LNG Commercial Operations Executive

TotalEnergies Group; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

TotalEnergies seeks an LNG Contract Management & Commercial Operations professional to optimize LNG portfolio value in collaboration with Trading, Portfolio Management and support teams. The role demands coordinating contract management, cargo scheduling, and operational execution for a diversified LNG portfolio.

You will manage day-to-day operations, engage with cross-functional stakeholders, and ensure compliance, efficiency, and risk mitigation in a dynamic, international environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to engage with stakeholders.
• Organizational skills and proficiency with business and operational systems.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environment and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead LNG contract management and commercial operations activities.
• Coordinate with LNG Trading, Portfolio Management, Contract Management and support functions.
• Manage LNG term contracts, spot transactions, cargo scheduling, and operational documentation.
• Negotiate amendments and commercial arrangements to maximize value and protect interests.
• Provide operational support through vessel scheduling, logistics, and cargo execution.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Contract interpretation

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Natural gas is a key pillar of the Company's growth strategy. The number of markets where natural gas can be commercialized continues to expand rapidly through the emergence of new importing countries, the development of wholesale trading hubs, and evolving market structures. In this dynamic environment, the development and optimization of the LNG portfolio are central to the Group's strategy.

TGPNA's LNG portfolio is expanding significantly and requires dedicated focus on both the commercial and operational management of contracts and cargoes. The LNG Commercial Operations function plays a critical role in managing and optimizing the portfolio through the effective execution of contracts, coordination of cargo movements, and optimization of loading schedules and operations to maximize portfolio value.

LNG commercial activities take place within a highly competitive and fast-changing global market. Success requires agile portfolio management capable of adapting to evolving market conditions, operational constraints, and counterparty requirements. Operating within a highly international and multicultural environment that includes international energy companies, national oil and gas companies, and state-owned entities, the LNG Commercial Operations professional must demonstrate initiative, accountability, adaptability, innovation, and strong interpersonal skills. Compliance with Company ethics standards, competition laws, and transparency and anti-corruption policies is essential.

Collaboration is fundamental to the role. The LNG Commercial Operations professional is expected to work closely with the LNG Trading team, other trading desks, and a broad range of support functions. This position combines highly operational responsibilities with commercial exposure and requires responsiveness, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage unexpected operational issues. The role also involves after-hours support and participation in a 24/7 on-call framework to ensure the safe and efficient execution of LNG operations.

Activities

Purpose of the Role

The primary objective of the LNG Contract Management and Commercial Operations team is to maximize the value of the Company's LNG portfolio in close collaboration with Trading, Portfolio Management, Contract Management, and supporting functions through:

• Management of LNG term contracts and spot transactions, including:
  • Maximizing the value and flexibility of existing contractual rights and obligations.
  • Identifying, leading, and executing contract renegotiations and commercial agreements that enhance portfolio performance and protect the Company's interests.
• Management of day-to-day LNG commercial operations, ensuring the efficient scheduling, transportation, and delivery of LNG volumes contracted across short-, medium-, and long-term time horizons while maintaining full contractual compliance.

Team Impact and Scope

The LNG Commercial Operations team is a critical component of the LNG trading organization and plays a central role in managing the Company's LNG portfolio. The team supports a portfolio comprising more than 20 long-term Sales and Purchase Agreements (SPAs), Tolling Agreements, and related ancillary contracts, as well as more than 200 LNG cargoes annually. These transactions involve a broad range of international counterparties, service providers, terminal operators, shipping stakeholders, and U.S. regulatory authorities.

Operating at the intersection of commercial, contractual, and operational activities, the team is responsible for ensuring the successful execution of LNG transactions from deal inception through final delivery and settlement. This includes coordinating logistics, managing contractual obligations, optimizing cargo movements, and mitigating operational risks while continuously seeking opportunities to enhance portfolio value.

The team focuses on the day-to-day administration and optimization of LNG contracts and spot transactions, balancing commercial objectives with physical and operational constraints. Through close collaboration with traders and portfolio managers, team members analyze contractual and logistical opportunities, identify value-enhancing strategies, and implement operational solutions that support the profitability and competitiveness of the LNG portfolio.

Business Impact

The financial exposure associated with LNG transactions is significant, with individual operational decisions and contractual actions often impacting values ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to tens of millions of U.S. dollars. As a result, team members are expected to exercise sound commercial judgment, strong analytical capabilities, and rigorous attention to detail in all aspects of contract and cargo management.

Through continuous engagement with traders, portfolio managers, counterparties, and operational stakeholders, the LNG Commercial Operations team serves as a key contributor to the optimization, reliability, and long-term success of the Company's global LNG business.

LNG Commercial Operations Activities

• Manage LNG vessel scheduling and cargo operations within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), maintaining daily coordination with terminals, vessel owners/operators, captains, agents, surveyors, port authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, and contractual counterparties.
• Oversee the selection and engagement of third-party service providers, including independent surveyors, shipping agents, and other operational vendors.
• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for vessel captains, agents, terminal operators, surveyors, and port authorities, providing voyage, bunkering, and scheduling instructions throughout cargo movements.
• Coordinate the preparation and execution of voyage instructions, documentary requirements, cargo documentation, Bills of Lading, and inspection and agency reports.
• Maintain and manage all operational documentation required for LNG vessel and cargo activities, including operational instructions, vessel reports, port logs, and shipping documents.
• Collaborate closely with Trading, Portfolio Management, Contract Management, Middle Office, Back Office, and other support teams to ensure seamless cargo execution.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and external counterparties regarding daily LNG logistics and operational activities.
• Review and validate commercial and operational reports, including loading and unloading documentation, ensuring timely and accurate distribution of information.
• Ensure accurate entry and maintenance of cargo and commercial activity data within the Company's trading and operational systems, while supporting deal lifecycle management and settlement activities.
• Act as the operational liaison with the Company's Crisis Management Team during emergency or crisis situations.
• Review, validate, and process operational invoices and related documentation.
• Manage U.S.-based LNG bunkering operations.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key LNG market participants, including terminal operators, shipping agents, vessel operators, and industry stakeholders.
• Represent the Company in meetings with regulatory agencies, terminal operators, port authorities, and other external stakeholders.
• Support Portfolio Management by conducting analyses related to cargo scheduling, loading programs, LNG heel requirements, and available volumes.
• Evaluate operational schedules and market conditions to identify optimization opportunities that enhance portfolio value and support trading strategies, including production optimization and feed gas management.
• Gather, analyze, and share market intelligence to support commercial decision-making.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and maximize portfolio returns.

