Director, Energy Strategy

JOB TITLE: Director, Energy Strategy

REPORTS TO: EVP, Commercial Strategy & Energy

SUMMARY: This role is responsible for formulating and executing Aligned’s global energy strategy, with a focus on supporting sustainable growth and strategic utility partnerships. The position involves identifying and securing firm, well-located demand opportunities in collaboration with utilities and customers, while advancing public policy initiatives that support load growth in core markets. Key responsibilities include leading energy procurement and commodities trading agreements (e.g., ISDAs, EEIs), evaluating and executing long-term energy products (PPAs, VPPAs, RECs), and negotiating electrical supply agreements to prioritize Aligned’s energy needs. The role also involves economic assessment of cogeneration and alternative energy solutions such as SMRs, hydrogen, battery storage, and diesel alternatives, while supporting the company’s broader sustainability initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Formulating and Executing Aligned’s Global Energy Strategy
• Partnering with Utilities and Customers to identify opportunities to provide well-located, firm demand for Utilities while progressing their initiatives
• Influencing public policies to support Aligned’s load growth in core markets
• Collaborating with customers to establish and execute their procurement strategies
• Negotiating Commodities Trading Agreements – ISDAs, EEIs, etc.
• Evaluating and executing long-term physical, financial, and renewable products – PPAs, VPPAs, RECs, etc.
• Formulating and Negotiating Electrical Supply Agreements and inducements to prioritize Aligned’s load with utilities
• Leading economic evaluation of cogeneration of primary load via natural gas or other technologies
• Supporting economic viability and strategy of alternative energy solutions and technologies such as SMRs, hydrogen, multi-hour battery storage, onsite diesel alternatives
• Supporting Aligned’s sustainability efforts
• This role will partner with: Board of Directors, Executive Leadership, Commercial/Sales, Strategy & Development (Real Estate), CTO (Land Enablement, Engineering, and Power Generation), Platform Delivery (Construction), ESG, Legal, and/or Finance/Accounting

QUALIFICATIONS:

10+ years’ experience in the utility industry that could include:

• Commodities trading directly or in a support function of Risk, FP&A, Accounting, or Scheduling (experience with ICE, CME, NYMEX, NGX exchanges and/or bilateral trading via ISDA’s, EEI’s, etc.)
• An engineer with direct operational experience with generation assets (coal, combined cycle gas, nuclear, and/or renewables like wind or solar)
• Education in Engineering, Finance, or Accounting with exceptions for experience of 5+ years in the energy industry

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.

Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.