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Principal Energy (Africa) - Johannesburg

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Date: 16 Apr 2025

Location: Johannesburg, GP, ZA, 2076

Company: South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.

DISCOVER A BRIGHTER FUTURE:

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives. 

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So, join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy. 

 

ABOUT JOHANNESBURG:

Our Johannesburg office based in Melrose Arch serves as the company`s Functional Hub for the Southern African Operations which include Global Services, Technology and Enterprise Resource Planning Support Teams.

 

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFER:

Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.

Eligible employees will receive an employer contribution towards the company-elected retirement fund. 

South 32 will support assistance for part-time studies aligned to role requirements and business needs at accredited institutions to eligible employees.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This role is a permanent full-time position.

As Principal Energy (Africa), you will lead the commercial energy strategy for our African operations, shaping sourcing decisions, supplier partnerships and market-based decarbonisation pathways across a complex regional portfolio. In this pivotal role, you'll cultivate strategic partnerships and develop innovative commercial solutions to enhance our energy procurement. Your expertise will help shape our decarbonization pathways while ensuring operational excellence and cost-effectiveness. 

 

Other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

•Drive our energy strategy with foresight, leveraging market intelligence and the changing energy landscape to deliver commercial objectives;
•Steward an energy portfolio of ~US$500M with precision, cultivating strategic supplier partnerships that create mutual value;
•Craft and nurture high-value relationships. Partner with Legal, Operations and our global Energy and Carbon team to advance our strategy. Seamlessly integrate perspectives from Sustainability, Technology and Marketing teams whilst building trust with regulatory bodies and suppliers;
•Champion a culture of continuous improvement providing deep subject matter expertise to cross-functional teams. Leverage supply chain processes and foster a culture that promotes the exchange of market insights, positioning our operations for sustainable success.

 

ABOUT YOU:

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

•Experience in developing commercial strategies and leading strategic negotiations, financial modelling, strong understanding of energy and carbon markets, stakeholder influence;
•8-12+ years in a Commercial/ Supply environment with a background in Energy (electricity, gas);
•Carbon Sourcing / Markets experience is advantageous;
•Demonstrate a track record of crafting and implementing transformative commercial strategies, with the ability to navigate and communicate complex energy landscapes;
•Bring a deep commercial and regulatory understanding of energy markets, energy regulation, energy and carbon market trends and decarbonisation options, enriched by experience within Africa;
•Shape and drive critical negotiations, balancing commercial goals and operational requirements.;
•Connect and collaborate across all levels of business and the external market with genuine authenticity.

 

Qualifications for this role are:

•Bachelor's Degree Business, Commerce, Finance, Engineering or related disciplines.

 

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.  We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. 

 

Please apply online by entering the preferred position reference number on our website http://careers.south32.net

 

This advertisement will close on 02 July 2026