Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Light Ends Trading Director
Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Overview
Light Ends Trading Director role at Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC). This position oversees the global trading of gasoline, naphtha, and gasoline blending components, drives commercial value through blend optimization, arbitrage activities, and structured deal execution across diverse markets.
At MPC, we’re committed to being a great place to work – one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.
Position Summary The Head of Light Ends has four core objectives: sets trading strategy across gasoline, naphtha, and supporting blending operations in all regions; leads blend pool optimization and manages spec compliance across seasonal markets; executes arbitrage and derivative hedging for margin protection; and coordinates with Refining, Logistics, Fuels Value Chains (FVC) and Value Chain Optimization (VCO) to optimize tankage and blending economics.
Key Responsibilities
Trading Strategy & Commercial Execution
Own the light ends trading strategy, allocating domestic and international desks based on margin, volatility and regional demand
Define and execute arb strategies and term structures for each regional commodity desk
Lead blend optimization initiatives and structure term contracts for gasoline, naphtha and high‑value blending components, balancing market access and logistics
Use derivatives (spreads, swaps, futures) to hedge regional exposures and protect margin
Support ethanol placement and LCFS/RIN strategy for gasoline pools. Manage sulfur and benzene credits around blending opportunities
Market Intelligence & Analytics
Track gasoline crack curves, regional basis, seasonal RVP requirements and naphtha value drivers in global markets
Partner with Analytics/VCO/FVCs to embed market outlook into the planning cycle to improve decision making
Measure uplift from blending, basis capture and product performance vs. planning benchmarks
Engage in performance management by assessing trading performance vs. planning benchmarks and recalibrate strategy to hit margin and volume goals
Assist in tracking KPIs such as regional crack capture and desk‑specific basis performance
Asset Coordination & Product Specification Management
Coordinate with Refining, Terminals, Scheduling and MPLX on blend pool optimization, tankage allocation and quality swaps
Manage compliance with gasoline spec and naphtha constraints (Octane, RVP, sulfur limits)
Oversee inventory placement to optimize trading flexibility around market structure
Ensure compliance with product specs, regulatory requirements and regional fuel mandates
Risk, Compliance & Counterparty Engagement
Collaborate with the Risk/Middle Office and the wider Finance function to design compliant hedging frameworks and approve term deals against credit limits
Define hedge objectives and risk limits
Partner with the Financial Trading desk for execution of broader financial portfolio trading and exposure management
Build and maintain relationships with major suppliers and end‑users in light ends markets globally
Structure transactions to balance credit, counterparty reliability, economics and regulatory compliance
Coordinate with Middle Office to ensure accurate P&L attribution and daily risk reporting
Cross-Functional Interfaces
Work closely with Origination, FVCs, VCO and cross commodity trading teams to align term volumes, hedges and customer deliveries
Engage with Legal, Regulatory, Compliance, Contracts, Risk, IT and Credit among company-wide support functions
Leadership & Capability Development
Build and coach a high‑performing light ends trading team across multiple US offices, along with Singapore and London
Foster data‑driven decision making, disciplined risk management and cross‑desk collaboration
Identify and develop future desk leads and ensure robust succession planning
Foster development of employees interested in trading and commercial roles
Core Competencies
Commercial & Financial Acumen: Proficient in physical and financial trading, along with structured deal negotiation; understanding of gasoline, naphtha and components markets; ex-refinery blending knowledge
Strategic Vision & Systems Thinking: Aligns desks to an integrated enterprise trading strategy; embeds trading insights into margin plans
Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Expertise: Oversees inventory and product spec management; ensures seasonal compliance and blending feasibility
Risk Management & Resilience: Allocate hedge limits, manage risk exposures, ensure counterparty compliance; P&L attribution and daily risk
Digital & Analytical Fluency: Applies analytics to optimize trading decisions; macroeconomic and geopolitical drivers
Education And Experience Required:
Bachelor’s degree required
10 years of trader or related commercial experience, with a proven track record across multiple geographies
Preferred:
At least 5 years managing global gasoline or naphtha P&L
Demonstrated leadership of regional and global Light Ends desks
Prior experience in other refined products or crude markets
Experience in both physical and paper markets
In-depth knowledge of gasoline specifications, seasonal RVP regulations, and petrochemical market dynamics
Strong stakeholder leadership with cross-functional and customer-facing responsibilities
Demonstrated success optimizing blend economics and structuring arb strategies
Location : Houston
Relocation : Available
Estimated Travel : Approximately 10% of the time
Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available at https://mympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability
We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.
