AVP, Data Center & Large Load Strategy - Commercial

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

3d•$199,100 - $252,300

About The Position

The AVP of Data Center & Large Load Strategy will guide the development and execution of strategic initiatives to integrate AI-driven large-scale data center and other large load customers onto the electric grid. The Data Center and Large Load Strategy team plays a critical role in successfully positioning Xcel Energy as the trusted and preferred utility provider amidst rapidly growing load requirements and national competition to attract large loads. The initiatives led by this group represent a significant opportunity for company investment with benefits for existing customers and attracting high levels of investor interest. The role requires deep expertise in regulatory frameworks, commercial negotiations, infrastructure planning, and stakeholder engagement. This role serves as a cross-functional leader, driving alignment across regulatory, operations, planning, and customer-facing teams to ensure timely and cost-effective load growth. This role will focus on the Customer Pipeline & Relationship Management and Commercial Negotiations & Risk Management aspects of the role and will have a peer focused on Regulatory and Ratemaking Strategy/Resource & Infrastructure Planning.

Requirements

12+ years of experience in utility operations, regulatory affairs, and/or corporate/project/business development.
Proven track record in leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Strong understanding of utility ratemaking, tariff design, and regulatory approval processes.
Experience negotiating large commercial agreements.
Familiarity with transmission/distribution planning and infrastructure development.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strategic thinker with ability to manage ambiguity and drive results.

Responsibilities

Build and manage relationships with prospective data center customers.
Evaluate prospective partners for viability, and risk, translating insights into load forecasts and financial plans.
Set and maintain clear expectations with customers and internal stakeholders on deliverables, timelines, and utility capabilities.
Influence and advise on negotiations with data center and other large load customers.
Maintain close understanding and balance risk related to commercial viability, financial risk, existing customer impact, and regulatory approval requirements.
Partner with Operating Companies to lead regulatory strategies for large load tariffs and Energy Services Agreements (ESAs).
Support incremental cost tests and develop tariff structures aligned with regulatory expectations.
Assess stakeholder sentiment and regulatory feasibility to ensure ESA and other contract approvals
Collaborate with Integrated System Planning (ISP), Corporate and Project Development, and Operations to execute transmission and distribution studies and ensure generation resources are available to meet new load needs.
Align on and enable timely infrastructure buildout to support load ramp-up schedules.
Align internal resources to meet reliability and cost targets.
Lead a highly matrixed team across regulatory, engineering, planning, and customer functions.
Drive short-timeline, high-impact initiatives with clear accountability and cross-functional coordination.
Cultivate internal networks to accelerate decision-making and execution.
Leverage advanced technologies to meet Company and customer reliability and carbon goals.
Identify and implement creative front-of-the-meter (FTM) utility solutions to minimize incremental costs.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies in AI, energy, data center operations, and other market trends.
Maintain close understanding of and report progress, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
Develop presentations and updates for executives, the board of directors, and investor audiences to support strategic decision-making.
Represent Xcel Energy in external forums and with key stakeholders