Fuel Manager

Job Purpose

• The Fuel Manager is responsible for the strategic procurement, logistics, quality assurance, and 100% availability of all fuel types — including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Coal, and Alternative Fuels (AF) — required for continuous and efficient cement plant operations at Dangote Cement Limited Tanzania.
• The role serves as the primary interface between the plant, fuel suppliers, CNG contractors, transporters, government regulatory authorities, and the HSE department to ensure safe, compliant, and cost-effective fuel supply at all times.
• The Fuel Manager is also accountable for improving the Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) through increased AF utilisation and for managing CNG supply contracts and on-site infrastructure in compliance with EWURA and national safety standards.

Responsibilities
Fuel Supply & Procurement Strategy:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fuel procurement strategy covering CNG, Coal, and Alternative Fuels to ensure uninterrupted plant operations.
• Identify, evaluate, and qualify reliable fuel suppliers; negotiate contracts, pricing, and delivery terms in alignment with plant production targets.
• Develop contingency and emergency fuel supply plans to mitigate risks of fuel shortage or supply chain disruption.
• Maintain a minimum fuel inventory buffer as per plant requirements and monitor stock levels on a daily basis.
• Coordinate procurement plans with the Production Manager and Plant Director to align fuel availability with kiln and plant schedules.
• Manage purchase orders, delivery schedules, and supplier performance evaluations.

CNG & Gaseous Fuel Management:

• Manage CNG supply contracts, pricing negotiations, and service level agreements with CNG suppliers and pipeline operators (TPDC/GASCO).
• Oversee CNG delivery logistics including scheduling of tanker deliveries or pipeline offtake confirmations to ensure uninterrupted gas supply to the plant.
• Manage on-site CNG storage, regasification, and distribution infrastructure in coordination with the Maintenance department.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and usage of CNG in compliance with EWURA regulations, Tanzania standards, and Dangote Group HSE policies.
• Optimise CNG usage for kiln start-up, warm-up operations, and standby fuel support as required by the kiln operating schedule.
• Monitor CNG consumption patterns, calorific value, and pressure parameters; report deviations and initiate corrective action.
• Liaise with EWURA for all CNG-related licences, pipeline approvals, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Coordinate periodic safety inspections, pressure testing, and certification of CNG storage and regasification equipment.

Alternative Fuel (AF) Management:

• Identify, source, and qualify suitable alternative fuel streams including agricultural waste, industrial by-products, municipal solid waste (MSW), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), biomass, and other waste-derived fuels.
• Develop and maintain a Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) improvement plan in line with corporate sustainability and cost reduction targets.
• Evaluate technical feasibility and calorific value of new AF sources; coordinate trials and document performance outcomes.
• Ensure proper pre-processing of AF materials (shredding, drying, sizing) and consistent quality prior to delivery to the plant feeding point.
• Build and maintain relationships with industrial waste generators, municipalities, RDF producers, and AF aggregators.
• Maintain AF material balance records and report AF utilisation volumes monthly.

Coal & Conventional Fuel Management:

• Oversee procurement, quality control, inventory, and utilisation of coal and pet coke (If in use) as primary conventional fuels.
• Manage coal local sourcing, clearance, and plant delivery in coordination with clearing agents and transporters.
• Monitor coal quality parameters including calorific value, moisture, ash content, sulphur, and HGI; take corrective action on non-conformances.
• Optimise coal and pet coke (If in use) blend ratios in coordination with the Production team to balance cost, availability, and combustion efficiency.

Logistics & Transportation Coordination:

• Manage end-to-end fuel logistics including transportation planning, fleet coordination, and last-mile delivery to the plant for all fuel types.
• Liaise with transporters, clearing agents, and authorities for timely dispatch and receipt of coal, Pet coke (If in use), CNG, and AF materials.
• Coordinate pipeline gas scheduling and CNG offtake confirmation with suppliers and TPDC/GASCO or relevant authorities.
• Monitor and resolve logistics bottlenecks, transportation delays, and supply chain disruptions proactively.
• Ensure all transport service providers comply with HSE, road safety, and hazardous goods transportation standards.

