Director, Commercial Optimization

Job Summary:
The Director of Commercial Optimization plays a vital role in supporting the leadership of the natural gas and/or crude oil gathering, transportation, and processing business segment. This position focuses on managing short-term enhancement opportunities with existing customers while serving as the commercial representative in addressing any emerging challenges related to contractual events or business opportunities. The director is tasked with overseeing the current commercial relationship with counterpart personnel at the facility. A strong grasp of commercial and economic principles, along with an understanding of the commercial aspects of daily operations, is essential for effectively fulfilling this role.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Leads collaboration with commercial, operations, and engineering teams, offering expert guidance on complex issues, including cross-disciplinary challenges involving various personnel. This role emphasizes identifying interaction and optimization opportunities between assets within the natural gas and/or crude oil gathering, transportation, and processing segment, as well as with other company assets.
• Develops internal initiatives focused on gathering and processing asset utilization and optimization, contract management, and deal execution.
• Establishes and reviews contractual performance goals both internally and with key counterparties, aiming for continuous improvement and margin enhancement.
• Collaborates with operations to define and communicate performance metrics to counterparties in line with contractual obligations.
• Manages ongoing contractual relationships and proactively oversees amendments, extensions, and notices related to gas/crude oil services agreements, facilities construction agreements, and purchases agreements.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.  

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Capable of strategic thinking and developing long-term optimization plans that align with the company's goals and objectives.
• Strong analytical abilities to interpret complex data, recognize patterns, and make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in project management methodologies and tools, with experience in leading and supporting projects across various functions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with cross-functional teams and the ability to convey complex ideas to stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong leadership qualities that inspire and motivate team members, promote a collaborative work environment, and drive results.
• Solid financial analysis skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis, including basic financial modeling.
• Proven track record of identifying problems, developing innovative solutions, and implementing effective strategies to tackle challenges.
• Ability to lead change management initiatives and facilitate company transformation.
• Familiar with relevant software and tools for process optimization, project management, and data analysis.
• Adaptable to changing business conditions and priorities.
• Skilled at building strong relationships and collaborating effectively across departments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or economics  
• Master’s degree a plus 
• 10 years of experience in relevant finance, project management, operations support, or similar commercial role(s) 
• Multi-year track record of managing large, complex projects and initiatives required 

Certifications:

• None required

Travel:

Travel required locally or long-distance up to 20% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

Equipment:

Computer, computer software programs and peripherals, resource materials and equipment, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to the position.  

Mental and Physical Demands:

General office and sedentary. Regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing; occasional: lifting/carrying, pulling/pushing up to 30 pounds.  

Maintain emotional control under stress, work with interruptions and deadlines. 

May work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Environmental Factors:  

Occasional exposure to biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.). Occasional exposure to weather related conditions when working in an outdoor environment. 

ADA/ADAAA Statement:

Howard Energy Partners’ policy is to provide reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified individuals with disabilities so they can perform the essential functions of the job unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the business or would change the essential functions of the position. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department. 

EEO/AAP Statement:

Howard Energy Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create a professional environment where employees feel comfortable, safe, and free from unlawful conduct. All employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable laws and are made without regard to any category or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.