Fuels Contract Manager

hawaiianel•Kapolei, HI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The P IF FUELS OPERATIONS Department of the P FUELS Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Professional) JOB FUNCTION: Plans, evaluates, negotiates, and administers fuel supply, facilities operations and maintenance, transportation, and other related contracts to ensure reliable, safe, and cost-effective fuel supplies for Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric, and Hawai'i Electric Light ("The Companies") under the general direction of the Manager of Fuels Operations supporting the Director of the Fuels Division as required. Provide support to the Fuels Infrastructure Department as required. Manages the functions and activities for the development, evaluation, negotiation and administration of fuel purchase agreements under the Fuels Division including proposal solicitation and evaluation, bi-lateral negotiations, contract development, regulatory filings, and proceedings, etc. for The Companies. Also able to manage policies with contracted fuel developers and suppliers for The Companies. Team Lead for multi-disciplinary groups in the evaluation and negotiation of fuel purchase proposals. Functions as part of the negotiation team for The Companies. Proposes facilities, personnel, and funds required to carry out programs which are directly related with and directed toward fulfillment of overall organization objectives. Initiates and maintains contacts with key engineers, lawyers, accountants and officials inside/outside of the company in the interest of joint problem solving, coordination, and keeping up with technical, social, political, legal, and regulatory developments. Supports The Companies rate cases and other regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of engineering fundamentals related to the operations and maintenance of fuel handling facilities, machinery and equipment normally acquired through advanced level or college courses or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of negotiation / mediation tactics typically learned through hands-on participation in contract negotiations.
Working knowledge of price computation methodologies and pricing indices, and understanding of fuel contracts between fuel Producers and qualifying facilities.
Working knowledge of PUC, environmental, and all other state and federal laws and regulations as related to biofuel activities.
Working knowledge of lifecycle cost optimization and risk mitigation. Know the importance of mitigating risk balanced with cost. Understand the tradeoffs between options and their impact on earnings within the framework of objectives and goals defined toward meeting Renewable Portfolio Standards.
Understanding of the importance of workplace dynamics and culture and what can be done to help people succeed in a changing environment.
Working knowledge of budgeting, finance, business and project management highly desirable.
Working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software applications such as; spreadsheets, Excel, word processing, use of Ellipse, Pillar, MS Project, etc.
Working knowledge of fuel tankers, fuel cargo operations and oil spill response and applicable environmental regulations.
Working knowledge of marine engineering or maritime sciences, marine transportation, or tankerman, mate, or master's license; normally acquired through education or equivalent experience.
Working knowledge of industrial raw material supply logistics, storage and distribution system attributes, inventory level and replenishment planning and shipment scheduling.
Working knowledge of applications, primary characteristics, and testing of petroleum products.
Working knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and analytical (accounting, financial) processes and commercial law normally acquired through college level courses.
Working knowledge of the concepts and principals of commercial business transactions, including competitive bidding, purchasing systems, procurement procedures, distribution, and marketing.
Strongly motivated self starter with ability and drive to successfully manage multiple projects with competing priorities in a timely and effective manner with minimal day to day direction required.
Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to handle sensitive situations in the absence of any direct authority. Ability to handle difficult and/or sensitive issues while using tact, courtesy and discretion.
Demonstrated effective written, oral, listening, and presentation/platform communication skills; the willingness and ability to train.
Creative negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment, adapt to rapidly changing priorities and respond constructively in urgent or emergency situations.
Ability to conceptualize, analyze, organize, facilitate and evaluate complex bio-fuel solutions and projects, and ability to manage engineering consulting services.
Have a strong sense of risk identification, management and mitigation. Be able to make judgment calls especially in the face of ambiguous data and information. Understand the impact of failure on the system, impact on community, political and media risk, financial impact, other consequences stemming from the performance of bio-fuels contracts and programs.
Budgeting and financial skills to track execution of agreed upon schedules, and costs associated with implementation of bio-fuels contracts.
Excellent writing ability and critical thinking skills to prepare submittals for PUC testimony and responses to request for information.
Strong analytical skills. Ability to evaluate both analytical and qualitative data and be able to make judgment calls as to what is more important and how the overall risk and financial optimization can be achieved. Be able to work with ambiguous data, if required. Be open to other perspectives and suggestions. Evaluate them and make the right choices to develop optimal solutions.
Must have or be able to qualify for a State of Hawaii driver’s license. Must meet the standards for driving positions stated in the Hiring Standards for Driving Positions policy. These standards may be adjusted periodically to meet business and safety objectives.
Ability to conceptualize, analyze, organize, facilitate and evaluate complex fuel facilities - projects, and manage engineering consulting services.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, Engineering or Science curriculum; or multiple (5-7) years of experience working in project management in an electric utility operating environment or in a petroleum contracting and operations environment, preferably with exposure to operations planning, utility work practices, contract negotiations, scientific research practices, and engineering concepts.
Extensive (8+ years) experience in a Business Development, Engineering or Science discipline managing complex projects, preferably within an electric utility or fuels industry. A Master's degree in Business Administration or related discipline may be substituted for 4 years of experience.
Extensive (7 or more years) of related utility, military and/or industrial experience preferably in petroleum or biofuel facilities, marine transportation and/or fuels handling operations or in a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of budgeting, finance, business and project management highly desirable.
Minimum of 1-2 years experience developing and negotiating complex purchase agreements is desirable.
Experience in preparing and providing testimony in regulatory proceedings of the PUC, before other public agencies, or at governmental or public meetings is desirable.

