Lead Tax Planning Advisor

Motiva Enterprises LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Motiva Enterprises LLC, based in Houston, TX, seeks a Lead Tax Planning Advisor to guide U.S. and international tax strategy, including structuring and operating models, across the organization.

This in‑office role reports to the Director of Tax and partners with Legal, Finance, and external advisors to balance tax risk with commercial objectives, supporting M&A and cross-border initiatives.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor required and strong knowledge of U.S. federal and international tax.
• Master’s degree in taxation (e.g., MTax, LLM in Taxation) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic tax planning across U.S. domestic and international matters.
• Advise on cross-border transactions, BEPS, FATCA, and transfer pricing.
• Partner with business leaders to develop tax solutions aligned with commercial objectives.
• Research and analyze federal, state, and international tax laws applicable to activities.
• Draft and negotiate tax provisions in commercial agreements and documents.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Ambiguity management

Judgment

Education

Juris Doctor

Taxation master’s (preferred)

Job description

At Motiva, our employees’ energy, passion, and dedication to excellence are what make us who we are and what allows us to generate energy that makes a house a home, gets us from point A to point B, and enables our health and wellbeing. We invest in every aspect of our employees’ lives because, at Motiva, our people matter. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Motiva refines, distributes and markets petroleum products throughout the Americas. The company’s Port Arthur Manufacturing Complex in Port Arthur, TX, is comprised of North America’s largest refinery with a total throughput of 720,000 barrels per day, the largest base oil plant in the western hemisphere, and an integrated chemical plant. Under exclusive long-term brand licenses with Shell and Phillips 66 (for the 76® brand), Motiva’s commercial operations supply more than 12 billion gallons of fuel to customers annually. Motiva is wholly owned by Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies.

Position Overview

The Lead Tax Planning Advisor is responsible for providing strategic tax guidance across U.S. domestic and international tax matters, including business structuring, cross-border transactions, and operating models. This role serves as a senior subject matter expert and provides informal leadership across tax planning initiatives, including advising on business models, cross-border activities, transfer pricing strategies, and restructuring. The position partners closely with business leaders and internal stakeholders to identify value-creating opportunities, manage direct and indirect tax risk, and ensure tax considerations are appropriately integrated into business decision-making. This is an in‑office position based at the Company’s corporate headquarters in downtown Houston, Texas, and reports to the Director of Tax.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic tax planning advice across U.S. domestic and international tax matters, including business structuring, cross‑border transactions, and operating models
• Identify opportunities to create value through effective tax planning while assessing, managing, and balancing tax risk with commercial objectives
• Partner with business leaders to understand operational and strategic priorities and develop practical, technically sound tax solutions that support the business
• Evaluate and advise on reputational risk considerations associated with tax planning strategies
• Research and analyze federal, state, and international tax laws applicable to business activities and transactions
• Draft, review, and negotiate tax provisions in commercial agreements, transactional documents, and other business contracts
• Oversee and coordinate tax planning and compliance efforts related to transfer pricing, BEPS, FATCA, and related documentation
• Evaluate impacts of new legislation, regulations, and guidance on business
• Provide tax support for M&A, divestitures, joint ventures, and investments
• Coordinate with indirect tax and property tax functions to ensure holistic tax outcomes
• Collaborate effectively with internal colleagues across Legal, Finance, Accounting, and external advisors to ensure alignment on tax planning, risk controls, and compliance requirements
• Support federal, state, and foreign tax audits and inquiries, working in coordination with internal stakeholders and external advisors

Experience and Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor required
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in U.S. federal and international tax
• Prior experience in a major law firm, Big Four accounting firm, or equivalent in‑house tax role
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. domestic and international tax, including:
  • Inbound and outbound taxation
  • Business tax planning and structuring
  • Consolidated group attribute planning and modeling
  • Transfer pricing principles and tax treaties
• Demonstrated ability to advise complex, multinational organizations
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage ambiguity and complexity in sophisticated transactions
• Proven judgment in balancing tax risk, compliance requirements, and business objectives

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree with a concentration in taxation (e.g., MTax, LLM in Taxation)
• Prior experience with indirect and property tax is desirable

We reserve the right to amend or withdraw Motiva jobs at any time, including prior to the closing date. Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level and/or grade. Applicants for regular U.S. positions must be authorized to work in the United States for Motiva Enterprises LLC without the need for sponsorship of an immigration authorization or visa (for example, TN, H‑1B, or other employment‑based immigration authorization or visa). Motiva participates in E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

At Motiva, our employees’ energy, passion, and dedication to excellence are what make us who we are and what allows us to generate energy that makes a house a home, gets us from point A to point B, and enables our health and wellbeing. We invest in every aspect of our employees’ lives because, at Motiva, our people matter.