Principal, Natural Gas Scheduler / Buyer

Summary

Manages natural gas scheduling and optimization efforts for all U.S. Westlake locations, as well as subsequent accounting activities. Develop value adding industry contacts, connections, projects and contracts to ensure Westlake is exposed to optimal reliability and pricing for natural gas.  Executes spot natural gas purchasing strategies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage marketing efforts for natural gas Feedstocks ensuring reliable product movement and maximum value to Westlake. 
• Develop, negotiate and maintain effective natural gas supplier relationships and commercial agreements.
• Utilize market analysis to develop a clear and consistent point of view on expected future movements of prices and margins impacting Westlake profitability.
• Participates in development of monthly price strategy.
• Evaluate market research and analysis, public relations, and industry networking including networking with suppliers, pipeline companies, brokers, and consultants.
• Drive effective plant and operations support functions (cost, quality, service, etc.)
• Drive effective support functions (distribution, logistics, credit, billing, etc.)
• Assists in the development of long-term marketing strategy for natural gas.
• Assists with the preparation of presentations for Olefins Business Review meetings, Feedstock market Strategic Feedstocks Update meetings, Plant Business team meetings, etc. 
• Prepares monthly and quarterly reports or presentations that benchmark product purchases performance against market indices, budget or peer companies. Assists in the development of the annual budgets.
• Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Fully supports Company goals of continuous improvement and operational excellence at strategic and tactical levels including reviewing area of responsibility for improvement opportunities to initiate projects or communicate ideas to management as well as active participation on project teams.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Engineering, Business, Accounting or Finance discipline required, with MBA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years natural gas experience. Natural Gas Scheduling and/or Gas Accounting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of industry infrastructure, market factors affecting supply/demand, production and processing economics, transportation and storage, and generally accepted practices for conducting business in the industry.    

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.  Up to 5% travel including air travel or auto travel may occasionally be required.