Senior Operator

Sahara Group is a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate operating in over 42 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Established in 1996, Sahara excels in power generation and distribution, downstream, midstream, upstream, and infrastructure sectors. Our prospect is to become a lead player in the oil and gas/energy sector, within Africa and the international market in general.

We innovate and seek sustainable ways to deliver energy responsibly through our diverse team of over 5,000 employees, as well as our global network of customers and partners.

We are seeking a Senior Operator to join our Operations Department, reporting into the Head of Operations. The Senior Commodity Physical Operator will manage end-to-end operational execution of Oil & Gas trading and shipping activities. This role will ensure contracts are executed flawlessly – on time, in compliance, and accurately – while optimizing costs and mitigating risks to protect trader P&L.

• Review contracts submitted by contract desk and verify terms and conditions, including quantity, quality specifications, delivery terms and any other terms directly impacting operations activity.
• Read and understand the contractual content, terms and conditions.
• Clear and nominate the vessel with compliance, terminal and counter parties as per contract
• Ensure strict compliance with terminal slot management, arrival windows, and laycan constraints
• Read and understand the fixture provided by Shipping Dept.
• Coordinate with shipping and logistics companies to manage the movement of products, transportation schedules, loading, and discharge operations, voyage changes, diversions, delays, to ensure safe and efficient shipping operation, timely delivery and re-optimization in close coordination with Traders whenever required
• Prepare and issue comprehensive Documentary Instructions to meet all letter of credit (LC), customs, and contractual requirements
• Review, verify, and approve all shipping documents including bills of lading (BLs), certificates of origin (COO), quality & quantity (Q&Q) certificates, weight certificates, and health/safety documentation
• Ensure strict compliance with regulatory requirements (customs, export/import controls, sanctions, environmental regulations) and alert traders to any compliance risks or documentation gaps
• Appoint inspectors, superintendents for Quality and Quantity as per contractual requirements and other measures/analyses requested by traders.
• Appoint any service providers required for physical execution of contract.
• Ensure no delivery is affected without adequate Trade Finance approval
• Storage management (where applicable) by reviewing contract, tracking inventory levels and managing stock reconciliation. Work with storage facilities to ensure proper handling and storage of the products. Manage any SMA or CMA whenever applicable with relevant service providers
• Work closely with traders to understand deal terms and ensure that all operational aspects align with trading strategies.
• Liaise with counter parties to resolve any issues that arise during the transaction process.

• Identify and mitigate operational risks associated with physical oil movement.
• Manage potential transportation accidents with transporters and insurers, collect/co-ordinate documents and correspondence as required.
• Record vessel in TC/ voyage charter for Charterer’s liability declaration
• Manage transit losses with underwriters, whenever applicable
• Anticipate, avoid, mitigate and whenever applicable handle any quantity & quality claims.
• Handle any operational issues or discrepancies, like quality / quantity claims, other shipping related claims excluding demurrage
• Work closely with Demurrage teams to minimize exposure and support claims defence and recovery
• Participate in incident investigations, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Ensure all shipping, terminal, and operational costs are accurately captured and allocated in ETRM
• Review and post services, shipping related invoices and…