Refinery Planning Economist – Middle East | Global Energy Operator | Downstream Optimisation
We are partnering with a major Middle Eastern energy operator seeking a Refinery Planning Economist to join their optimisation and planning division. This permanent position offers a competitive, tax-free package with options for single or family status and full relocation support.
This role sits within the central optimisation group responsible for maximising the commercial value of global refining assets through advanced planning and economic modelling. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the monthly and strategic planning for refinery operations, crude allocations, and market responsiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
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Lead commercial optimisation activities at the local LP (linear programming) level for individual refineries
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Generate crude rankings and assess crude relative values for optimal mix planning
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Evaluate operational constraints and identify investment needs to improve logistics and throughput
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Review refinery LPs, test alternative scenarios, and challenge limiting constraints
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Coordinate with trading and optimisation teams to ensure integrated commercial alignment
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Analyse and propose regional and cross-refinery optimisation strategies
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Provide commercial input for business planning and market outlooks
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Contribute to short-term optimisation execution with multiple stakeholders
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Support assessment of strategic investments and commercial improvement opportunities
Candidate Profile:
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; MBA preferred
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Minimum 8 years' experience in the refining sector, including technical and commercial roles
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Strong understanding of refinery operations, economics, and planning models
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Experience working with LP models is highly desirable
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Ability to work in cross-functional, multi-cultural environments
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Strong commercial acumen and communication skills
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a globally integrated refining and trading system, helping to drive commercial returns and operational efficiency across a world-class downstream portfolio.