Fuel Quality Assurance:

• Define and enforce fuel quality specifications for Coal, CNG, and AF materials in coordination with the Quality and Production departments.
• Arrange and oversee third-party fuel sampling and laboratory testing at source and on delivery.
• Reject non-conforming fuel deliveries and initiate supplier Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) as required.
• Monitor calorific value, moisture content, sulphur content, and other critical parameters; take corrective action when out-of-spec materials are received.
• Maintain fuel quality records and generate periodic reports for management review.

HSE Compliance & Regulatory Coordination:

• Coordinate with the HSE Department to obtain and renew all required regulatory clearances and environmental permits for fuel handling, storage, and utilisation.
• Interface with the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) for AF co-processing permits, environmental impact assessments, and compliance reporting.
• Liaise with the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) for CNG supply licences, gas pipeline approvals, petroleum storage permits, and tariff compliance.
• Coordinate with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and other government bodies as required for fuel import duties, levies, and tax-related approvals.
• Ensure all fuel storage and handling facilities — including CNG stations — meet fire safety, occupational health, and environmental standards as per Tanzania regulations and Dangote Group policies.
• Conduct and participate in HSE risk assessments for AF and CNG operations; maintain up-to-date risk registers for the fuel yard and CNG station.
• Ensure proper training of fuel yard and CNG station staff on fuel safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain all permits, licences, inspection records, and government correspondence in an organised document management system.

Budgeting, Cost Management & Reporting:

• Prepare and manage the annual fuel procurement budget for CNG, Coal, and AF; monitor actual vs. budget expenditure and report variances with corrective action plans.
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives across the fuel supply chain without compromising quality or availability.
• Track and optimise fuel cost per tonne of clinker across all fuel types (CNG, Coal, AF) and report regularly to the Plant Director.
• Submit daily, weekly, and monthly fuel stock, consumption, and cost reports to the Plant Director and relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare fuel budget forecasts and variance analyses as part of the plant's annual and rolling budget process.

Stakeholder & Team Management:

• Lead and develop the fuel team including fuel yard supervisors, CNG/utility engineer, logistics coordinators, and AF quality control staff.
• Build technical capability within the team in co-processing, CNG handling, and fuel quality management.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production (Operations), Maintenance, QC, Finance, Procurement, HSE, and Legal departments.
• Represent the plant in negotiations and meetings with fuel suppliers, CNG contractors, government bodies, and industry associations.
• Manage community and social licence considerations related to AF sourcing and fuel transport routes.

Requirements
Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A Master’s Degree in business administration (MBA), Supply Chain Management, or Energy Management is an added advantage.
• Professional certifications in HSE or logistics are desirable.

Work Experience:

• 10–15 years of experience in fuel management, supply chain, or energy management in a heavy industry environment (cement, mining, power, petrochemicals, waste management).
• At least 5 years in a senior or managerial role overseeing fuel procurement, logistics, or alternative fuel operations.
• Demonstrated experience with Coal and Alternative Fuel management in a rotary kiln / cement plant context is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CNG or other gaseous fuels in an industrial application is a significant advantage.
• Experience working with Tanzania regulatory bodies (NEMC, EWURA, TRA) is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in the East African cement or manufacturing industry is an advantage.

Technical & Functional Skills:

• Deep knowledge of fuel chemistry: coal rank analysis, proximate/ultimate analysis, gas calorific values, CNG properties, and AF characterisation.
• Sound understanding of cement kiln pyro-processing and the impact of fuel quality on clinker quality and kiln emissions.
• Knowledge of CNG supply chain, regasification systems, pressure management, and safety requirements.
• Expertise in supply chain management, vendor management, contract negotiation, and logistics planning.
• Familiarity with AF co-processing standards.
• Knowledge of Tanzania environmental law, NEMC regulations, and EWURA gas/energy/CNG regulations.
• Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office Suite.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Results-oriented with a strong commitment to 100% fuel availability and operational continuity.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and cost management capability.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage operational demands and long-term planning simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• High level of integrity, safety consciousness, and compliance orientation.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:

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