Location: Houston, Texas
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At MPC, we’re committed to being a great place to work – one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.
Position Summary The Head of Light Ends has four core objectives: sets trading strategy across gasoline, naphtha, and supporting blending operations in all regions; leads blend pool optimization and manages spec compliance across seasonal markets; executes arbitrage and derivative hedging for margin protection; and coordinates with Refining, Logistics, Fuels Value Chains (FVC) and Value Chain Optimization (VCO) to optimize tankage and blending economics.
Key Responsibilities
Trading Strategy & Commercial Execution
Own the light ends trading strategy, allocating domestic and international desks based on margin, volatility and regional demand
Define and execute arb strategies and term structures for each regional commodity desk
Lead blend optimization initiatives and structure term contracts for gasoline, naphtha and high‑value blending components, balancing market access and logistics
Use derivatives (spreads, swaps, futures) to hedge regional exposures and protect margin
Support ethanol placement and LCFS/RIN strategy for gasoline pools. Manage sulfur and benzene credits around blending opportunities
Market Intelligence & Analytics
Track gasoline crack curves, regional basis, seasonal RVP requirements and naphtha value drivers in global markets
Partner with Analytics/VCO/FVCs to embed market outlook into the planning cycle to improve decision making
Measure uplift from blending, basis capture and product performance vs. planning benchmarks
Engage in performance management by assessing trading performance vs. planning benchmarks and recalibrate strategy to hit margin and volume goals
Assist in tracking KPIs such as regional crack capture and desk‑specific basis performance
Asset Coordination & Product Specification Management
Coordinate with Refining, Terminals, Scheduling and MPLX on blend pool optimization, tankage allocation and quality swaps
Manage compliance with gasoline spec and naphtha constraints (Octane, RVP, sulfur limits)
Oversee inventory placement to optimize trading flexibility around market structure
Ensure compliance with product specs, regulatory requirements and regional fuel mandates
Risk, Compliance & Counterparty Engagement
Collaborate with the Risk/Middle Office and the wider Finance function to design compliant hedging frameworks and approve term deals against credit limits
Define hedge objectives and risk limits
Partner with the Financial Trading desk for execution of broader financial portfolio trading and exposure management
Build and maintain relationships with major suppliers and end‑users in light ends markets globally
Structure transactions to balance credit, counterparty reliability, economics and regulatory compliance
Coordinate with Middle Office to ensure accurate P&L attribution and daily risk reporting
Cross-Functional Interfaces
Work closely with Origination, FVCs, VCO and cross commodity trading teams to align term volumes, hedges and customer deliveries
Engage with Legal, Regulatory, Compliance, Contracts, Risk, IT and Credit among company-wide support functions
Leadership & Capability Development
Build and coach a high‑performing light ends trading team across multiple US offices, along with Singapore and London
Foster data‑driven decision making, disciplined risk management and cross‑desk collaboration
Identify and develop future desk leads and ensure robust succession planning
Foster development of employees interested in trading and commercial roles
Core Competencies
Commercial & Financial Acumen: Proficient in physical and financial trading, along with structured deal negotiation; understanding of gasoline, naphtha and components markets; ex-refinery blending knowledge
Strategic Vision & Systems Thinking: Aligns desks to an integrated enterprise trading strategy; embeds trading insights into margin plans
Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Expertise: Oversees inventory and product spec management; ensures seasonal compliance and blending feasibility
Risk Management & Resilience: Allocate hedge limits, manage risk exposures, ensure counterparty compliance; P&L attribution and daily risk
Digital & Analytical Fluency: Applies analytics to optimize trading decisions; macroeconomic and geopolitical drivers
Education And Experience Required:
Bachelor’s degree required
10 years of trader or related commercial experience, with a proven track record across multiple geographies
Preferred:
At least 5 years managing global gasoline or naphtha P&L
Demonstrated leadership of regional and global Light Ends desks
Prior experience in other refined products or crude markets
Experience in both physical and paper markets
In-depth knowledge of gasoline specifications, seasonal RVP regulations, and petrochemical market dynamics
Strong stakeholder leadership with cross-functional and customer-facing responsibilities
Demonstrated success optimizing blend economics and structuring arb strategies
Location : Houston
Relocation : Available
Estimated Travel : Approximately 10% of the time
Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available at https://mympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability
We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.
Location: Houston, Texas
#J-18808-Ljbffr