Refinery Process Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

CHS, Inc.  is hiring an Expert VCO Engineer - Mid-Range - Refined Fuels at our McPherson refinery accountable for advanced commercial analytics, LP stewardship, backcasting leadership, and mid-term value chain optimization across the Refined Fuels product line. Reporting to the Director, Value Chain Optimization (VCO), this role is responsible for supporting Mid-Term Planning processes, Supply/Demand Review forums, and cross-functional integration across refinery supply, terminals, and refined fuels trading functions. This position requires prior short-term refinery planning experience and deep expertise in refinery LP modeling, economics, constraint management, and performance analysis. The role strengthens refinery-to-market alignment and improves margin capture through structured LP health management, backcasting rigor, and value-based constraint prioritization.

Mid-Term Planning & Governance Support

• Lead analytical support for Mid-Term Planning process ownership and Supply/Demand Review forums. 
• Coordinate across Refinery Supply and Marketing Supply/Sales in the mid-range time horizon.
• Support Quarterly Supply/Demand/Integration
• Reviews through structured analytics and cross-functional alignment.
• Maintain and develop the Risk & Opportunity register to support mid-term decision-making.
• Provide structured economic decision support for value chain decisions including long-term agreements, channel optimization, turnaround optimization, logistics leases, and new crude opportunities. 

LP Governance, Backcasting & Model Improvement 

• Lead cross-horizon LP improvement initiatives supporting both short- and mid-term optimization efforts. 
• Perform structured backcasting (plan vs. actual analysis) to identify margin gaps, yield deviations, constraint impacts, and lost profit opportunities.
• Develop and maintain LP Accuracy Scorecards and support the LP Assurance process to compare actual results versus LP predictions. 
• Coordinate LP Health Management processes and corrective action workflows. 
• Support screening and validation of LP constraints to ensure model accuracy and economic relevance. 

Economic Studies & Capital Support

• Prepare economic analysis for capital investments, including discounted cash flow and payout evaluations.
• Provide input and analysis for annual refinery budgeting, including volume and pricing assumptions.
• Evaluation of refined fuels value chain opportunities from supply, logistics, refining and product distribution.

Constraint & Performance Optimization

• Lead annual constraint review processes and support prioritization based on economic impact.
• Develop and maintain a centralized constraint register, incorporating marginal value insights from production plan outputs. 
• Support integration of constraint management outputs into planning cycles and mid-term reviews. 

Margin Improvement & Value Capture 

• Identify, quantify, and document downstream gross margin improvement and value capture opportunities. 
• Install and maintain KPIs for mid-term planning effectiveness and LP accuracy initiatives.
• Generate forward-looking improvement actions based on retro-analysis of refinery performance.
• Support Executive Management Operating System KPI reporting through structured analytics and standardized reporting tools.

 Planning Systems & Tool Governance Support

• Support governance and continuous improvement of LP tools, planning systems, and associated data structures.
• Ensure rigorous data validation, model configuration accuracy, and alignment between LP inputs and operational performance. 
• Collaborate with the Short-Range E&P Engineer to ensure consistent LP assumptions and coordinated model updates. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with refinery operations, process engineering, capital planning, finance, crude supply, trading, economics, product supply and go to market stakeholders to optimize value chain.
• Provide consultative input to short-term planning alignment discussions.
• Support LP improvement and data validation initiatives in coordination with the Short-Range E&P Engineer.
• Communicate mid-range planning assumptions, risks, and economic impacts clearly across functions. 

• Bachelor's degree (B. S.) in applicable engineering field of study from an accredited four-year college or university
• 7+ years of refinery experience, including prior short-term refinery planning experience 

• Deep understanding of crude oil refinery processes. 
• Advanced understanding and practical application of LP processes. 
• Demonstrated experience in refinery economics, production planning, and performance analysis. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to manage complex, multi-variable operational and commercial scenarios.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams. 
• Proficiency with refinery LP systems and simulation tools such as Haverly GRTMPS, Petro-SIM, Aspen HYSYS, or similar platforms.
• Experience in downstream gross margin analysis. 
• Experience leading LP improvement, backcasting, or constraint elimination initiatives.
• Experience developing LP health management or assurance frameworks.
• Oil & Gas industry experience. 
• Advanced degree preferred (MBA, Engineering Management, or related discipline).
• Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMSCA Clearinghouse.