Strategic Business Planner - Refinery Optimization

Patrice & Associates; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Patrice & Associates represents a leading refining and energy client seeking a Strategic Business Planner to shape long-term strategy and improve asset competitiveness across the refining portfolio. The role collaborates with commercial, operations, finance, and executive leadership to influence decisions via refinery economics, LP modeling, and financial analysis.

The ideal candidate possesses 5+ years in refining, deep experience in refinery economics, and a strong track record delivering

Qualifications

• 5+ years of refining experience in a petroleum refinery or similar is required.
• Strong understanding of refinery configurations, operations and asset competitiveness.
• Expertise in refinery economics, economic analysis and financial modeling.
• Experience using LP, simulation, or other refinery optimization/modeling tools.
• Proven track record leading projects and delivering measurable business results.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead economic evaluations and business analyses to identify and develop value-creating opportunities.
• Build financial and economic models to assess capital projects, commercial initiatives, and strategic investments.
• Evaluate refinery asset competitiveness and develop recommendations to improve profitability and market position.
• Support commercial and market strategy development through data-driven analysis.
• Lead cross-functional teams in advancing major business and commercial initiatives.
• Prepare strategic recommendations and presentations for senior leadership and capital committees.
• Monitor industry, regulatory, and regional market developments impacting refinery economics.

Skills

Refining experience

Refinery economics

Financial modeling

LP modeling

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

LP/Optimization tools

Simulation tools

Refinery optimization tools

Job description

Our client is a leading refining and energy company focused on maximizing asset value, strengthening competitive positioning, and driving strategic growth. They are seeking a Strategic Business Planner to help shape long-term business strategy, identify value creation opportunities, and improve asset competitiveness across their refining portfolio. This highly visible role partners with commercial, operations, finance, and executive leadership teams to influence key business decisions through refinery economics, LP modeling, financial analysis, and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead economic evaluations and business analyses to identify and develop value-creating opportunities.
• Build financial and economic models to assess capital projects, commercial initiatives, and strategic investments.
• Evaluate refinery asset competitiveness and develop recommendations to improve profitability and market position.
• Support commercial and market strategy development through data-driven analysis.
• Lead cross-functional teams in advancing major business and commercial initiatives.
• Prepare strategic recommendations and presentations for senior leadership and capital committees.
• Monitor industry, regulatory, and regional market developments impacting refinery economics.

Critical Qualifications

• 5+ years of refining experience required (hands-on, in a petroleum refinery or similar)
• Strong understanding of refinery configurations, operations, and asset competitiveness
• Demonstrated expertise in refinery economics, economic analysis, and financial modeling
• Experience using LP, simulation, or other refinery optimization/modeling tools
• Proven track record leading projects and delivering measurable business results
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Preferred Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic and economic thinker who can translate complex refinery and commercial data into actionable business decisions. This individual will possess strong analytical capabilities, excellent communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across operations, commercial, finance, and leadership teams.

• Up to 10% travel
• Combination of office and refinery/plant environment

Note: Refining experience, LP modeling expertise, and a strong foundation in refinery economics are considered essential qualifications for success in this role.