Principal Strategist – Logistics

Motiva Enterprises LLC•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Corporate Development & Center of Excellence (CoE) team within Motiva’s Commercial organization is responsible for shaping and executing enterprise‑level commercial strategy and high‑impact initiatives that influence long‑term value creation. The Principal Strategist – Logistics supports execution of Motiva’s commercial strategy by leading development and delivery of strategic initiatives focused on inbound feedstock logistics, outbound product logistics, and commercially-competitive market access. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Development & CoE, this role provides accountability for complex, high‑value commercial opportunities spanning logistics infrastructure, long‑term commitments, partnerships, and joint ventures. The role partners closely with Manufacturing Optimization, Marketing & Sales, Manufacturing, Aramco Trading Americas, and external counterparties across the Americas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Economics, Finance, or related field
10+ years of experience in downstream, midstream, or refining‑related commercial, logistics, or strategy roles
Strong commercial acumen grounded in practical understanding of crude, refined product, intermediate, chemicals, base oils, and specialty product logistics and market access
Deep understanding of the end‑to‑end value chain, including multi‑modal logistics, infrastructure, and external counterparties
Demonstrated experience structuring and executing complex commercial transactions (e.g., JVs, long‑term commitments, infrastructure agreements)
Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills
Ability to operate independently, manage ambiguity, and influence at senior leadership levels

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree
Strong understanding of project economics, including DCF modeling
Experience leading or supporting logistics‑related capital projects, M&A, or joint ventures
Highly analytical, detail‑oriented, and results‑focused with ability to distill complex systems into decision‑ready insights

Responsibilities

Strategy Development & Executive Advisory: Support development and execution of Motiva’s logistics and market‑access strategy across crude, intermediates, refined products, chemicals, base oils, specialty products, and related logistics assets.
Provide strategic input, challenge, and commercial insight to business unit strategies and long‑range planning efforts.
Advise senior leadership on strategic planning, capital allocation, risk management, and logistics optionality.
Support executive and Board‑level discussions related to growth, infrastructure, and long‑term commercial positioning.
Manufacturing Optimization and Trading Enablement: Partner with teams at Motiva and Aramco Trading Americas to develop logistics and market‑access solutions that enhance commercial performance.
Work with traders, schedulers, and optimizers to develop business case assumptions and scenario analyses testing economic, operational, and market sensitivities.
Support expansion of crude and product access through infrastructure positioning, contracts, and strategic relationships.
Opportunity Identification & Maturation: Proactively identify logistics‑driven commercial opportunities across pipelines, marine, terminals, storage, and export infrastructure.
Maintain strong internal and external networks across the midstream, logistics, and trading ecosystem.
Conduct initial screening, framing, and early maturation of opportunities.
Secure internal alignment and approvals for further evaluation.
Engage external parties early to assess feasibility, structure, and alignment.
Deal Design, Evaluation & Execution: Develop commercial frameworks for logistics investments, long‑term commitments, JVs, and partnerships.
Lead or support commercial due diligence and evaluation of alternative structures.
Assess and manage commercial risk (upside and downside), including volume, market, and infrastructure exposure.
Evaluate economic feasibility and overall value proposition.
Support execution of logistics‑related capital projects, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
Stakeholder Management, Negotiations & Contracts: Identify and manage internal and external stakeholders, including third‑party counterparties and strategic partners.
Ensure alignment across Commercial, Manufacturing, Finance, Legal, Risk, and executive leadership.
Develop and execute negotiation strategies for complex logistics and infrastructure agreements.
Evaluate and support drafting of pipeline, terminal, transportation, storage, marine, and JV agreements from a commercial and legal perspective.