Physical Operations Coordinator – Fuels & Chemicals (East & Southern Africa)
About Energetech
Energetech is a global energy and industrial commodities trading and infrastructure development firm with a strong presence across frontier markets. We deliver fuels, bitumen, and industrial chemicals to mining companies and industrial clients, supported by strong logistics networks and storage capabilities across Africa.
As part of our expansion in East and Southern Africa, we are seeking a skilled Physical Operations Coordinator to manage the operational side of our fuels, bitumen, and chemicals business. This role is central to ensuring seamless movement of products from suppliers to regional storage and ultimately to end-users.
Role Overview
The Physical Operations Coordinator will be responsible for the day-to-day physical operations of Energetech’s trades across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia. Working closely with the business development team, this role ensures that once deals are contracted, all logistics, documentation, and delivery processes are carried out smoothly, safely, and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Logistics Execution
- Arrange and coordinate trucking for diesel, HFO, bitumen, and industrial chemicals across East & Southern Africa.
- Oversee containerized chemical imports (sulphuric acid, caustic soda, lime, reagents) via regional ports (Durban, Beira, Walvis Bay, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa).
- Supervise storage and handling, ensuring correct discharge, transfer, and delivery to customers.
Documentation & Compliance
- Manage all shipping and trade documentation: Bills of Lading, manifests, certificates of origin, customs clearance.
- Ensure compliance with chemical handling regulations, HSE standards, and local transport laws.
- Support finance teams with operational documentation tied to LCs, POs, and collateralized trade flows.
Supply Chain Coordination
- Liaise with shipping lines, clearing agents, warehouses, trucking companies, and port authorities to keep product moving.
- Monitor shipment status, proactively resolve bottlenecks, delays, and demurrage issues.
- Coordinate handling of specialized formats (ISO tanks, IBCs, drums, bitutainers, jumbo bags).
Operational Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of shipments, costs, and delivery timelines.
- Provide status updates to the trading desk and flag risks early with proposed solutions.
- Feed back insights on logistics costs, availability, and constraints to help shape commercial decisions.
Key Requirements
- 5+ years’ experience in physical operations or logistics within fuels, chemicals, or commodities trading.
- Proven track record handling cross-border logistics and containerized imports in East & Southern Africa.
- Strong knowledge of shipping documentation and port operations in Durban, Beira, Walvis Bay, Dar es Salaam, Mombasa.
- Experience with chemical handling standards and international compliance.
- Highly organized, problem-solver, comfortable working under time pressure.
- Fluent in English and French (both required); Swahili or Portuguese an advantage.
- Proactive, detail-oriented, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Why Join Us?
- Be at the heart of Energetech’s physical supply chain across Africa.
- Exposure to fuels, bitumen, and critical mining chemicals.
- Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with regional growth opportunities.
- Competitive compensation package with performance incentives.
