Specialist, Enterprise Supplier… at Astron Energy · Cape Town

The B-BBEE Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager (ESD) will be responsible for developing and implementing Astron Energy's ESD strategy to ensure compliance with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) regulations, with a focus on the development and growth of black-owned SMME businesses. This includes creating and executing enterprise and supplier development strategies, identifying, supporting, and mentoring emerging black entrepreneurs and suppliers to integrate them into Astron Energy's value and supply chain. The ESD Manager will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to foster development opportunities, track progress toward B-BBEE targets, and report on the effectiveness of these initiatives while contributing to the inclusion of black businesses in the Astron Energy value chain and improving Astron Energy’s B-BBEE Scorecard.

For the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) Manager, key responsibilities are but not limited to:

• Creating a safer, more sustainable, and ethical supply chain and how it feeds into the overall safety performance of the AE ESD Team and ESD beneficiary suppliers by;
• Monitoring the Incident/Accident Rate Safety Training Completion Rate the number of Supplier Safety Audits conducted, and the implementation of Zero Harm Initiatives
• Customer Focus: Achieving high satisfaction, retention, and loyalty through timely deliveries, innovative solutions, and rapid complaint resolution.
• Supplier Collaboration: Building strong, diverse supplier relationships through ongoing development, performance monitoring, and mutually beneficial negotiations.
• Value Creation: Balancing cost savings and quality to ensure customers receive the best value while maintaining strong partnerships with suppliers.
• Employee Development: Ensuring employee and direct reports have opportunities for growth, skill development, and internal promotion is crucial for creating a motivated and capable workforce.
• Engagement and Communication: Demonstrating engagement of employee with peer and direct line managers to ensure effective communication fosters a collaborative and productive environment.
• Diversity, Inclusion, and Recognition: A focus on diversity and employee recognition enhances morale, inclusivity, and employee engagement.
• Satisfaction and Relationship Health: Ensuring that both the company and its suppliers are satisfied with the partnership, reflecting strong, stable, and mutually beneficial relationships.
• Innovation and Joint Value Creation: Fostering collaboration on innovations and shared value creation, which leads to growth and long-term success for both parties.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Building an inclusive supplier base that reflects broader Transformation goals while AE benefits from diversity.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Maintaining long-term, stable partnerships with mutual growth and shared goals, enhancing collaboration and performance over time.
• Performance and Risk Management: The to jointly improve performance metrics (e.g., cost, delivery, quality) and mitigate risks, ensuring resilience and continuous improvement.
• Financial Performance and Stability: Secure cost savings, increase revenue, and demonstrate strong ROI from supplier-related initiatives, making AE an appealing investment opportunity.
• Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Focus on sustainable and ethical supply chain practices, aligning with AE priorities on ESG factors.
• Innovation and Growth Potential: Drive technological advancements and innovations in the supply chain that can unlock new revenue streams and growth potential, making AE meet its Shareholder targets.
• Diversification and Risk Management: Build a resilient and diverse supply chain that reduces risks and enhances stability, which is critical for Shareholder confidence.

Professional Qualification and Certifications:

• The Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager should possess one as a minimum or a combination of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, or a related field, with a Master’s Degree (MBA or similar) being advantageous.
• Key certifications include B-BBEE Training and knowledge of compliance regulations, along with certifications in Project Management Supply Chain Management (CIPS or CSCP), and Change Management
• Additional qualifications in Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD), SMME Development, and Financial Management are beneficial. Strong experience in enterprise development, supplier management, and B-BBEE compliance is required, with a proven ability to build relationships, manage projects, and oversee supplier and enterprise growth programs.

Work Experience:

• The Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager will have extensive (a minimum of 5 years) experience in leading and implementing enterprise and supplier development programs, particularly for black-owned businesses and SMMEs, ensuring alignment with B-BBEE compliance and organizational goals. They will have a proven track record in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and relationship building, working with both internal teams and external partners. Their experience must include managing budgets, tracking B-BBEE progress, and reporting on supplier development initiatives. They must demonstrate an ability to lead change management efforts that foster an inclusive culture, provide mentorship to suppliers, and oversee the monitoring and evaluation of ESD programs to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

Knowledge: B-BBEE Regulations and Compliance:

• In-depth understanding of B-BBEE policies, regulations, and scorecards, particularly the Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) element.
• Familiarity with B-BBEE verification processes and how they impact the organization’s strategy and operations.

Enterprise and Supplier Development:

• Knowledge of SMME development and strategies for supporting the growth of black-owned businesses through mentorship, funding, and capacity-building.
• Understanding of supplier diversity and its importance in creating inclusive supply chains and fostering economic transformation.
• Procurement and Supply Chain Management:
• Expertise in procurement practices, supply chain dynamics, and the integration of black-owned businesses into the organization’s value chain.
• Knowledge of supplier performance management, including monitoring and evaluating supplier development outcomes.

Financial Management:

• Understanding of financial principles related to budgeting, funding, and resource allocation for development programs.
• Ability to assess financial viability and business sustainability for suppliers and enterprise development projects.
• Project Management:
• Expertise in project planning, implementation, and monitoring, ensuring development initiatives are completed on time and within budget.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies
• Transformation and Change Management:
• Knowledge of how to lead organizational transformation and manage change processes to create an inclusive and diverse work environment.
• Understanding of how to integrate diversity and inclusion into organizational culture and business practices.

Skills: Strategic Thinking:

• Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with both B-BBEE objectives and business goals.
• Strong analytical skills to assess market trends, identify opportunities for growth, and create development initiatives for SMMEs.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management:

• Exceptional skills in building and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., procurement, HR, leadership) and external stakeholders (e.g., government bodies, industry associations, suppliers).
• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with different stakeholders, ensuring alignment and mutual benefit.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Ability to lead and motivate a team, set clear objectives, and provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members or suppliers.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and achieve development goals.

Mentorship and Coaching:

• Skilled in mentoring and providing guidance to entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them build sustainable operations and integrate into the supply chain.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs focused on business management, financial planning, and procurement processes for suppliers.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Proficiency in tracking progress, assessing outcomes, and producing reports on the effectiveness of ESD programs.
• Ability to analyse data and use insights to improve and refine development strategies.

Negotiation and Contract Management:

• Strong negotiation skills for developing contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring fair terms and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Knowledge of contract law and how it relates to supplier agreements and development initiatives.

Cultural Competence:

• High level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the unique challenges faced by black-owned businesses and SMMEs.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes diversity, equity, and transformation.
• These knowledge areas and skills are essential for the Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager to successfully drive development programs, build strong partnerships, and contribute to the long-term growth and transformation of both the organization and the broader economy.

Application deadline:

02 June 2026