Head, Commercial OperationsDepartment: Marketing & Trading
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: US TX Houston - Corporate Office
DescriptionJob DescriptionPosition Summary: The Head of Commercial Operations is responsible for leading Caturus' commercial operations function supporting the LNG Marketing & Trading business. This role oversees the end-to-end operational execution of LNG, natural gas, and related commodity transactions from deal capture through invoicing, settlement, and reporting. The position serves as a critical bridge between Front Office, Risk Management, Finance, Legal, Shipping, and external counterparties to ensure accurate transaction execution, strong commercial controls, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. The role is accountable for establishing a scalable operating model that enables efficient execution of increasingly complex commercial transactions across global LNG markets.
Key Accountabilities:- Lead all Commercial Operations activities supporting Commonwealth LNG SPAs, ensuring accurate and timely execution throughout the trade lifecycle.
- Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, procedures, and controls that support commercial objectives while mitigating operational and financial risks.
- Oversee trade capture, contract administration, confirmations, nominations, scheduling coordination, invoicing, settlements, and related commercial activities.
- Partner with Operations, Trading, Marketing, Shipping, Risk Management, Finance, Legal, and Treasury teams to ensure seamless transaction execution and issue resolution.
- Establish and maintain a robust operational control framework, including segregation of duties, reconciliation processes, exception management, and audit readiness.
- Support the implementation, optimization, and governance of Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM) systems and supporting technologies.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, internal policies, and governance standards.
- Monitor operational performance through KPIs, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
- Manage relationships with customers, counterparties, terminals, service providers, and internal stakeholders to support commercial execution.
- Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing commercial operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive process automation and digital transformation initiatives to improve operational effectiveness and data quality.
- Support new business initiatives, market expansion activities, and complex commercial structures by developing operational readiness plans and execution frameworks.
- Provide senior leadership with operational insights, risk assessments, and recommendations regarding business performance and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications: Education, Certificates, and Licenses:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Accounting, Energy Management, or a related field.
- Master's degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
- Professional certifications related to energy trading, risk management, project management, or operational excellence preferred.
Experience:
- 15+ years of experience in commercial operations, middle office, trade operations, logistics, supply chain, marketing, trading, or related functions within the energy industry.
- 7+ years of leadership experience managing commercial operations or trade support organizations.
- Demonstrated experience supporting LNG marketing and trading activities, including commercial contracts, cargo operations, nominations, settlements, and related processes.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Deep understanding of LNG marketing and trading operations, trade lifecycle management, contract administration, scheduling, invoicing, and settlements.
- Strong knowledge of commodity trading risk controls, governance frameworks, and operational risk management practices.
- Excellent understanding of commercial contracts and their operational implications.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while balancing commercial objectives, operational requirements, and risk considerations.
- Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to build, develop, and retain high-performing teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills across executive leadership and cross-functional business units.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Proficiency with ETRM systems, data analytics tools, Microsoft Office applications, and operational reporting platforms.
- Ability to lead through change and support growth in a dynamic and evolving business environment.
