Southern Company

Renewable & Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Project Manager

Southern Company$110K — $130K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
  • MBA and power generation experience are advantages.
  • Experience in generation development, project management, and regulatory environments desired.
  • Knowledge of life cycle cost analysis and economic dispatch considered beneficial.
  • Proven ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic development of renewable and distributed energy resources for Southern Company's generation portfolio.
  • Develop and deploy cost-effective renewable solutions through stakeholder engagement and technology innovation.
  • Drive project strategies to integrate DERs into Southern Company's operations efficiently.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards for renewable projects within the company.
  • Facilitate collaboration with external technology partners to optimize energy deployment.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a hybrid environment with both remote and field work.
  • Some relocation assistance available for candidates outside of Birmingham.
  • Focus on employee leadership and career development within a dynamic environment.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Renewable & Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Project Manager

SCS System Planning - Generation Planning & Development Dept

WORK LOCATION:
  • This position will be based out of Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA, however candidates living outside of the area may be considered with the expectation that they could successfully telework and would be willing to travel to work and/or field location on a routine (to be determined) and as-needed basis.
  • This position will require a mix of both field and office work.
  • Some office work can be performed remotely (telework/work from home).


JOB SUMMARY

This position serves as the Renewable and Distributed Energy Resource (DER) development manager with formal leadership and supervisory responsibilities that include but are not limited to:
  • Develop strategic approach for the evaluation, development, and deployment of renewable resources for the Retail Electric Operating companies of Southern Company.
  • Develop strategic approach for the evaluation, development, and deployment of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) for the Retail Electric Operating companies of Southern Company.
  • Support project development teams with project leadership as needed for either traditional or non-traditional inverter or inertia-based projects
  • Lead the system Technology Application Standards (TAS) development as well as the Technology Strategy Coordination (TSC) associated with what the cost, performance and commercial availability for emerging technologies may be
  • Provide performance management and leadership for the employees within the team.
  • Support regulatory filing requirements for asset certifications


JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree is required
  • Advanced degree is desired
  • An MBA and experience in power generation a plus


Experience, Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Desired experience in the areas of generation development, project management, project development, economic evaluations, and state or federal regulatory environment
  • Desired areas of knowledge include: life cycle cost analysis; avoided and marginal cost concepts; economic dispatch; Southern Company integrated resource planning process; generation and transmission planning processes; generation technologies and operation; federal and or legislation and rules governing renewable energy; typical power purchase agreement terms and conditions
  • High degree of critical/strategic thinking to resolve high impact, complex and/or cross-functional problems. Ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and understandable manner to a broad group of stakeholders
  • Demonstrated effective leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to lead the activities of numerous direct and indirect reports and achieve business results in a cost effective and timely manner
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment where goals and objectives may not always be clearly established or defined


SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide strategic leadership and direction to evaluate the deployment of cost effective and reliably sufficient renewable resources into the Southern Company generation portfolio.
  • Provide strategic leadership and direction to evaluate the deployment of cost effective and reliably sufficient distributed energy resources into the Southern Company generation portfolio.
  • Develop strategies to maximize the value of renewable generation and distributed energy resources through their efficient integration across the Southern Company energy system.
  • Develop and deploy economical renewable solutions through evaluation of resource viability within the system footprint, customer and stakeholder engagement, process integration and alignment, technology innovation, and policy influence.
  • Lead efforts to develop operating company specific renewable generation project strategy and create robust, and economically sound evaluation techniques for continued integration of DERs and expansion of incremental DER technologies into business activities.
  • Lead efforts to ensure operating company owned renewable projects required to meet regulatory filings meet all regulatory standards for quality, compliance and expertise.
  • Lead efforts to assure that the team builds and maintains positive relationships with key internal and external parties to facilitate broad knowledge of development approaches and resource integration.
  • Lead efforts to engage external OEM's to understand emerging issues with renewable and DER technologies such that optimal deployment can be ensured.
  • Provide cross-organizational support for developing projects as availability and business needs may require
  • Lead a staff and budget with a focus on prioritizing future expenditures in areas of value and benefit to the company
  • Ensure Southern style is exemplified through the team and in all interactions with internal and external customers, colleagues, and business contacts
  • Lead the technology portfolio management process for renewable and DER technologies, screening based on qualitative and quantitative criteria, and the establishment of technology application standards
  • Develop, maintain, and revise standards of renewable and DER technology attributes for all commercial evaluations and IRP uses that includes capital cost, O&M costs, typical performance metrics, general site requirements, system limitations, and flexibility
  • Lead enterprise-wide project teams to investigate, evaluate, and recommend state-of-the-art deployment structures for renewable and DER energy supply technologies including customer sited applications
  • Support the development of comparative economic analyses (e.g. levelized cost of energy, levelized cost of capacity) of renewable and DER technologies relevant to the retail OPCOs
  • Inform System Planning's methods for accurately modeling renewable and DER generation technologies
  • Maintain current working knowledge of industry trends and published technology assessments and forecasts from entities such as S&P Global, BNEF, NREL, NETL, EIA, Lazard, and public disclosures from other utilities
  • Develop new renewable and DER solution constructs for the Retail Operating companies


Additional Details:

The position works directly with other managers within System Planning and across the Planning and operating organizations of the retail electric operating companies and must be an excellent communicator. The successful candidate must be comfortable with public speaking and must be capable of positively representing and defending the company against adversarial parties, in a diplomatic manner.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
  • This position can require some travel - approximately 25% per year.


RELOCATION
  • Some relocation assistance is available if the selected candidate currently resides outside the Birmingham area


BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES
  • Demonstrate Southern Company Values - Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment
  • Safety focus and a strong personal safety record


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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