OQ8 VP Commercial

Job title

VP Commercial

Company

OQ8

Function

Commercial

Department

Commercial

Location

Muscat

Budget control

*OPEX and/or CAPEX and/or Revenue amount as relevant*

Reporting to

Chief Commercial Officer

Direct reports

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Job purpose

 

Lead the Commercial function  at OQ8, in line with the strategic direction of OQ8 Chief Commercial for driving the Global Commercial (Crude supply, Product offtake, Planning &Scheduling, Business Intelligence, Sales and Marketing, Contract Management, Risk Management, Operational Efficiency, Data Analytics and Technology Adoption) through: (1)  Ensure the execution of related strategy for Commercial and lead end-to-end processes (performance control, systems, master data),  (2) Maintain strong relationships with internal and external  stakeholders, (3)  Ensure compliance in all related areas, (4) Ensure that all reports for Commercial are prepared timely and accurately and meet OQ8 department requirements, policies, and standards, (5) Lead and direct the management of change through continuous improvement of departmental systems, processes and practices considering ‘international best practice, and (6) Oversee the staff and the proper assignment of tasks in a continuous and effective manner; in order to ensure the smooth operation of the complex and optimizing its commercial activities.

 

The position will act in accordance with OQ8’s Mission, Vision, Values & Strategies, as well as, policies, guidelines, and international standards, supported by an IT Technology platform, HSE standards, Omani’s government & other legal justifications, and best international practices in consonance with national objectives.

Main Accountabilities

 

 

Strategy

  • Improve and maintain overall Commercial policies in line with strategic direction of CCO, ELT and BoD
  • Develop midterm business plans and strategy (+ 1 -10 year) for improving costs position and operational efficiency, develop region specific Commercial / Supply Chain Management strategies to improve netbacks.
  • Develop and implement a robust commercial strategy aligned with the refinery complex's overall business objectives. Manage and control the Supply Chain activities and strategic direction in alignment with strategy framework and guidelines.  

Commercial

 

Business Intelligence

  • Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitive intelligence to drive strategic decision-making.
  • Explore new business opportunities and partnerships to expand the complex's market presence.

Crude Supply and Product offtake

  • Develop strategies and execute OQ8 refinery feed mix
  • Effectively manage the Crude Supply and Product offtake contracts

 

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  • Identify value drivers and develop plans to improve the profitability of the business.

Contract Management

  • Oversee contract negotiations and execution with suppliers, customers, and partners.
  • Setting procurement requirements /deliverables (with shipping lines, forwarders, transportation companies).   
  • Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and resolve disputes promptly.
  • Periodically review contracts to identify opportunities for renegotiation or optimization.

Risk Management

  • Implement risk management protocols to identify, assess, and mitigate operational, financial, and market risks.
  • Develop contingency plans to address potential supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, or regulatory changes.

Operational Efficiency

  • Collaborate with the operations and engineering teams to enhance the efficiency of refinery processes.
  • Implement Lean or Six Sigma principles to streamline operations and reduce waste.
  • Focus on energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Data Analytics and Technology Adoption

  • Utilize data analytics to gain insights into market trends, customer behaviour, and supply chain performance.
  • Explore digital solutions and emerging technologies to optimize supply chain processes and enhance decision-making.

 

 

Production Planning and Scheduling

  • Oversees the entire production planning and scheduling process at OQ8 from the long-term strategic planning to day-to-day operational scheduling acting as owner of related standards, with a focus on optimizing resources, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring product quality and consistency.
  • Oversees the definition and implementation of OQ8 Strategic (5+ yr.), Business Planning (5 yr.), Budget (1 yr.) and monthly rolling horizon,
  • Oversees the development and implementation of Linear Programming (LP) and Scheduling Models.
  • Oversees the development, monitoring and changing transfer prices for all products between Commercial and Downstream,
  • Ensure the efficient and effective utilization of resources while meeting production targets and maintaining product quality that optimize the OQ8’s Gross margin.

Stakeholder Management

  • Maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, such as executives, department heads, and employees.
  • Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, regulatory authorities, and local communities.

Compliance

  • Develop and oversee the implementation of department policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of Commercial activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
  • Ensure policies, procedures, and controls at the Commercial function. Ensure compliance with local and international regulations related to refinery operations, environmental standards, and safety protocols.
  • Champion sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and emissions.
  • Ensure compliance to all relevant Health, Safety, Security and Environment and quality.
  • Guarantee employee safety, security, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products/service and a responsible environmental attitude.

Reports

  • Ensure that all reports for Commercial are prepared timely and accurately and meet OQ8 department requirements, policies, and standards.

Continuous Improvements

  • Lead and direct the management of change through continuous improvement of departmental systems, processes and practices considering ‘international best practice,’ changes in international standards and changes in the business environment which demand initiative-taking action plans.
  • Provide Process Optimisation with regard to identifying methods/areas of improvement.

Talent Management

  • Providing challenge to talented people so they can find and give their very personal best.
  • Collectively, this yields the culture of excellence that this sort of business ambition demands.
  • Manage the effective achievement of Assurance (Quality Assurance) Services objectives through the leadership of the associated departments, setting individual objectives, recruiting qualified staff, managing performance, developing, and motivating staff, provision of formal and informal feedback and appraisal – in order to maximise subordinate and departmental performance.
  • Define an optimum organisation structure for the Assurance (Quality Assurance) Services departments so that resources are optimally utilised, and communication can take place in an efficient manner.
  • Oversee the staff and ensure proper assignment of tasks to ensure activities and tasks are carried out in a continuous and effective manner.
  • Lead and manage the HR aspects related with assigned staff, including:
    • Workforce planning (hiring and deployment within the function),
    • Performance management and development of direct reports (senior staff)

 

Key interactions

Internal: Executive Leadership Team, Shareholder Representatives, Operations, Technical Services, Finance, Legal,  Corporate Relations

External: Suppliers, Offtakers, Market data providers.

Notable Working Conditions. Office environment, intensive computer screen use, sporadic visits to operation site

Education requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or Business Administration or relevant field
  • MSc. In Chemical Engineering / MBA in International Business, Commercial, or Economics (preferred but not required)

Language

Bilingual: Arabic( Preferred) and English. Solid in technical & commercial engineering terminology is a must.

Background and experience

Competencies and skills

  • 18 years of relevant experience in Commercial for Global markets of which 8 years in managerial role.
  • Experience in Supply and Trading.
  • Experience in Commercial Operations
  • Experience in the following commercial areas:
    • Trading
    • Market Intelligence
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Production Planning & Scheduling
    • Economic Valuation
  • Experience controlling supply chain operational and financial plans (integrated margins).

Soft:

 

  • Strong management & leadership skills to lead all aspects of the Global Marketing process.
  • Proactive, adapt to market dynamics, and continuously innovate to maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
  • Able to work collaboratively with all involved.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and multi-cultural sensitivity.
  • Experience leading a team of maintenance professionals, preferably in the oil & Gas industry.
  • Experienced in resource control and general management.

 

Technical:

 

  • Computer literate with expertise in MS Office.
  • In depth knowledge of refinery companies and their processes.
  • Commercial
  • Deep understanding of customer needs and related supply activities.
  • Finance and business literacy.
  • Planning Organizing and Integrating knowledge.
  • Customer service policies and standards
  • Sales & Operation Planning
  • Customer Relation

 

Job Req ID:  56678
Date:  Feb 20, 2026
Location: 

Muscat, OM

Entity:  Duqm Refinery & Petrochem
Business Unit: 
Division: 
Country/Region:  OM