Lead Operator - Crude Oil (2020)

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Crude Oil Scheduler is a critical member of the Crude Oil Supply & Trading organization, responsible for the commercial execution and coordination of crude oil movements across the supply chain. This role serves as a key interface between Trading, Operations, Finance, Risk, and external stakeholders to ensure the seamless execution of crude supply strategies and optimization initiatives.

Supporting both Motiva’s core supply portfolio and an expanding global crude cargo business, the successful candidate will drive operational excellence through proactive planning, effective stakeholder engagement, and disciplined execution. The position requires a strong understanding of crude oil markets, logistics, and supply chain dynamics, coupled with the ability to manage complex operational challenges while balancing commercial objectives and risk considerations.

Reporting directly to the Manager, Crude Oil Supply & Trading, this individual will be expected to demonstrate a high degree of ownership, sound judgment, and leadership in ensuring the reliable, efficient, and cost-effective movement of crude oil throughout the value chain.

KEY DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the safe, timely, and cost-effective execution of crude oil movements across pipeline, terminal, and marine logistics networks.
• Partner with Trading, Refining, Operations, Risk, Finance, and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of crude supply strategies and commercial transactions.
• Manage crude oil scheduling activities, including nominations, inventory movements, balancing, reconciliations, and supply optimization.
• Monitor inventory positions, logistics constraints, and operational risks while providing actionable recommendations to support business objectives.
• Oversee marine cargo execution, vessel scheduling, terminal operations, customs compliance, and loss control activities.
• Review commercial agreements and ensure operational execution aligns with contractual obligations and quality requirements.
• Support trade lifecycle activities through accurate position reporting, settlement coordination, inventory accounting, and cost management.
• Maintain the integrity of transactions, inventory, and scheduling data within SAP, Navarik, and other business-critical systems.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, counterparties, and third-party service providers to drive operational excellence.
• Provide on-call support as required to ensure uninterrupted crude supply and logistics execution.

Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards to minimize risk exposure.
  Develop and implement contingency plans to address potential disruptions to operational activities.
  Coordinate response efforts during crises or emergencies to minimize impact on operations.
  Ensure imbalances are mitigated. Provide trading with accurate and timely notice of operational developments including imbalance positions, capacity availability and pipeline operational status to purchase or sell barrels.
• Collaboration
• Foster relationships with key external stakeholders e.g. customs authorities, shipping agents, storage providers, inspection companies, 3rd party logistics companies (pipeline, terminals, etc) to obtain market intelligence, operational effectiveness, visibility on competitor activity and preempt operational risks/issues.
  Work closely with accounting to resolve rate and volume discrepancies.
  Coordinate with other team members to ensure optimal utilization of shared assets with other business lines (e.g., crude and feedstock docks activity) and appropriate transfer of information and market knowledge

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay updated on changes to regulations and implement necessary changes to maintain compliance.
• Maintain adequate records to meet legal and fiscal obligations, as per ATA’s policies.

COMMUNICATION

Internal Communications:

• Serve as a key liaison between Trading, Chartering, Claims, Finance, and Operations to ensure seamless execution of crude supply and logistics activities, timely issue resolution, and accurate reporting to management.
• Foster cross-functional alignment and proactive communication to support commercial objectives, manage operational risk, and maintain supply continuity.
• Demonstrate a high degree of ownership, responsiveness, and decision-making capability, including availability outside normal business hours to support critical operational events and ensure uninterrupted execution.

External Communications:

• Build and maintain effective relationships with terminals, pipeline operators, shipping companies, inspectors, and other third-party logistics providers to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of crude oil.
• Lead coordination efforts with external stakeholders to optimize logistics performance, mitigate operational disruptions, and support reliable crude supply execution across the value chain.
• Act as a trusted representative of the organization, exercising sound commercial judgment and maintaining a strong customer and stakeholder focus while providing support during critical operational events as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Skills (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field, providing a strong foundation in operations management.
• Experience of managing logistics or shipping operations in the geography where the relevant subsidiary has active trading operations.
• Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal (written and verbal) skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and senior management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify operational inefficiencies, implement process improvements, and drive performance optimization while multi-tasking through multiple complex business issues.
• Possess quantitative and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work in a situation of ambiguity, constant change, and conflicting priorities without losing sight of the overall goal.
• High degree of negotiation and influencing skills, and relationship building for success.
  Strong computer skills, including (but not limited to) MS Excel.
• Experience and Knowledge (Required) Minimum 1+ years of progressive experience in operations management, supply chain management, or trading operations in petroleum products supply logistics, preferably crude oil or intermediate feedstocks (i.e., Fuel Oil, VGO, Untreated Distillate, others.)
• Prior understanding of scheduling/operations commercial acumen with basic knowledge of supply and trading operations, including logistics, shipping, inventory management and crude oil contracts.
• Knowledge of crude oil pipeline grid/system – Canada, Cushing, Gulf Coast and waterborne operations, preferred.
  Working experience with clean products, light-ends products, and/or chemicals & specialty products scheduling would be considered.
• Experience in SAP, preferred.
  Ability to understand market conditions and the relationship to trading business.
  Knowledge of FERC rules and regulations is a plus.
• Proficiency with data management and reporting.
  Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-task environment.
• Ability to work in an office environment located in downtown Houston, TX. Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate occasional overtime.
  24-hour availability. Must carry cell phone and company assigned laptop computer in the evenings, nights, weekends and holidays

NO THIRD-PARTY CANDIDATES ACCEPTED