Sr. Analyst, LNG Portfolio Optimization

NextDecade Payroll Services, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NextDecade seeks a Sr. Analyst, Portfolio Optimization to optimize an LNG portfolio by analyzing contracts, shipping assets, and market opportunities for maximum value.

You will collaborate with commercial, trading, and operations teams to assess cargo allocation, shipping strategies, and contractual optionality, delivering insights for profitability. This role requires LNG industry experience, strong quantitative skills, and the ability to translate complex results into business

Qualifications

• Strong LNG value chain understanding including contracts, shipping, and operations.
• 5+ years in LNG portfolio optimization, shipping, trading support, or analytics.
• Ability to communicate complex results clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with risk metrics, scenario analysis, and valuation frameworks.
• Degree in operations research, applied mathematics, economics, or similar.
• Experience with integrated LNG portfolios or merchant LNG businesses.
• Proficiency in Python, optimization solvers, and data analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Run LNG portfolio optimization model, including long-term contracts, LNG assets, and market access.
• Optimize cargo allocation, nominations, deferrals, diversions, and shipping deployment.
• Provide portfolio pricing, valuation, and scenario planning with risk assessments.
• Translate complex optimization results into actionable commercial recommendations.

Skills

LNG portfolio optimization

Analytical skills

Python

Education

Operations research / Applied mathematics / Economics degree

Tools

Optimization solvers

Data analytics tools

Job description

It\'s fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they\'re doing! We\'re committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

The Sr. Analyst, Portfolio Optimization supports the optimization and valuation of an LNG portfolio by analyzing supply and sales contracts, shipping assets, and market opportunities to maximize portfolio value. The role partners closely with commercial, trading, and operations teams to evaluate cargo allocation, shipping strategies, contract optionality, and new business opportunities, while providing scenario analysis, risk assessments, and actionable insights that support commercial decision-making and profitability. Candidates should have LNG industry experience, strong analytical and optimization skills, and the ability to translate complex quantitative results into clear business recommendations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Portfolio Optimization & Analytics
  • Run LNG portfolio optimization model, including:
  • Long‑term supply and sales contracts (FOB, DES, SPA optionality)
  • LNG assets (liquefaction, shipping)
  • Market access, pricing indices, and temporal flexibility
• Optimize decisions across:
  • Cargo allocation and destination selection
  • Contract nominations, deferrals, and diversions
  • Shipping deployment and fleet utilization
  • Quantify and value contractual and operational optionality embedded in the portfolio
• Commercial & Trading Support
  • Support LNG commercial teams with:
  • Portfolio‑level pricing and valuation
  • Incremental value analysis for new deals and amendments
  • Scenario planning and stress testing under price, demand, freight, and operational scenarios
  • Work closely with trading, shipping, and commercial operations teams to understand value drivers and constraints, and proactively provide forward‑looking insights on portfolio exposure, value drivers, and trade‑offs
  • Evaluate portfolio impacts of:
  • New assets or contracts
  • Market dislocations and basis shifts
  • Regulatory or operational constraints
  • Translate complex optimization results into actionable commercial recommendations

EDUCATION, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, & COMPETENCIES

Basic Requirements: Strong understanding of LNG value chains, including contracts, shipping, and physical operations

5+ years in LNG portfolio optimization, LNG shipping, trading support, or analytics

Ability to communicate complex results clearly to non‑technical stakeholders

Familiarity with risk metrics, scenario analysis, and valuation frameworks

Degree in operations research, applied mathematics, economics, or similar.

Experience working with integrated LNG portfolios or merchant LNG businesses

Knowledge in optimization techniques (LP / MILP; stochastic optimization a plus)

Proficiency in Python, optimization solvers, and data analytics tools

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional work within or outside of a complex construction environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers/fax, filing cabinets, etc. This is primarily a sedentary role; however, the incumbent must be able to stand and/or sit continuously to perform all essential job functions for a full shift. Able to meet the following physical demands of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations: Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. as required in order to lift files, boxes and office equipment as necessary. Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending, standing on a stool, or climbing as necessary to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this role, the incumbent may be required to talk or hear. The incumbent is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Ability to move throughout all areas of each office/site location and facilities. Able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions. *In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

NEXTDECADE VALUES

Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us. Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do. Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions. Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work. Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders. Diversity – We value diversity of people and thought. It takes people with different strengths, ideas, and cultural backgrounds to make our company succeed.

NextDecade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. NextDecade will deliver reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions. With approximately 48 million tonnes per annum of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction and in development at its Rio Grande LNG site, NextDecade is positioned to be one of the largest LNG liquefaction and export companies in the world. In addition, NextDecade through Rio Grande LNG, is creating thousands of jobs and driving economic growth in South Texas, supporting global energy security, and expanding U.S. energy dominance. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.