Styrene Trader and Marketing Manager

Are you looking for a position where you will be responsible for drive value chain optimization of LYB’s global styrene business? And are you experienced in marketing, sales, or commodities trading within the chemical or energy industry? Do you want to work in a leading international company within its field, in an environment where professional and personal growth is encouraged? Welcome to LyondellBasell…

As a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

As the Styrene Trader and Marketing Manager you will be part of the Global Styrene commercial team responsible for value chain optimization of LYB’s global styrene business. You will focus on developing and executing marketing, pricing, and asset backed trading strategies in pursuit of maximizing the Global Styrene P&L potential.

This position is responsible and accountable for ongoing management of the styrene business activities in Europe. Deliverables include execution of supply optimization strategies from internal and external sources, developing and implementing the European styrene portfolio strategy, coordination with the global commercial team, and managing commercial agreements (term and spot) in close collaboration with the Intermediate and Derivatives Sales organization.

In this role, you will also trade our styrene product (and feedstocks, as necessary) for the European market, taking advantage of global arbitrages and local pricing dynamics, as well as portfolio and inventory flexibility to create incremental value. You are responsible for managing the local trading desk P&L and assessing and managing risk accordingly. Your scope will clearly understand the local and global market environment for styrene and associated feedstocks and work with team members to ensure value creating physical trading and hedging strategies are implemented.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Manages and directs marketing decisions for the European styrene business. Develops key account plans to maximize profitability in line with global business strategy.
• Collaborates with the extended business team to implement product and feedstock supply strategies, considering regional/global business dynamics, as well as LYB operating plans and cost positions.
• Leads the strategy and tactics for Styrene pricing in Europe.
• Develops and maintains detailed analysis of relevant market segments, identifying key market drivers, competitive dynamics and customer/product portfolios.
• Understands market segment performance versus internal and external benchmarks and identifies actions to close gaps as appropriate.
• Identifies and gains management support for additional value chain optimization opportunities. Participates in long-term planning for asset optimization and drives the regional budget process.
• Responsible for data and financial reporting integrity for the European styrene business.
• Expands the global styrene P&L through trading activities.
  • Protects the P&L via risk recognition and execution of trading and hedging strategies within approval authority. Responsible for impact of deals on both local and global trading books.
  • Maintains a keen eye on the market, staying up to date on both global and local price trends. Informs global team of local market and regulatory developments impacting business growth prospects.
  • Generates positive (P&L) value for the team based on physical inventory positions for both domestic and international styrene markets.
  • Collaborates with internal risk management business partners to assess market dynamics to derive appropriate risk management strategies.
  • Assures commercial operator counterparts work in tandem to execute deals with excellence and professionalism. Provides active support and collaboration to resolve deal issues as necessary
• Fosters positive long-term relationships with key stakeholders (customers, banks, traders, brokers). Maintains an active network of market contacts.
• Ensures that all activities are conducted within appropriate authority limits, following regulatory, customs and tax requirements

To be successful in this role you must recognize yourself in the following profile:

You demonstrate a clear understanding of the implications of commercial decisions and are fluent in strategies and tactics that work in the marketplace. Staying current on market trends and understanding the competition is essential. You must push yourself and others for results, working with passion and a sense of urgency. Seek opportunities to proactively improve results and process and contribute to company goals and profitability.

Adaptability to change is crucial for you, as is the ability to shift easily between long-term strategy and a tactical trading mindset. You should see ahead clearly, be future-oriented, and anticipate trends and consequences of decisions accurately, embracing scenario planning. A strong customer focus is essential, with the ability to anticipate and act with the customer in mind.

Your decision quality is important, making good decisions based on a mixture of analysis, experience, and judgment. Organizational agility is another key attribute, being knowledgeable about how organizations work, knowing how to get things done through formal channels and the informal network.

Impactful influence is necessary, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders to advance business goals through effective communication and data-driven rationale. Finally, building effective teams is crucial, where you will. Advance company and business unit vision through teams, foster a culture of high expectations and alignment, celebrate wins, and drive for continuous improvement.

Candidates will be assessed on the following LYB competencies:

• Build Partnerships
• Deliver Results
• Drive Innovation
• Grow Capabilities
• Promote Inclusion

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree required in a business, technical, or mathematical discipline (Economics, Engineering, Science, Mathematics) or other relevant work experience demonstrating strong P&L knowledge and performance
• The ideal candidate will have 10-15 years’ relevant, industry related experience
• Previous experience in marketing, sales, or commodities trading disciplines, with demonstrated negotiation experience
• Detailed knowledge of financial trading and risk management, experience developing hedging strategies is preferred
• Previously demonstrated physical and derivatives trading experience in local markets is preferred
• Cross-functional experience preferred in various functions and disciplines in the chemicals or energy industry, preferably in the commercial, financial and/or logistics arena
• Fluency in English