Director, Business Development & Asset Optimization

Job Summary:

The Director, Business Development and Asset Optimization supports executive leadership by overseeing and coordinating commercial optimization activities across the organization, including deal development, internal approval processes, and the evaluation of strategic business opportunities. This role serves as a key commercial partner in addressing contractual, economic, and operational considerations and works closely with cross-functional teams including executive leadership, business development, scheduling, contract administration, accounting, engineering, and operations to ensure alignment and execution. A strong understanding of commercial and economic principles, along with the ability to translate those principles into practical business outcomes, is essential to effectively support leadership decision-making and enterprise value creation.

Duties/Responsibilities:

- Lead and oversee commercial optimization activities across the organization, coordinating with commercial operations, engineering, and other cross-functional teams to address complex, cross-disciplinary business challenges.

- Develop, implement, and maintain standardized processes for deal flow management, contract execution, and approval governance in alignment with company guidelines.

- Evaluate and advance optimization initiatives related to pricing, power utilization, contract performance, and operational planning, leveraging internal analysis and external advisors as appropriate.

- Manage and support contractual relationships, including performance monitoring, amendments, and extensions, while ensuring alignment with commercial objectives and operational capabilities.

- Establish, review, and communicate commercial and contractual performance metrics with internal stakeholders and external counterparties to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

- Assess business and commercial risks using financial, economic, statistical, and operational data to inform leadership decision-making.

- Drive the implementation of transformational projects, systems, and tools that enhance commercial effectiveness and visibility.

- Communicate key business developments, risks, and opportunities to executive leadership in a clear and timely manner.

- Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

- Demonstrated strategic mindset with the ability to develop and execute long-term optimization and business development initiatives aligned with organizational goals.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial, economic, statistical, and operational data to support informed decision-making and risk assessment.

- Proven experience leading and supporting cross-functional initiatives, including process improvement, system implementations, and change management efforts.

- Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, economic evaluation, and cost-benefit analysis.

- Ability to assess commercial and operational risk and recommend mitigation strategies within established governance frameworks.

- Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with a track record of building effective working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.

- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to stakeholders at all organizational levels.

- Highly organized and adaptable, capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic business environment.

- Proficiency with common business tools and systems used for analysis, project management, and process optimization, including Microsoft Office applications.

Education and Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, economics, or a related field required.

- Master’s degree preferred.

- 8+ years of progressive experience in commercial, financial, project management, or operations support roles within complex, asset-intensive or regulated business environments.

- Demonstrated multi-year track record of leading and supporting large, complex projects and cross-functional initiatives.

Certifications:

- None required

Physical Demands and Hazards for Office Employees:

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, frequent computer use, occasional lifting of office supplies, and may involve travel.

Howard Energy Partners is an equal opportunity employer. If you need additional information, have questions, or need accommodations, please reach out to the Human Resources department at hr.team@howardep.com.