assessment processes.
• Establish supplier performance standards covering quality, pricing, delivery reliability, safety, service and compliance.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, renewals, disputes, claims and performance improvement plans.
• Build strategic supplier relationships that strengthen supply reliability, improve commercial terms and support long-term business objectives.
• Develop alternative sourcing arrangements to reduce supplier concentration and mitigate supply disruptions.
• Ensure supplier selection and contract management processes are transparent, competitive and properly documented.
• Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Risk Management and Compliance to manage contractual, financial and operational risks.

Regulatory and Government Relations

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant government ministries, regulatory agencies and other public-sector stakeholders.
• Lead engagements relating to coal sourcing, mining, transportation, permits, licences, duties, tariffs and other applicable regulatory matters.
• Monitor regulatory developments, government policies and legislative changes affecting energy sourcing, coal procurement and the cement manufacturing industry.
• Coordinate the timely acquisition and renewal of relevant permits, approvals and statutory documentation in collaboration with Legal and Compliance teams.
• Represent the organisation at relevant industry forums, regulatory consultations and stakeholder engagements.
• Provide management with timely updates on regulatory changes, emerging compliance risks and developments that may affect energy availability or procurement costs.

Key Requirements

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business Administration, Engineering, Economics, Logistics or a related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or a related field is an advantage.
• Professional certification in procurement or supply chain management, such as CIPS, is desirable.
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in strategic sourcing, energy supply, commercial operations or supply-chain management, including significant leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in coal procurement, mining, energy, cement manufacturing or other heavy industrial sectors is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience in supplier management, complex commercial negotiations, contract management and cost optimisation.
• Experience engaging government institutions, regulatory agencies and external stakeholders on business-related matters.
• Demonstrated understanding of procurement governance, supply-chain risk management, regulatory compliance and market intelligence.
• Experience leading teams and delivering measurable commercial and operational results.

Skills and Behaviours

Functional/Technical Skills: Strategic Energy Sourcing and Coal Procurement, Commercial Negotiation and Contract Management, Supply-Chain Risk Management and Business Continuity, Financial and Commercial Analysis, Corporate Governance, Compliance and Ethical Conduct, Strategic Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, 

Behavioural Competencies: Leadership, Communication and Cross-Functional Collaboration, High Level of Confidentiality and Integrity, Excellent Planning and Organisational Skills. Strong Attention to Detail. Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills. Proactive and Responsive Approach to Work. Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities and Deadlines. Sound Judgement and Discretion. Strong Stakeholder-Management Skills. Professionalism and Executive Presence. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and geographically dispersed environment.

Key Success Measures

Performance will be assessed against agreed annual targets, including:

1. Coal procurement cost
2. Delivery performance
3. Quality compliance
4. Supplier performance
5. Cost savings
6. Regulatory compliance
7. Stakeholder relations and Governance
8. Team effectiveness

Benefits

Private Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Training & Development
Career Development