1.0 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.
2.0 KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 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.
2.2 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.
2.3 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.
2.4 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.
2.5 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.
2.6 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.
2.7 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.
2.8 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.
2.9 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.
3.0 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
3.1 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.
3.2 Work Experience
- Minimum 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.
3.3 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.
3.4 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.
