Company Description
Join our Marketing team as the Domestic Trading & Market Intelligence Manager, where you will drive sustainable value creation through the end-to-end management of domestic and third-party coal trading. This role integrates commercial strategy, contract execution, market and supplier intelligence, governance, stakeholder engagement and portfolio optimisation to maximise margins, unlock growth opportunities and deliver compliant, high-performance trading outcomes.
You’ll look after our most important resource. Our people.
Thungela Resources [Thungela means “to ignite” in isiZulu] is a leading South African thermal coal business, focused exclusively on thermal coal production. It is one of the largest pure-play producers and exporters of thermal coal in South Africa based on aggregate coal reserves and marketable coal production. Thungela focuses on exporting its thermal coal portfolio mainly to the Indian, Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle East and North African markets.
Job Description
Your responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:
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Drive and execute integrated domestic and third-party coal trading strategies to maximise value pre-FOB and deliver planned margin outcomes.
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Develop and align the third-party trading strategy with internal stakeholders, translating it into clear and actionable tactical plans.
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Execute domestic purchasing strategies within approved frameworks and continuously refine strategies using market intelligence and performance insights.
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Lead the structuring, negotiation and execution of domestic sales and purchase agreements, ensuring financial, technical, ISOP and commercial requirements are incorporated into contracts.
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Monitor contract terms, pricing and payment conditions, and work with Logistics and Book Management to support effective execution and margin delivery.
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Strengthen commercial risk management through controls, governance and escalation of contract non-conformance.
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Build and maintain strong customer, supplier and stakeholder relationships, including sourcing reliable coal supply and positioning tailored commercial solutions.
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Own and manage a robust pipeline of domestic third-party trading opportunities to drive revenue growth and optimise the trading portfolio.
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Develop and maintain a reliable database of domestic coal suppliers and mining operations to support sourcing strategies and trading decisions.
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Analyse market trends, pricing, supply-demand dynamics, competitor activity and ESG factors, translating insights into actionable commercial recommendations, reports and dashboards.
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Establish standards for commercial data collection, validation and reporting to improve data governance, accuracy, analytics and decision-making.
This role is in the Marketing Department and is at a Band 6 level, reporting to the Head of Domestic Marketing.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Commerce, Supply Chain or Geosciences (NQF Level 7)
Advantageous:
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Experience in the mining industry within supply, operational or finance departments
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Thermal coal experience
Experience
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Minimum of 6 years’ experience in physical sales and marketing or trading, preferably within commodities.
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Proven experience in commercial deal structuring, contract execution, stakeholder engagement and market-informed trading decisions.
Additional Information
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Proficient knowledge of mining legislation, contract management, domestic logistics and relevant Thungela Marketing policies, procedures, standards and systems.
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Strong understanding of contractual frameworks, pricing models, commercial constructs, customer relationship management and domestic/export trading within a commodity environment.
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Proven ability to work with variable coal volumes, evolving customer relationships, spot and term supply arrangements, and urgent or high-risk coal requirements.
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Proficient in process analysis, planning, monitoring, reporting, data governance and market intelligence to support informed commercial decision-making.
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Ability to build stakeholder relationships, manage commercial risk and develop practical, value-creating solutions that enhance trading performance and operational efficiency.
What we offer
When you join Thungela, you can expect to enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package. But more than this, you’ll find yourself in an environment where the opportunities for learning and growth are second to none. From technical training to leadership programmes, we bring out the best in our people. There are plenty of opportunities to move onwards and upwards too. We’re a large, successful multinational company – and we’re still growing all the time.
Who we are?
Thungela is a pure play coal mining business. Our portfolio of world-class mining operations provides the metals and minerals that make modern life possible. We use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move and market our products to our customers around the world.
Inclusion and Diversity
Thungela is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace where we value and respect every colleague for who they are and provide equality of opportunity so that everyone can fulfil their potential.
How we are committed to your safety
Nothing is more important to us than ensuring you return home safely after a day’s work. To make that happen, we have the most rigorous safety standards in the industry. Not only that, we’re also continually investing in new technologies – from drones to data analytics – that are helping to make mining safer.
How to apply
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. You will have the opportunity to upload your CV and other relevant documentation as part of this process.
