Director-Optimization Natural Gas

Primary Purpose

JOB DESCRIPTION

To assist in the management of, and provide analytical and general support for, key corporate financial functions, including commercial strategy, business development and commercial operational management of Tallgrass Natural Gas Assets including Rockies Express Pipeline (REX), Ruby Pipeline, Tallgrass Interstate Gas Transmission (TIGT), Trailblazer Pipeline Company (TPC), Cheyenne Connector Pipeline (CCP) and East Cheyenne Gas Storage (ECGS). This role is responsible for managing commercial strategies, optimizing asset utilization, driving revenue growth, and fostering strong customer relationships to maximize long-term value. The director will collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute on commercial opportunities, maintain operational excellence, and ensure alignment with corporate goals.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Provide support in conducting regular evaluation of the Commercial structure for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group.
• Manage personnel-related matters, including providing performance-based feedback, providing support and completing administrative paperwork as needed.
• Use business and financial diligence on potential acquisitions and assist in acquisition execution as required.
• Utilize financial modeling to evaluate the accounting, valuation and leverage effects of potential acquisitions.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies according to Company goals and objectives.
• Manage, promote and expand the Company’s commercial activity.
• Conduct market research and analysis to create detailed business plans for commercial opportunities (i.e., expansion, business development, etc.).
• Manage client relationships (new and existing) and maintain awareness of customer activity. Acquire new customers.
• Monitor and analyze market trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities to inform strategic decision-making.
• Monitor the performance of commercial activities using key metrics; prepare reports for Senior Management.
• Assist in setting financial targets and participate in budget development and monitoring.
• Continuously monitor project status to ensure customer expectations are being met.
• Assist in the management of the budget and other financial measures of the Commercial department.
• Lead pipeline operations, set goals, monitor work, and evaluate results to ensure organizational objectives and operating requirements are met or exceeded.
• Work closely with regulatory, legal, operations, marketing, and analytics teams to align commercial operations with corporate objectives.
• Regularly manage internal/external stakeholder interactions.
• Deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
• Speak clearly, both in person and by telephone, using a high level of verbal skills and listen carefully.
• Maintain a regular, dependable attendance and a consistently high level of performance.
• Will work non-traditional hours and will travel as needed.
• Maintain a high regard for personal safety, for the safety of company assets and employees, and the general public.
• Other daily, weekly, monthly duties or special project duties as identified and assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related discipline.
  
  

Experience/Specific Knowledge

• A Minimum of 8 years of experience working in the natural gas industry.
• Experience in Commercial Operations, Marketing or Trading within the energy sector.
• Demonstrates knowledge of North American natural gas markets and market strategy.
• Demonstrates success using strong and creative negotiation skillsets.
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding of market research methods and analysis.
• Proven experience in managing relationships with key clients/customers.
• Demonstrated superior leadership outcomes in the areas of leading self, leading others, and leading an organization.
• Proven ability to drive positive change with continuous improvement.
• Proven track record of successful, innovative leadership and delivery of performance results in commercial operations, maintenance, business, or engineering activities.
• Demonstrated success in managing large departmental budgets.
• Intermediate proficiency level in MS Office applications that may include but are not limited to Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Power BI and Outlook.
  
  

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the Company and its insurers (for travel).
  
  

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent leadership skills. Must be able to lead with an open and flexible leadership style and willing to accept general feedback both internal and external to the company.
• Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
• Extraordinary organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Candidate must possess the ability to successfully organize and prioritize daily work and multiple tasks for themselves and the commercial team within strict deadlines.
• Commercial awareness partnered with a creative strategic mindset.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient accounting and financial skills.
• Simultaneously manage multiple business initiatives.
• Must be able to perform all essential and marginal functions of the job.
• Must be able to take direction from management, coordinate commercial efforts with multiple internal departments, adhere to required work schedules, focus attention on details, and follow work rules.
  
  

Physical Demands

All of the physical requirements listed below are those that may be necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sitting; standing; walking or moving throughout facility; driving; talking; seeing (specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus); hearing; feeling; bending or stooping; squatting or crouching; reaching; kneeling; pushing; pulling; lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Minimal safety hazards; general office working conditions.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• The employee is regularly required to use hands to type, touch, handle, or feel. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Travel is anticipated and required (~30%-50%).
• Will be required to carry a cell phone and be available to respond during working and non-working hours.
• The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, including credit report for certain positions, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibility

• Yes
  
  

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position will be $175,000 - $195,000/yr.
  
  

About Us

Tallgrass was named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces USA and highlighted in Colorado's Top Workplaces for the past seven consecutive years. Tallgrass is a leading energy infrastructure company focused on safely, reliably, and sustainably delivering the energy and services that power our nation and enable our quality of life.

At Tallgrass, we value our teams and strive to create an environment where employees feel respected, and their contributions are valued. We aim to support employees' physical, mental, and financial well-being through a comprehensive Total Rewards Program.

• Industry competitive pay
• Health insurance package options that include Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Infertility Coverage
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) with up to a 6% match that vests immediately plus an employer discretionary contribution of up to 4%
• Wellness Programs and Mental Health Resources
• Employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
• Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Vacation, sick days, paid caregiver leave, volunteer and bereavement paid time off
• Identity theft protection
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Company-paid holidays and floating holidays
• Company vehicle (if applicable)
• Employee discounts; vehicles, tires, cellular plans, and more
• Networking and employee engagement events
• Personal development to grow your career with us based on your strengths and interests
  
  

Application Deadline: Recruiting timelines vary by position; however, all Tallgrass positions accept applications for at least five business days from the posting date. This position is open and still accepting applications.

Compensation: Compensation ranges are provided in good faith based on what we anticipate when researching wages for this position at the state and national levels. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.

Notice to External Search Firms: Tallgrass does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Unsolicited referrals and resumes are considered Tallgrass property; therefore, Tallgrass will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited referral. Approved vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific positions at Tallgrass's request only. A fully executed agreement with Tallgrass must be in place and current in these cases.

EEO Statement: Tallgrass complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) affirmative action laws and regulations. Tallgrass does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or other status protected by law.