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Position Summary 

Oversees the global trading of gasoline, naphtha, and gasoline blending components. Drives commercial value through blend optimization, overseeing arbitrage activities, and structured deal execution across diverse markets. 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/FVC’s 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, FVC’s, VCO and cross commodity trading teams to align term volumes, hedges and customer deliveries 

Engage with the company-wide support functions including, but not limited to Legal, Regulatory, Compliance, Contracts, Risk, IT and Credit 

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 

Expert in understanding fundamental and financial drivers in the gasoline, naphtha and components markets. Proficient in physical market and financial trading, along with structured deal negotiation 

In-depth understanding of ex-refinery commercial gasoline blending using internal and external components 

Adept in cross-commodity financial markets, including cracks and other inter-commodity spreads 

Uses derivatives to hedge and monetize regional basis and quality arbitrage 

Strategic Vision & Systems Thinking 

Aligns regional desks to an integrated enterprise trading strategy 

Embeds trading insights into long-term margin capture plans 

Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Expertise 

Oversees inventory and product spec management within logistical constraints 

Collaborates with other MPC functions to enable physical trade execution 

Ensures seasonal compliance (e.g., RVP) and logistical feasibility for blending 

Risk Management & Resilience 

Allocates hedge limits, manages risk exposures, and ensures counterparty compliance 

Oversees daily P&L attribution and exception management 

Ensures regulatory compliance across gasoline specs and petrochemical supply chains 

Digital & Analytical Fluency 

Expert understanding of supply & demand, macroeconomics and geopolitical drivers within the global light ends markets 

Applies basic and advanced analytics to optimize trading decisions against market signals 

 

 

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 

  

As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.

Location:

Houston, Texas

Additional locations:

Job Requisition ID:

00018828

Location Address:

500 Dallas St Ste 2900

Education:

Employee Group:

Full time

Employee Subgroup:

Regular

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.