VP Business Development (Middle East Oil Products)

This role is responsible for the development of Argus’ oil product pricing in the Middle East region as well as the east African markets, by developing and executing strategies to promote the use of Argus price assessments in commercial contracts, transfer pricing, financial reporting, etc. The successful candidate will build and leverage off strong relationships with key decision makers in the Middle East and east African market to drive continued growth and look to uncover regional opportunities in indexation.

This is a strategic industry-facing role, reporting to the Head of MEISA. The incumbent will engage with industry decision makers across the Middle East region to: -

• explain the position of Argus price indices / benchmarks in the market;

• articulate the merits of their pricing methodology; and

• encourage the further use of Argus price indices in supply contracts.

• promote the Argus brand;

The incumbent will be an influencer and command respect through their knowledge of the markets and professionalism. This role can be viewed as one of ‘’commercial lobbying’’, in the sense of persuading market influencers to use the client’s price indices. The role requires an ability to engage fluently in a discussion on commodity pricing and market trends with traders, senior executives in the large independent oil majors, marketing and pricing executives within national oil companies and with government officials.

The role does not carry a sales target. The sales of subscriptions for the reports containing the price indexes (Market Reports) are carried out by a dedicated sales team that this role will work closely with. The key measure of success in this role is therefore to encourage a shift in the market towards usage of the client’s price references in the petroleum products markets, as well as to support the client’s position in markets where it is already established and recognized as the key reference.

What will you be doing

· To arrange face-to-face meetings with decision makers in the industry and promote, explain and answer all matters concerning the firm, market trends and price methodology. The role therefore requires extensive travel and time in the market with market participants.

· To attend and/or speak at business conferences / events to help promote awareness and usage of the client’s services.

· To help shape changes to the client’s price indexation where needed to better reflect market realities.

· To identify opportunities for launches of price indexes in response to industry feedback.

· The scope of the role is to cover the oil products markets regionally with an eye to identifying pricing that offer the best potential for market and revenue growth for Argus. Typical industry entities will include National oil companies, traders, refiners and government entities including regulators

· Observe and analyse industry and commodity market trends in the oil product sector.

· Coordinate regional strategy with other regions and liaise with designated business development managers/subject matter experts in all other regions.

· Innovate, design and develop content, including assessments and new reports/services.

· Build strong relationships with Industry leaders and oversee the development and execution of programs to this end.

· Regularly communicate with other Argus stakeholders on opportunities and challenges faced in the region.

· Work closely with editorial to ensure the continued development and application of appropriate price methodologies.

· Represent Argus at industry conferences and business gatherings. Communicate confidently with industry stakeholders, including the C-Suite and government level.

· Willing and able to travel up to 50 % of the time, including internationally.

Skills and Experience

· In-depth knowledge of oil markets perhaps in a trading, broker, analytical or related function.

· Commercial experience – ideally someone with a senior commercial role in commodities and proven record in influencing and negotiating with Asian firms.

· International - experience of the challenges of working in various cultures across Middle East, Africa and to a certain extent - Asia, experience of working within a dispersed global organization away from Head Office would also be useful.

· Self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and commercial benefits

· Natural forward planner who critically assesses own performance.

· Mature, credible, and able to influence senior executives at large and small firms.

· Reliable, tolerant, and determined

· Empathic communicator, able to see things from the other person's point of view.

· Well-presented and business-like

· Sufficiently mobile and flexible to travel locally and internationally 50 – 75% of the time.

· Able to work independently but knowing how andd when to involve others.

· Ethical, fair and of high integrity.

· Demonstrated ability to build, develop and maintain long-term client relationships, as well as build credibility and engagement with industry stakeholders and government.

· Experience promoting market data or business analytics services in energy -related industries.

· 10+ years of experience related to supply, trading, pricing and/or analysis.

· Bachelor’s degree required. Post graduate education and international corporate experience preferred.

What’s in it for you

Our rapidly growing, award-winning business offers a dynamic environment for talented, entrepreneurial professionals to achieve results and grow their careers. Argus recognizes and rewards successful performance and as an Investor in People, we promote professional development and retain a high-performing team committed to building our success.

· Work within a highly motivated team at an industry-leading and rapidly growing global company.

· Competitive salary and commission structure in line with education, experience, and skills.

· Hybrid working model - Work from Home options available.

· Healthcare insurance in the UAE.

· 22 days holiday plus public holidays.

· Comprehensive benefits package including medical (GP and specialist), dental and hospitalisation.

• Ongoing training, mentoring and development opportunities.

· Employee Welfare & Employee Assistance Programme.

For more details about the company and to apply please make sure you upload your CV via our website:

By submitting your job application, you automatically acknowledge and consent to the collection, use and/or disclosure of your personal data to the Company. Argus is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage diversity in the workplace regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.