Southern Company

Program Lead - Fuel Oil Supply & Optimization Strategy

Southern Company$90K — $120K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Accounting or related field
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Critical and analytical thinking abilities
  • Proven problem-solving and operational strategy implementation skills
  • Capacity to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
  • Proficient with analytical and business software, particularly Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute fuel oil supply strategies for 10,000 MWs of generating capacity
  • Manage and negotiate fuel oil supply contracts while overseeing commercial aspects
  • Monitor and communicate fuel oil inventory levels regularly
  • Liaise with plant personnel to optimize supply chain during emergencies
  • Research and report on trends in oil markets and develop relationships with suppliers
  • Evaluate alternative fuel sources and processes for improvement
  • Participate in natural gas financial hedging transactions and market analysis

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Retirement savings plans
  • Employee assistance and wellness resources
  • Flexible work arrangements
Full Job Description
Job Description

WORK LOCATION

This position will be located at the Southern Company Energy Center in Birmingham, AL.

POSITION SUMMARY

This dynamic position has dual responsibilities. In addition to leading the fuel oil program, responsibilities include participating on the natural gas financial hedging team.

As the fuel oil program lead, this position is responsible for supplying fuel to the Southern Company oil-fired fleet, currently representing approximately 10,000 MWs of generating capacity. Responsibilities include overseeing and managing the fuel oil program, which can have significant implications on overall operational performance of the system. This role is crucial in ensuring the efficient and effective management of fuel oil resources, supporting system reliability at the lowest cost, by working with various teams to procure, coordinate, and optimize fuel oil supply across the Southern Company oil-fired fleet. This is a high-profile, cross-functional role, working closely with plant personnel, fleet operations, natural gas operations, financial & contract services, and resource planning. Additionally, the fuel oil program lead drives future supply strategy through efficiency enhancements and developing innovative solutions for program success.

As a member of the natural gas hedging team, this role will execute financial hedging transactions, maintain a working knowledge of the natural gas market and strategies, prepare market reports, and present to executive management.

The job is located on the Southern Company trading floor in Birmingham, Alabama and will provide the successful candidate the opportunity to gain insight across a broad sweep of the business including oil and natural gas markets/operations, fleet operations and power trading.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and implement fuel oil supply strategies for approximately 10,000 MWs of fuel oil generating capacity across Southern Company's system
    • Understand inventory and supply limitations for each facility
    • Issue annual request for proposals, evaluate bids and award business
    • Negotiate and implement fuel oil supply contracts, managing all commercial aspects
    • Seek opportunities to diversify the supply portfolio to enhance system resilience
    • Ensure timely replenishment of supply after a burn event
    • Regularly monitor fuel oil inventory levels and communicate accordingly
    • Execute risk mitigation plans for emergencies or supply disruptions to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply during critical situations
  • Communicate closely with plant personnel and fleet operations at all times, especially in emergency weather conditions, optimizing supply for the system versus a single facility and providing guidance around unit availability and operation
  • Develop and maintain an understanding of oil markets, trends, pricing, and supply/demand factors
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with fuel oil suppliers and vendors
  • Coordinate fuel oil tank sampling and testing with SCS Technical Shared Services, and facilitate fuel oil treatment as needed
    • Strive for continuous improvement in processes, technologies, and best practices to ensure long-term success and sustainability of the program
    • Proactively seek out and evaluate alternative fuel sources
  • Provide OPCO support in regulatory filings, energy budget development, and new generation evaluations
  • Due to the real-time nature of the position, occasional weekend and after-hours work may be required
  • Support the physical natural gas supply through backup scheduling as needed as well as marginal gas and oil pricing development for economic dispatch
  • Participate on the natural gas financial hedging team
    • Execute hedge transactions considering market dynamics, limits in strategies, and existing hedge portfolios
    • Prepare and distribute standard market reports
    • Prepare and present customized commodity market update presentations for various audiences
    • Prepare and present hedge strategies for all regulated opcos


POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Accounting or equivalent field is required


Experience & Abilities:
  • Comfort with detailed work in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to think critically, strategically, and analytically
  • Adept at identifying challenges, developing solutions, and implementing strategies to address operational issues or emergencies
  • Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships
  • Must be a team player capable of multi-tasking
  • Able to adjust to dynamic situations and make prompt, decisive choices
  • Industry experience is a plus, but not required
  • Proficiency with standard analytical and business software such as Microsoft Office is required


BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES
  • Must consistently demonstrate the behavior of Our Values - Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment
  • Must think strategically, display customer focus, and communicate effectively
  • Must be able to work in a team environment with diverse disciplines and backgrounds
  • Must be able to make decisions confidently and quickly, understanding all the inputs and taking ownership of the outcome


BENEFITS

To review a list of the many offerings we have, please review this link.

About the Team

Southern Company Services

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Southern Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Southern Company, a leader in energy innovation and a champion of sustainable practices. As one of the most respected companies in the energy sector, Southern Company offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise not only professional growth but also a commitment to diversity and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At Southern Company, we are not just about power generation; we are about empowering our team to innovate and lead the industry. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, using your skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Southern Company has a place for you. Our wide range of employment options ensures that every team member can find a path that best suits their career ambitions and skills.

Innovate and Lead

Southern Company is at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and management.

Grow and Develop

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted diversity training, leadership workshops, and continuous professional development. Career growth at Southern Company is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.

Be Part of Our Culture

Southern Company’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and believe that it drives innovation. Our team is our family, and we support each other in achieving personal and professional goals.

Benefits That Go Beyond

Choosing a career at Southern Company means enjoying a range of benefits designed to enrich your life and support your lifestyle. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Ready to power up your career? Explore the job opportunities at Southern Company today. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven individuals. Enhance your skills, join a community of innovators, and work towards a sustainable future.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Southern Company by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to advance your career.

Networking and Career Advancement

At Southern Company, networking and internal mobility are key components of career advancement. Connect with leaders, engage in cross-departmental projects, and take your professional journey to new heights.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Visit our career site for tips on crafting your resume, preparing for interviews, and making a lasting impression.

Join Southern Company—where careers glow brighter!

SEARCH SOUTHERN COMPANY JOBS Stay ahead of the curve in your career with Southern Company, where innovation meets tradition and every employee is empowered to excel.
Learn more about Southern Company
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$77.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion

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