Vice President Commercial

Job purpose

Lead the creation and implementation of the overall Commercial at OQ8, in line with the strategic direction of OQ8 Chief Commercial for driving the Global Commercial (Business Intelligence, Sales and Marketing, Contract Management, Risk Management, Operational Efficiency, Data Analytics and Technology Adoption) through: (1) Ensure the execution of related strategy for Commercial and lead end-to-end processes (performance control, systems, master data), (2) Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, (3) Ensure compliance in all related areas Production Planning and Scheduling, (4) Ensure that all reports for Commercial are prepared timely and accurately and meet OQ8 department requirements, policies, and standards, (5) Lead and direct the management of change through continuous improvement of departmental systems, processes and practices considering ‘international best practice, and (6) Oversee the staff and the proper assignment of tasks in a continuous and effective manner; in order to ensure the smooth operation of the complex and optimizing its commercial activities.

Main Accountabilities

Strategy

• Create overall Commercial & Supply Chain, in line with strategic direction of CEO, BoD, and Operations.
• Develop midterm strategy (+ 1 year) for improving costs position and operational efficiency, develop region specific Commercial / Supply Chain Management strategies to improve netbacks.
• Develop and implement a robust commercial strategy aligned with the refinery complex's overall business objectives. Manage and control the Supply Chain activities and strategic direction in alignment with strategy framework and guidelines.

Business Intelligence

• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive intelligence to drive strategic decision-making.
• Explore new business opportunities and partnerships to expand the complex's market presence.

Sales and Marketing

• Develop pricing strategies based on market analysis, production costs, and profit margins.
• Cultivate relationships with key clients and explore avenues for new customer acquisition.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to enhance the refinery complex's brand presence and market positioning.

Contract Management

• Oversee contract negotiations and execution with suppliers, customers, and partners.
• Setting procurement requirements /deliverables (with shipping lines, forwarders, transportation companies).
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and resolve disputes promptly.
• Periodically review contracts to identify opportunities for renegotiation or optimization.

Risk Management

• Implement risk management protocols to identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and market risks.
• Develop contingency plans to address potential supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, or regulatory changes.

Operational Efficiency

• Collaborate with the operations and engineering teams to enhance the efficiency of refinery processes.
• Implement Lean or Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce waste.
• Focus on energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Production Planning and Scheduling

• Oversees the entire production planning and scheduling process at OQ8 from the long-term strategic planning to day-to-day operational scheduling acting as owner of related standards, with a focus on optimizing resources, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring product quality and consistency.
• Oversees the definition and implementation of OQ8 Strategic (5+ yr.), Business Planning (5 yr.), Budget (1 yr.) and monthly rolling horizon,
• Oversees the development and implementation of Linear Programming (LP) and Scheduling Models.
• Oversees the development, monitoring and changing transfer prices for all products between Commercial and Downstream,
• Ensure the efficient and effective utilization of resources while meeting production targets and maintaining product quality that optimize the OQ8’s Gross margin.

Stakeholder Management

• Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, such as executives, department heads, and employees.
• Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, regulatory authorities, and local communities.

Compliance

• Develop and oversee the implementation of department policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of Commercial activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and controls at the Commercial function. Ensure compliance with local and international regulations related to refinery operations, environmental standards, and safety protocols.
• Champion sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and emissions.
• Ensure compliance to all relevant Health, Safety, Security and Environment and quality.
• Guarantee employee safety, security, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products/service and a responsible environmental attitude.

Reports

• Ensure that all reports for Commercial are prepared timely and accurately and meet OQ8 department requirements, policies, and standards.

Continuous Improvements

• Lead and direct the management of change through continuous improvement of departmental systems, processes and practices considering ‘international best practice,’ changes in international standards and changes in the business environment which demand initiative-taking action plans.
• Provide Process Optimisation with regard to identifying methods/areas of improvement.

Education requirements

• Bachelor degree in Engineering or related Business subject
• Due specific skill related with this position, the perfect fit is the result of combining dual career: Chemical Engineering and + MBA in International Business, Commercial or Marketing.

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

• 18 years of relevant experience in Commercial & Supply Chain for Global markets
• Experience in Commercial Operations
• Experience in the following commercial areas:
• Trading
• Market Intelligence
• Sales & Marketing
• Production Planning & Scheduling
• Economic Valuation
• Experience controlling supply chain operational and financial plans (integrated margins).

Technical:

• Advanced skills in MS Office and professional accounting software (Competent IT skills).
• Commercial & Contracts awareness
• Must have the potential to lead the future commercial activities with the capability to successfully complete actions in the project implementation and operational phases
• Demonstrate responsibility for profit management in a large geographically disperses organization with business divisions.
• Must be capable of working in a professional team environment and liaise with external parties and stakeholders.