Contract Management Support Activities

• Lead and participate in negotiations with counterparties and other shippers regarding contract amendments, operational agreements, and commercial arrangements while protecting the Company's interests and maximizing value.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to review, evaluate, and implement contractual amendments and operational changes.
• Negotiate delivery programs and manage requests for operational changes, including delivery windows, ports, vessels, and LNG specifications, within contractual parameters.
• Continuously optimize delivery schedules in coordination with Portfolio Management and negotiate required adjustments with counterparties.
• Manage the review and processing of invoices related to contract management activities, including high-value sale and purchase transactions.
• Analyze and validate commercial reports to ensure timely, accurate, and effective information sharing among stakeholders.

Spot LNG Transaction Activities

• Execute and manage all commercial operations associated with spot LNG cargo transactions.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and operational requirements throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Support traders following deal execution by coordinating logistics, addressing operational constraints, and ensuring contractual and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with counterparties after transaction execution, ensuring efficient communication and issue resolution.
• Coordinate with Portfolio Management and LNG Commercial Operations teams to establish schedules, manage rescheduling requests, and mitigate operational disruptions, including weather delays and force majeure events.
• Manage nominations for ports, vessels, and delivery windows in alignment with trading and portfolio strategies.
• Resolve scheduling challenges with counterparties while maintaining compliance with contractual obligations.
• Analyze schedules and market conditions to identify opportunities that enhance portfolio value.
• Monitor contractual amendments and operational changes throughout cargo execution until final delivery.
• Provide operational expertise and support to Portfolio Management, Shipping Operations, Middle Office, Back Office, Credit, Compliance, and other internal functions.
• Manage requests for operational modifications, including changes to ports, vessels, delivery windows, and LNG specifications.
• Oversee claims management, including demurrage, boil‑off gas, quality disputes, settlement agreements, and litigation support when required.
• Escalate and report significant operational or commercial issues to management and trading teams.

Strategic Projects and Continuous Improvement

• Support Trading Systems and Information Technology teams in the enhancement of proprietary software applications and operational systems.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of internal controls, business processes, and operational best practices.
• Lead or participate in special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Head of LNG Contract Management & Commercial Operations.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, risk management, and portfolio performance.

Accountabilities:

• Operates within the Company's established Delegation of Authority and is accountable for the safe, compliant, and successful execution of LNG cargo operations and related contractual activities.
• Ensures all activities are conducted in accordance with TGPNA policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, with particular emphasis on Trading Compliance, Safety, and operational excellence.
• Collaborates closely with the LNG Commercial Operations team and LNG Trading team to ensure alignment of operational and commercial objectives, supporting the optimization and value maximization of the LNG portfolio.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience, preferably in LNG cargo scheduling, logistics, or commercial operations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with exceptional attention to detail and a consistent ability to deliver accurate, high-quality work.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and proficiency with relevant business and operational systems and software.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read, interpret, and administer complex contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and maintaining commercial and financial integrity.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while building and maintaining strong relationships across functions and with external counterparties.
• Self-motivated with strong initiative and time-management skills, and a commitment to continuously developing the knowledge and expertise required to perform responsibilities independently.
• Willingness and ability to provide operational coverage during evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

What We Offer:

At TotalEnergies we know that you're more than what's on your CV. Diversity of perspectives & experiences make us stronger.

TotalEnergies is a multi-energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

About the company:

TotalEnergies is a multi-energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our 105,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, clean, reliable and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, TotalEnergies puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.

TotalEnergies Trading & Shipping (T&S), an international trading company, puts its expertise to use in the global energy markets. With its biomass blending and trading activity, TotalEnergies T&S is an active participant in the development of sustainable biofuels. Our maritime transport expertise also helps to reduce the carbon footprint of sea transportation and we recently announced the time chartering of new vessels equipped with LNG propulsion.

Our Culture:

We are committed to meet the energy needs of a growing population while fulfilling our ambition to be a major player in the energy transition. The volatility of the energy trading markets requires excellence in risk management and a culture of innovation.

Our people flourish in an environment that promotes expertise, entrepreneurship spirit, agility and a purpose-driven culture, generating boundless opportunities to learn, grow and achieve collaborative success while ensuring safety in all our operations.

We look for passion, ambition and open-mindedness. While we evolve in a demanding and ever-changing industry, we cultivate a friendly workplace where team spirit and respect guide our daily routine, and where the diversity of our people and their skills create a nourishing experience for all of us.

Joining TotalEnergies means committing to the energy transition and helping provide energy that is more affordable, more available, and more sustainable for as many people as possible. You will grow within an international multi-energy company where every talent matters. You will contribute to ambitious projects and deliver concrete solutions to today's energy challenges.

Throughout your career, you will benefit from a wide variety of assignments and tailored learning opportunities. You will fully develop your potential in an environment that fosters innovation and excellence. Join committed and collaborative teams where success is built together.

We place respect and employee well-being at the heart of our performance. That is why TotalEnergies values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all.