The posting
ROLE OVERVIEW
We are seeking a seasoned Consultant with deep expertise in natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) operations to partner with our clients on defining and executing value chain optimization strategies. The successful candidate will combine strong operational knowledge of gas handling and processing with advanced digital transformation capabilities—translating complex operational realities into actionable strategic roadmaps, identifying digital gaps across the value chain, and delivering measurable commercial outcomes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategic Vision & Initiative Roadmap
- Define and articulate the strategic vision for value chain optimization aligned to the client's commercial and operational objectives.
- Develop a prioritized initiative roadmap spanning short-, medium-, and long-term horizons, covering upstream supply, midstream processing, and downstream distribution of natural gas and NGLs.
- Identify, scope, and champion quick wins—high-impact, low-effort opportunities that generate immediate value and build stakeholder confidence.
- Facilitate executive workshops and strategic alignment sessions to gain buy-in across operations, finance, IT, and commercial functions.
- Translate strategic ambitions into clear business cases with quantified value potential (cost reduction, margin improvement, throughput optimization).
2. Value Chain Assessment & Optimization
- Conduct end-to-end value chain analysis encompassing gas gathering, compression, treating & sweetening, fractionation, storage, transportation, and marketing.
- Assess NGL value chains including ethane, propane, butane, and natural gasoline streams—from separation and stabilization through to product delivery and offtake.
- Identify value leakage points, operational inefficiencies, scheduling bottlenecks, and commercial misalignments across the value chain.
- Benchmark client performance against industry best practices and recommend targeted interventions to close performance gaps.
- Model alternative value chain configurations and commercial structures (e.g., tolling vs. equity, spot vs. term) to maximize netback and margin capture.
3. Systems & Data Landscape Assessment
- Perform a structured assessment of the client's current technology landscape—including SCADA, DCS, ERP, scheduling, nomination, and measurement systems.
- Map data flows across the value chain, identifying data silos, manual handoffs, reporting gaps, and integration failures ("digital breaks").
- Evaluate data quality, availability, and timeliness for operational decision-making, commercial settlement, and regulatory compliance.
- Develop a systems capability heat map and gap analysis to frame the digitalization opportunity.
- Review master data management (MDM) practices and data governance maturity in the context of gas measurement, allocation, and balancing.
4. Digitalization Roadmap & Quick Wins
- Identify and prioritize digitalization opportunities—from process automation and real-time monitoring to advanced analytics, AI/ML applications, and integrated planning tools.
- Define digital quick wins: automation of manual workflows, dashboard consolidation, IoT-enabled measurement upgrades, or improved scheduling visibility.
- Develop a phased digitalization roadmap with clear milestones, technology recommendations, resource requirements, and expected ROI.
- Advise on fit-for-purpose technology choices (e.g., gas nomination platforms, production allocation software, digital twin capabilities, cloud-based optimization tools).
- Collaborate with IT and OT teams to assess integration architecture and propose practical pathways from current to target-state digital infrastructure.
5. Stakeholder Engagement & Client Delivery
- Build trusted advisor relationships with client stakeholders at operational, commercial, and executive levels.
- Lead and contribute to project workstreams, ensuring deliverables are on time, on budget, and meet quality standards.
- Prepare and present high-quality findings, recommendations, and roadmaps through client-ready reports and executive briefings.
- Support change management by coaching client teams through new processes, tools, and operating models.
Participate in business development activities including proposal development, client scoping discussions, and practice thought leadership.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Process Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in the natural gas and/or NGL sector, spanning operations, commercial, or consulting roles.
- Demonstrated expertise across the natural gas value chain: gathering, compression, processing, fractionation, storage, transportation, and marketing.
- Strong working knowledge of NGL products (ethane, propane, butanes, pentanes+), their processing requirements, quality specifications, and market dynamics.
- Proven track record in supply chain and/or value chain analysis, optimization, or transformation projects.
- Experience conducting digital maturity assessments, systems landscape reviews, or operational technology (OT/IT) integration projects.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; proficient in quantitative modeling and data analysis tools.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills; ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
Preferred
- MBA or advanced degree in Business, Strategy, or a related field.
- Experience with gas scheduling, nomination, and balancing systems (e.g., Quorum, WinTrak, OpenTicket, or equivalent).
- Familiarity with digital transformation frameworks and methodologies (agile, design thinking, lean).
- Exposure to AI/ML applications in production optimization, demand forecasting, or anomaly detection within upstream/midstream gas operations.
- Prior management consulting experience with a recognized firm (energy, strategy, or operations practice).
- Knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing natural gas pipelines, tariffs, and NGL transportation (FERC, state/provincial regimes).
