Program Lead – Fuel Oil Supply & Optimization Strategy

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