Business Development Associate
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Business Development Associate will work closely with the Business Development Managers to assist and support efforts to locate, pursue, and execute quality, profitable acquisition, origination, and development opportunities that provide material benefits to Southern Power and Southern Company. While supporting a broad range of growth initiatives, this role will place special emphasis on identifying and advancing new natural gas generation projects that align with Southern Power’s strategy for reliable, cost-effective, energy solutions.
This is a support position with the primary role of enhancing the productivity and effectiveness of the Business Development Managers and the entire team by coordinating project activities, assisting in technical or detailed evaluations, managing and following up on assigned issues or action plans, etc. Primary interfaces involve all of the expert groups supporting a deal evaluation and negotiation such as Accounting, Finance, Structuring, Generation Development, Transmission, Siting, External Affairs, Engineering, Asset Management, etc.
This position provides the opportunity for the successful candidate to learn the acquisition and development process by working alongside Business Development Managers to develop relationships with external parties, prepare indicative proposals, understand project valuations, perform due diligence, and structure and negotiate purchase agreements and PPAs, with a particular focus on natural gas generation assets and related infrastructure.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support efforts to deliver on growth plans for SPC, with a focus on new natural gas generation development and acquisition
- Prepare and maintain deal status summaries and presentations for management
- Assist in identifying acquisition and origination opportunities across technologies, prioritizing natural gas generation projects that enhance portfolio reliability and flexibility
- Track acquisition/origination progress, project management activities, and due diligence
- Investigate and/or follow up on specific assigned issues as needed
- Support negotiations and deal structuring
- Identify and implement improvements to the process, from deal sourcing to closing
- Build relationships with peers, support teams, and external counterparties
Candidates with the following preferred qualifications are encouraged to apply:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required – i.e. Business, Engineering, Finance, etc.
- Master’s degree not required but may be a plus
Experience
- Experience with the power industry, particularly in natural gas generation development, project evaluation, or asset acquisition, is a plus
- Experience with the due diligence process, and/or contract negotiations also valuable
- Aptitude and attitude are of primary importance
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of (or interest in) technologies employed in natural gas and other thermal energy generating assets, as well as renewable energy
- Basic knowledge of (or interest in) the wholesale energy market and electric system economics
- Basic knowledge of (or interest in) financial principles
- Basic knowledge of (or interest in) wholesale power contracting principles, including power purchase agreement terms and conditions and risks associated with contract obligations
- Basic knowledge of (or interest in) negotiating contracts
- High degree of project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects at one time
- Must be a self-starter who takes initiative and possesses an “ownership” attitude to follow up on assigned tasks and issues
- Strong organizational/project management skills with the ability to support multiple BD managers and handle multiple complex issues/projects under pressure simultaneously and successfully
- Interpersonal skills with the desire and ability to develop relationships and work closely with cross-functional support teams
- Ability to develop and maintain credible professional relationships with a wide variety of external counterparties—partners, developers, financial firms, customers, vendors, competitors
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to communicate complex information clearly and concisely
- Analytical skills necessary to identify and understand key issues, investigate potential solutions, and recommend best course of action
- High degree of proficiency with standard business software
Southern Power , a subsidiary of Southern Company, is a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider meeting the electricity needs of municipalities, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and other energy customers. Southern Power and its subsidiaries own 55 facilities operating or under construction in 14 states with more than 12,500 MW of generating capacity in Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 16245
Job Category: Engineering
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Power
