Marathon Petroleum Corporation Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is a leading integrated downstream energy company, operating the nation's largest refining system and providing branded retail locations across the United States.

As a Business Analyst at MPC, you will play a crucial role in optimizing supply chain processes and driving data-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency. Your key responsibilities will include day-to-day support and administration of supply chain systems, collaborating with IT to troubleshoot and resolve system issues, and providing training on SAP modules. You'll also engage in data analysis to identify high-impact business problems, support budgeting processes, and collaborate with various departments to promote integrated systems that yield cost savings and minimize risks. Essential skills for this role include a strong analytical mindset, proficiency in data visualization tools, and an understanding of supply chain dynamics. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement will align well with MPC's values of collaboration and innovation.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the expectations and competencies required for the Business Analyst role at MPC, enabling you to articulate your fit for the position effectively.

The interview process for a Business Analyst position at Marathon Petroleum Corporation is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the collaborative environment of the company.

1. Initial Recruiter Call

The process begins with a call from a recruiter, which typically lasts around 30 minutes. During this conversation, the recruiter will provide an overview of the role and the company culture, while also gathering information about your background, skills, and career aspirations. This is an opportunity for you to express your interest in the position and ask any preliminary questions you may have.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial call, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment. This could involve a case study or a data analysis task that tests your ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights. The assessment is designed to evaluate your analytical skills and familiarity with business intelligence tools, as well as your problem-solving capabilities.

3. Panel Interviews

Candidates who successfully pass the technical assessment will move on to a series of panel interviews. These interviews typically involve multiple interviewers, including peers and managers from various departments. The focus will be on behavioral questions that explore your past experiences, challenges you've faced, and how you approach problem-solving in a team setting. Expect to discuss specific scenarios where you demonstrated critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication.

4. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may include a one-on-one interview with a senior manager or executive. This interview will likely delve deeper into your strategic thinking and understanding of the business landscape. You may be asked to discuss how you would approach specific business challenges or contribute to ongoing projects within the company.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Business Analyst role, as well as the collaborative culture at Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Next, let’s explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Process

Be prepared for a lengthy interview process that may include multiple rounds, including panel interviews with peers and managers. Familiarize yourself with the structure of these interviews and be ready to discuss your experiences in detail. Highlight your problem-solving skills, particularly in overcoming challenges, as this is a common theme in the interview discussions.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Analyst, your ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data is crucial. Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've used data to drive business decisions or improve processes. Be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of your analyses on previous projects. Familiarity with business intelligence tools and data visualization techniques will be beneficial, so consider bringing examples of your work if possible.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Marathon Petroleum values a collaborative team environment. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills, especially in conveying complex information to non-technical stakeholders. Demonstrating your ability to liaise between different departments and influence decision-making will resonate well with the interviewers.

Prepare for Technical Questions

While the role may not require deep technical expertise, having a solid understanding of supply chain systems, SAP, and data management practices will be advantageous. Brush up on your knowledge of these systems and be ready to discuss how you've used them in your previous roles. If you have experience with process improvement initiatives, be sure to share those examples as well.

Align with Company Culture

Marathon Petroleum emphasizes diversity, new ideas, and a supportive work environment. Reflect on how your values align with the company's culture and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace. Showing that you are a good cultural fit can be just as important as your technical skills.

Practice Behavioral Questions

Given the emphasis on overcoming challenges and problem-solving, practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your analytical thinking, teamwork, and ability to handle pressure. This structured approach will help you articulate your experiences clearly and effectively.

Follow Up with Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the company's strategic goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also allows you to gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Tailor your questions based on the information you gather during the interview to make them more impactful.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great fit for the collaborative culture at Marathon Petroleum. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with supply chain systems and data analysis. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Experience and Background

1. Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles.

This question aims to assess your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Focus on a specific project where you faced significant hurdles. Discuss the steps you took to address these challenges and the outcome of your efforts.

Example

“In my previous role, I was tasked with implementing a new supply chain management system. We faced resistance from team members who were accustomed to the old system. I organized training sessions to demonstrate the benefits of the new system, which ultimately led to a smoother transition and improved efficiency.”

Data Analysis and Reporting

2. How do you approach data visualization to communicate insights effectively?

This question evaluates your ability to present data in a clear and impactful manner.

How to Answer

Discuss the tools you use for data visualization and your thought process in selecting the right visuals for the data you are presenting.

Example

“I typically use Power BI for data visualization. I focus on understanding the audience's needs and tailor the visuals accordingly. For instance, I prefer using dashboards for real-time data monitoring and charts for trend analysis, ensuring that the insights are easily digestible.”

3. Can you explain a time when your data analysis led to a significant business decision?

This question seeks to understand the impact of your analytical work on business outcomes.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example where your analysis directly influenced a decision, detailing the data you analyzed and the results of that decision.

Example

“While analyzing sales data, I identified a trend indicating a decline in a specific product line. I presented my findings to management, which led to a strategic decision to revamp the marketing approach for that product, resulting in a 20% increase in sales over the next quarter.”

Supply Chain Knowledge

4. What experience do you have with supply chain systems, particularly SAP?

This question assesses your familiarity with essential tools and systems used in the role.

How to Answer

Highlight your experience with supply chain systems, particularly any specific modules of SAP you have worked with.

Example

“I have over three years of experience using SAP for supply chain management. I have worked extensively with the inventory management and procurement modules, where I was responsible for troubleshooting issues and providing training to new users.”

5. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use to keep track of tasks.

Example

“I use a combination of project management software and a priority matrix to manage my tasks. I assess the urgency and importance of each task, allowing me to focus on high-impact projects while ensuring that deadlines are met.”

Collaboration and Communication

6. Describe a time when you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams. How did you ensure effective communication?

This question looks at your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project involving multiple departments and how you facilitated communication among team members.

Example

“In a recent project, I collaborated with the finance and IT departments to streamline our budgeting process. I scheduled regular check-ins and used shared documents to keep everyone updated, which helped us stay aligned and meet our deadlines.”

7. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain a positive team dynamic.

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you managed a conflict and the steps you took to resolve it.

Example

“When a disagreement arose between team members regarding project priorities, I facilitated a meeting where everyone could voice their concerns. By encouraging open dialogue, we were able to reach a consensus that aligned with our overall goals.”