Responsibilities

Administers executed fuel purchase contracts between fuel suppliers and qualifying facilities for The Companies. Contract administration functions include: 1) Ensuring consistent interpretation, compliance, and proper administration of all fuel purchase contracts. 2) Justifying terms and conditions of fuel purchase contracts to include progress milestones, supply parameters, delivery and ordering logistics, application of pricing indices, price calculations, penalties/incentives, and methodologies of payment. 3) Directing liaison activities with fuel suppliers on operational matters requiring resolution of quality or technical concerns. 4) Issues fuel purchase nominations to fuel suppliers, monitors fuels and fuel-related services, recommends changes to operations or other procedures, and analyzes technical and market data in order to support negotiating objectives and identify alternative procurement strategies.
Monitors, evaluates and provides maritime or related technical recommendations for improvements to barge operator's voyage plans, cargo stowage plans, standard operating, safety and emergency response procedures, tankermen and tug crew training, safety programs, operational audits and pre-and post-voyage inspection of hull and machinery. Monitors, evaluates and provides technical recommendations related to pipeline operations and plant fuel inventory levels. Determines optimum fuel inventory levels and timing of re-supply shipments. Develops fuel barge schedule, working with Barge operators and fuel suppliers to ensure timely delivery of fuel for The Companies.
Verifies accuracy and completeness of invoices for fuel and fuel-related services and supporting stock control documents, vessel gauging reports, and quality certificates; audits fuel price formula calculations, verifies escalation rates, proration of operating and facilities fees, and maintenance expenses. Reviews, reconciles, makes claims and resolves disputes regarding vendor payments for fuel and fuel related services. Prepares various regulatory, management, reconciliation and forecast documents and reports.
Responsible for fuel quality determination, loss control, employment of fuel inspectors, laboratory analysis of fuel samples and resolution of all measurement and quality disputes with fuel suppliers.
Ensures bi-monthly closing process occurs ontime with accurate data. Duties include downloading PI generation and consumption data and validating against operations logs or analysis of operational data, reconciling Fuels Division database records with inspection records, and submitting reports to Corporate Accounting.
Supports priorities for the Fuels Division. Develops, implements and administers policies and procedures to support division and corporate goals and strategies. Provides technical assistance to other divisions, subsidiaries, and consultants. Substitutes for Manager of Fuels Operations in their absence. Prepares and presents administrative reports/documents such as project status, strategic action plan. (goals and objectives), budget inputs, and training requirements. Serves as technical advisor and/or consultant for inter- and intra-divisional work groups.
As part of the negotiation team, plans, develops, coordinates the acquisition of fuel resources through fuel purchase contract negotiations for Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries. Provides external and internal planning and communications strategy development and leadership related to fuel purchase contract negotiation issues and process. Leads cross-functional work teams comprised of senior level personnel in the evaluation and negotiation of fuel proposals, and in formulating recommendations relative to resolving contract disputes. Serves as expert advisor to senior management and team member on fuel purchase contract issues, including technical and financial models and analysis. Must remain current in the latest trends in emerging technologies. Serves as the principal point of contact for third-party fuel developers and suppliers.
As a "matrix" manager, negotiates priorities with and supports completion of project tasks through project team members, others in the organization, and consultants. Ensures that team members have all resources, information, and direction necessary to successfully complete their assignments. Informs team members of their roles, project information, and obtains their support in meeting project goals.
Develops, reviews, and/or delivers expert testimony, responses to information requests, presentations, and other assignments supporting fuel agreements before various external agencies such as the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, the State Legislature, and Legal Arbitration cases. Provides fuel cost computations and recommends contract terms related to fuel contract proposals for The Companies.
Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including any activities required to prepare for such emergency response.