Senior Operations Manager

Muse Search + Inspire; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Muse Search + Inspire is seeking a Senior Operations Manager with 7+ years in chemical or commodity trading operations to lead a high-performing team across contracts, logistics, inventory, and customer service. You will drive process improvements, ensure compliance, and partner with Commercial, Finance, Legal, and others to keep the business moving.

The role emphasizes ownership, team development, and turning operational complexity into seamless execution in a fast-paced trading environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in commodity trading operations, commercial operations, logistics, or supply chain.
• Required: Chemical industry or chemical commodity operations experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Operations team, setting priorities and driving accountability.
• Oversee domestic and international commodity trading operations, from contracts and logistics to inventory and customer service.
• Keep transactions, shipments, invoicing, reconciliations, and documentation running smoothly and accurately.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, carriers, terminals, and internal business partners.
• Partner with Commercial, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and other teams to solve problems and keep business moving.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and elevate operational performance.
• Ensure compliance, internal controls, and operational best practices are always on point.

Skills

Leadership

Ops management

Logistics

Inventory mgmt

Contract admin

Relationship building

Communication

Analytical

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Logistics

Tools

SAP

Job description

Senior Operations Manager - Chemical / Commodity Trading

Ready to take the lead, make an impact, and help drive operations to the next level?

We're looking for a seasoned Senior Operations Manager who knows the ins and outs of chemical or commodity trading operations and has the leadership skills to bring people, processes, and performance together.

This isn't just about keeping the wheels turning. It's about leading a team, improving how things get done, solving challenges, and making a real impact across the business.

If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced commercial environment, enjoys building strong teams, and knows how to turn operational complexity into seamless execution, we'd love to meet you!

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Operations team, setting priorities and driving accountability.
• Oversee domestic and international commodity trading operations, from contracts and logistics to inventory and customer service.
• Keep transactions, shipments, invoicing, reconciliations, and documentation running smoothly and accurately.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, carriers, terminals, and internal business partners.
• Partner with Commercial, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and other teams to solve problems and keep business moving.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and elevate operational performance.
• Ensure compliance, internal controls, and operational best practices are always on point.
• 7+ years of experience in commodity trading operations, commercial operations, logistics, or supply chain.
• Required: Chemical industry or chemical commodity operations experience.
• Bonus points: Ethanol trading, logistics, or operations experience!
• Previous leadership or people-management experience.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, contract administration, logistics, and operational controls.
• Excellent communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Microsoft Office proficiency; SAP or other ERP/trading systems experience is a plus.

We're looking for more than someone who can manage a checklist. We want a leader who takes ownership, develops people, spots opportunities, solves problems, and understands how great operations contribute to a successful commercial business.