Nuclear Development - Director Commercial Development & Strategy

American Electric Power • Columbus, OH

2d • $160,434 - $208,566 • Onsite

About The Position

Accountable for leading the strategic growth, commercial development, and financial success of AEP advanced nuclear projects. The role combines vision, deal making, and deep sector expertise to originate, structure, and execute transactions that expand the company’s advanced nuclear footprint. The ideal candidate is a highly commercial leader with a strong network, proven transactional capability, and a track record of delivering profitable, scalable energy projects.

The position is on-site at AEP headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, business, or a related field.
• 10 years’ experience arranging, developing, and negotiating investment opportunities.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-value market opportunities by monitoring customer needs, conducting market research, and assessing competitive dynamics.
• Build business cases for new investments, balancing financial returns, risk, and strategic value.
• Lead the origination, negotiation, and closing of complex commercial transactions, including project acquisitions, greenfield development rights, joint ventures, PPAs, tolling agreements, fuel supply, and equipment procurements.
• Oversee the end-to-end project development process, prioritize opportunities, and maintain transparent deal pipelines and status reporting to support timely review and constructive due diligence feedback.
• Direct cross-functional development activities from concept through financial close, including permitting, interconnection, engineering, real estate, and environmental diligence.
• Convene due diligence meetings, work with subject matter experts to resolve issues, and coordinate preparation and circulation of approval materials, including risk oversight and executive briefings.
• Direct and mentor business development staff, set priorities, and ensure alignment with corporate objectives and support functions.

Benefits

• Base salary
• Annual bonus
• Long-term incentive
• 401K match
• AEP Pension
• Comprehensive benefits package aimed at supporting and enhancing employees’ overall well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director