Manager Regional Optimization Planning

Valero is a leading energy company recognized as a best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. Headquartered in the heart of Texas, Valero operates multiple refineries across the United States and beyond, employing approximately 10,000 dedicated professionals. As a major player in the refining and energy sector, Valero is committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity, and unmatched execution. The company’s culture prioritizes teamwork, excellence, and career growth, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking both challenging and rewarding careers in the energy industry. Valero offers a supportive and inclusive workplace, along with comprehensive benefits that enhance employees’ quality of life and professional development.

The role of Manager Regional Optimization Planning is a pivotal position within Valero’s Optimization Planning and Economics department, located at the San Antonio refinery. This is a salaried exempt role, meaning it does not qualify for overtime pay, and it demands a proactive and highly analytical professional to develop and implement feedstock supply strategies that maximize profitability for the company’s refining operations. In this role, the manager utilizes advanced tools such as linear programming (LP) models, including AspenTech PIMS or Spiral Suite software, or other economic analyses to evaluate and select the most profitable crude oil feedstocks.

A key component of the position is interfacing closely with refinery planning engineers at each refinery site to ensure that inventory positions, consumption forecasts, and refinery capacity align with operational capabilities and expectations. The manager also supports communication between refinery operations and crude and feedstock traders by conveying feedstock requirements and exploring alternative crude grade economics. Additionally, the role is responsible for initiating approvals for new crude grades, ensuring all decisions support the company’s profitability and strategic objectives.

The Manager Regional Optimization Planning also facilitates regular communications through daily and weekly teleconferences to review refinery operations, economics, and feedstock positions with refinery planning teams. This collaborative approach ensures that operational insights and economic analyses inform strategic feedstock procurement decisions. Furthermore, the manager is tasked with developing and presenting monthly feedstock strategies to upper management, providing insights that drive optimal procurement and refinery use strategies across the regional operations.

The ideal candidate for this role will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, with a strong preference for candidates holding advanced degrees such as a master’s in business administration. Industry experience is critical, with at least 10 years in refining, petrochemical, or a related sector required. The role requires working on-site in San Antonio, Texas, underscoring the importance of being fully engaged with the refinery’s operational environment and team.

Valero emphasizes compliance and safety; therefore, the selected candidate must be eligible for and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is essential for refinery access. The company offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a wide array of excellent benefits, including comprehensive healthcare programs, an annual bonus, retirement plans, and wellness facilities designed to support employees and their families. Joining Valero means becoming part of a values-driven company that is dedicated to energy innovation and sustainability, all while fostering a workplace that supports professional and personal growth.