Strategic Initiatives Specialist Job, Hydrogen Energy

The Strategic Initiatives Specialist provides key support and leadership to execute the strategic plan (projects and programs) consistent with our Grow for Tomorrow strategy and our strategic initiatives – from idea generation/innovation through to final project execution – to achieve our long-term strategic goals. This role is responsible for actions and plans to operationalize growth objectives related to the greening of our refineries, and the development of hydrogen and new energy solutions portfolio for a long-term sustainable business (core and growth) and to enhance Irving Oil's competitive advantage and market share. They are a key player in supporting the organization through the Energy Transition Journey.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, bonus and pension plan

• Flexible benefits, including a Health Spending Account

• Hybrid Work Opportunity – flexible work model that supports a blend of in office and remote

• Wellness support, including annual wellness allowance and paid personal care days

• Paid vacation and vacation purchasing

• Personal and professional development opportunities

• Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for six consecutive years

Your roles and responsibilities:

• Play a key role in the comprehensive process of identifying and assessing new opportunities to evolve our business in greening our refineries, and the development of hydrogen and new energy solutions, specifically enhancing our competitive position in all our markets and meet the changing needs of our customers. Play a lead role in identifying opportunities by establishing contacts within and outside the organization in this space.

• Support or manage the execution of multi-divisional strategic projects that impact all aspects of our business by developing plans and/or the details of plans.

• Actively understand new and emerging opportunities in all aspects of greening our refineries, and the development of hydrogen and new energy solutions to strategically position our organization to move forward.

• In active collaboration with the Energy Transition Team, steward the development of business cases, financial modeling, strategic alignment and execution of various opportunities.

• Support analyses (including that of industry innovation, new and emerging markets, competitive analysis, and government policy) to provide valuable benchmarking and timely insights to internal stakeholders to drive the business planning process, development, and implementation of long-term strategic initiatives

• Provide recommendations in the area of business development (including new & emerging markets and/or mergers & acquisitions, viability of partnerships).

• Actively engage with various divisions within the business to support idea generation, internal alignment and project execution.

• Be a thinking partner to and develop relationships with business leaders by providing support on strategic and base business initiatives.

• Understand emerging opportunities, trends, and threats that could impact the organization in both the near and long term. Bring ideas to the group as the team continues to refine the strategy going forward.

• Assist with commercial strategy development and negotiations when applicable. This work is ad hoc depending on the opportunities that are being focused on.

• Assist in various studies related to Energy Transition. Many studies have requirements that involve interfacing with multiple groups within Irving Oil that this position will help with. Understand emerging opportunities and trends to help shape the details and direction of such studies.

Professional skills

• Highly collaborative mindset, with comfort extending from immediate term pilot-scale work to supporting long-term strategic execution

• Understanding of market research, data and trend analysis

• Knowledge of business operations and procedures

• Demonstrable strategic thinking abilities with an innovative mind-set

• Analytical mind with problem-solving aptitude

• Project management

• Excellent communication skills

• Highly organized and self-motivated

• Results focused with ability to be adaptable and flexible in any situation

• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills to work effectively with cross functional teams

• Good facilitation and presentation skills; strong oral and written communication.

• Excellent time management skills and able to meet multiple deadlines; can quickly reprioritize depending on business need.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality.

Travel

• Travel may be a requirement for this position.

Education and experience

• BSc/BA in Engineering, Business, Economics, Marketing, Finance or a related field; MSc/MA/MBA is a plus

• 7+ years of progressive leadership in project management, engineering, technical, and/or commercial roles linked to energy production.

• Proven experience as a Strategic Planner, Project Manager or Business Consultant.

Irving Oil supports a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants.