VP, Intermediates & Specialty Products
Position SummaryThe VP, Intermediates & Specialty Products is responsible for maximizing value across the company’s non-fuels product streams, including light ends, NGLs, intermediates, sulfur, petroleum coke, and other specialty products. This role serves as the commercial owner of non-fuels product streams, working in close partnership with the company’s Refining & Commercial Optimization team (LP, planning, and analytics) to ensure operational decisions and supply plans capture maximum margin from specialized streams.Scope Of ResponsibilitiesOwn how every intermediate and specialized product is positioned, priced, and monetized across the system—leveraging optimization for:Light ends (propane, butane, isobutane, natural gasoline)NGLs and intermediates (naphtha, VGO, etc.)Petrochemical intermediatesSulfurPetroleum cokeVTBs, solvents, and black oilsand specialty productsMajor Responsibilities Commercial Strategy & Value MaximizationDevelop commercial strategiesOptimize netbacks/marginPartnership with Refining & Commercial Optimization (LP & Planning)Work closely with the Commercial team responsible for refinery and supply chain optimization (LP models, monthly and daily plans)Provide market-based inputs and commercial priorities to guide optimization outputsEvaluate LP-driven plans and scenarios to ensure alignment with market strategy and value captureCollaborate on trade-offs between operational efficiency and market-driven margin optimizationSupply Strategy & ExecutionLead supply strategy, including logistics, inventory positioning, and distributionEnsure alignment between refinery output and market demandDrive execution across product movements, blending strategy, and system balancingManage customer relationshipsStructure contractsMargin Optimization & Commercial DirectionSet commercial priorities that guide system optimization and planning decisionsTranslate market intelligence into actionable direction for planning and optimization teamsIdentify and capture incremental margin opportunities across product slate, geography, and channelsTrading & RiskManage any hedging strategies for select non-fuels productsDefine risk limits with middle office as needed.Cross-Functional LeadershipServe as the primary commercial interface with refining operations, planning, and optimization teams for non-fuels productsLead and develop a high-performing team across supply, compliance, and market analyticsDrive a performance culture centered on margin delivery and accountabilityStrategic Development & GrowthShape long-term strategy for intermediates and specialty products, channels, and commercial positioningIdentify new market opportunities, partnerships, and optimization levers in coordination with VP Business Development & Optimization in the Commercial organizationSupport enterprise-level decisions with market insights and margin analysisSuccess ProfileThe ideal candidate is a commercial leader with expertise in intermediates, NGLs, petcoke, sulfur or specialties markets, supply, and optimization-informed decision making, combined with solid understanding of regulatory and financial levers impacting margin.Key AttributesEnterprise mindset: integrates market strategy, operations, and financial/compliance leversCommercial acumen: understands how to convert system capabilities into economic valueRisk-aware decision maker: balances margin optimization with compliance and hedging disciplineCollaborative leadership: effective in a matrixed environment with planning and optimization teamsStrategic + executional: able to set direction and drive outcomesEducation RequirementsBachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, Economics, or related technical discipline requiredAdvanced degree (MBA or similar) preferredExperience Requirements15+ years of progressive commercial experience in refined products, supply, trading, marketing, or downstream operations7+ years of leadership experience, including direct management of multi‑disciplinary teams (marketing, supply, compliance, analytics)Experience working in a refinery‑integrated commercial environment strongly preferredDemonstrated success in margin optimization, market strategy, and commercial decision‑makingExperience partnering with LP/planning teams to translate market strategy into operational and economic outcomesExperience managing regulatory and compliance levers (e.g., RINs, sulfur, benzene)Experience developing and executing hedging strategies for refined productsAbility to travel as neededScope & ImpactEnterprise-level accountability for refined product margin optimizationOwnership of key economic leversDirect influence on company EBITDA through commercial performanceHigh visibility with executive leadershipKey integrator between market strategy, optimization, and financial/compliance executionThis role offers the opportunity to lead how the company captures value from every intermediates and specialty products barrel, combining market strategy, operational execution, and financial/compliance levers. Working alongside optimization and business development teams, the VP has the ability to shape outcomes, not just react to them.Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The Company will not sponsor immigration or work visas.CVR Energy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply.