The Position

The Asset Economist supports the economic optimization of VARO’s Cressier refinery with a primary focus on crude diet optimization, feedstock evaluation and short-term margin maximization.

This role sits at the interface between refinery operations and commercial functions. The position requires a solid understanding of refinery processes, crude qualities and yield structures, combined with hands-on use of LP models to translate market signals into operational decisions.

(1) Refinery Crude Slate Optimization

• Run and analyze the refinery LP model to optimize:

• Crude slate composition

• Feedstock import economics

• Intermediate and product yield structure

• Quantify margin impact of price movements, operational constraints and blending limitations

• Monitor deviations between LP plan and actual performance and analyze economic root causes

The focus of the role is practical optimization — not theoretical modelling.

(2) Short-Term Commercial Steering

• Support implementation of the monthly operating plan through ongoing economic analysis

• Provide import/export economics for feedstocks and products

• Support trading, product supply & marketing and logistics with economic insights and direction

• Identify short-term optimization opportunities (e.g. quality giveaway reduction, constraint debottlenecking)

(3) Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as central office contact for day-to-day refinery economic topics

• Align regularly with external stakeholders and on-site planning and scheduling team

• Prepare and present structured updates on refinery economics to internal stakeholders

• Travel to Cressier refinery at least twice per month

(4) Data & Performance Analysis

• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards to monitor plan vs actual performance, operational constraint impacts and main margin drivers

• Analyze trends to identify recurring optimization potential

Your Profile

Experience

• 1–3 years of relevant industry experience in:

• Refinery planning or scheduling

• Process engineering in refining

• Refinery LP modelling

• Previous direct exposure to refinery operations and processes is strongly preferred

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of crude oil qualities & core refinery processes, typical refinery margin drivers and constraints

• Experience in running and analyzing LP models (Haverly GRTMPS, Aveva USC Plan or Aspen PIMS)

• Strong Excel skills & Power BI proficiency required

Personal Capabilities

• Strong analytical and quantitative mindset & structured problem-solving approach

• Ability to translate technical constraints into economic implications

• Comfortable working in an operational, fast-moving environment

• Proactive and eager to deepen technical expertise

• Fluent in spoken and written English, working knowledge of French strongly preferred

Education

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Energy Economics or similar quantitative discipline

• A professional and very well connected work environment with a young and international Team in a growing company

• An attractive workplace in Baar with great development opportunities within an international, corporate environment

• Attractive salary and bonus structures, as well as an employer-financed pension and accident insurance

• Further benefits directed towards both physical training and self-development

Are you ready to take this exciting journey with us?

Then we look forward to receiving your application – simply click on the "Apply now” button to get started.

You can find more information here.

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