Position SummaryThe Senior Manager, Government Relations is responsible for leading the execution of government affairs strategies and legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting Maverik's fuel operations and Big West Oil's refining business. This position serves as a senior subject matter expert for assigned policy issues and works closely with internal leaders and external stakeholders to support company objectives.
Operating with a high degree of independence, the Senior Manager evaluates legislative and regulatory developments, identifies business impacts and risks, develops recommendations, and manages advocacy efforts across a complex portfolio of energy, refining, environmental, and fuels-related issues. The role balances strategic and operational responsibilities, implements departmental priorities, and influences key business and policy decisions within their area of expertise.
The Senior Manager is accountable for the performance and effectiveness of government affairs activities within their assigned portfolio and collaborates extensively with cross-functional leaders to advance company objectives.
Key ResponsibilitiesThis position is dedicated to legislative and regulatory issues affecting fuels, refining operations, and environmental policy for Maverik and Big West Oil, including fuel taxes and standards, refinery permitting and operations, air and water quality regulation, and climate and renewable fuel policy at the local, state, and federal levels.- Leads the implementation of government affairs strategies and priorities affecting Maverik's fuel business and Big West Oil's refining operations.
- Manages legislative, regulatory, and public policy initiatives related to fuels, refining, environmental regulation, and energy policy.
- Oversees assigned government affairs activities and is accountable for advocacy execution, stakeholder engagement, regulatory outreach, and policy outcomes.
- Balances immediate legislative and regulatory needs with longer-term operational, environmental, and business objectives.
- Identifies emerging legislative, regulatory, and political developments and evaluates potential operational, financial, compliance, and strategic impacts.
- Develops recommendations and strategic options for leadership regarding significant policy matters.
- Develops and maintains relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, industry associations, consultants, and external stakeholders.
- Partners closely with department leaders and cross-functional teams to align legislative and regulatory strategies with business objectives.
- Influences decision-making through subject matter expertise, business insight, and strategic recommendations.
- Manages relationships with cross-functional teams and department leaders across Maverik, Big West Oil, and affiliated organizations.
- Leads complex government affairs projects and cross-functional initiatives related to high-priority legislative and regulatory matters.
- Coordinates the activities of external lobbyists, consultants, trade associations, coalitions, and technical advisors.
- Establishes processes to monitor policy developments and ensure timely communication of relevant developments to internal stakeholders.
- Assesses the effectiveness of advocacy efforts and adjusts plans and priorities as business needs evolve.
- Manages assigned government affairs expenditures and external resources and provides input regarding departmental budgets, resource allocation, and advocacy investments
- Exercises significant independent judgment regarding advocacy tactics, stakeholder engagement, issue prioritization, and regulatory strategy recommendations within established departmental objectives.
QualificationsEducation and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, government, business, environmental policy, environmental science, law, engineering, communications, or a related field strongly preferred.
- Advanced degree such as an MBA, MPA, JD, or related graduate degree preferred.
- 7+ years of relevant progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, legislative affairs, regulatory affairs, environmental policy, energy policy, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex projects, strategic initiatives, policy portfolios, or cross-functional efforts.
- Experience developing and executing legislative and regulatory advocacy strategies.
- Experience advising leaders and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions.
- Experience with fuels, refining, petroleum operations, energy, environmental regulation, or another highly regulated industry strongly preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
- Advanced knowledge of legislative, regulatory, and public policy processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Demonstrated expertise in analyzing complex legislative, regulatory, environmental, and energy-related issues and their business implications.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate risks, opportunities, and competing priorities.
- Demonstrated sound judgment and ability to make independent decisions within established organizational and functional objectives.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to establish credibility across diverse internal and external audiences.
- Ability to influence department leaders, business partners, policymakers, regulators, and industry organizations through expertise, collaboration, and effective communication.
- Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and executive communication skills.
- Ability to translate complex regulatory, technical, and public policy matters into clear business recommendations and strategic insights.
- Strong business acumen, including the ability to understand the operational, financial, and strategic impacts of legislative and regulatory developments.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously while effectively prioritizing resources and stakeholder needs.
Work Environment and Physical DemandsThe physical demands and working conditions outlined below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.
This role primarily involves working in a standard office environment. The employee will regularly:
- Sit for extended periods.
- Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office tools.
- Reach with hands and arms in the context of computer use or file handling.
- Communicate verbally and aurally in meetings and phone conversations.
The employee may also:
- Frequently stand and walk throughout the office.
- Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds, such as office equipment, files, or supplies.
- Occasionally travel by automobile and commercial air transportation to attend meetings, industry events, legislative sessions, conferences, and other business-related activities.
The typical noise level in the work environment is moderate-comparable to a standard business office with periodic conversations, phones ringing, and copier or printer use.