Procurement, Contract & Operations Specialist (Mid - Sr) - fuel/coal (Commercial Operations)

American Electric Power•Columbus, OH

2d•$74,551 - $109,543•Onsite

About The Position

The Commercial Analyst position is responsible for various integrated business activities that include market evaluations, forecast planning, counterparty negotiations, contract development, and operational management. The Commercial Analyst interacts with both internal and external stakeholders to support these activities. These integrated business functions will be leveraged for the procurement and transportation of Fuel ("coal, natural gas, fuel oil, and reagents") for AEP's regulated operating companies. Responsibilities include managing each plant's Fuel supply and transportation with the goal of obtaining the lowest reasonable cost to generate electricity. The Commercial Analyst closely coordinates with both internal and external personnel to schedule deliveries and minimize fuel-related operational and quality issues. This position is responsible for understanding AEP's regulatory environment and the jurisdictional requirements of each transaction to ensure successful fuel/environmental cost recovery. The Commercial Analyst will assist other functions within a team environment. Position is critical for supporting the coal and reagent procurement activities for our operating companies and aligns with our continued operational strategy that includes a portfolio of coal fired units.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree required in Engineering, Business, Finance, Accounting, Geology, Earth and Mineral Sciences or equivalent education and/or experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the energy or electric utility industry with a background in fuel procurement, including contract negotiations, plant and transportation operations and regulatory requirements for Fuel cost recovery, preferred.
Must be available to work overtime, call-out overtime and shift work, as required.
Travel requirements are expected 10-25% of the time
Physical demand level is Sedentary.
Strong oral and written communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook
Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays if called upon to procure and schedule Fuel.
Self Starter

Nice To Haves

MBA or professional certification would be a plus.

Responsibilities

Identify Fuel needs for AEP's regulated generating units and assist in the development of procurement plans for a reliable, flexible and competitively priced supply and transportation portfolio.
Negotiate contracts with counter-parties and actively manage the Fuel portfolios of AEP's regulated operating companies to maintain a reliable, diverse and flexible Fuel supply at the lowest, reasonable delivered cost, while ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions.
Perform timely and accurate Fuel supply nominations on various web-based nomination/scheduling systems in accordance with the transporter's operating procedures and deadlines.
Must be available 24/7, including weekends and holidays if called upon to procure and schedule Fuel supplies.
Enter and ensure the integrity of the data records in the internal IT systems (ComTrac, FuelWorks, Position Manager, Consumables Management, etc.).
Closely monitor and manage Fuel deliveries, inventory, imbalance/demurrage positions, railcar leases and maintenance, etc. consistent with short and long-term strategies, ensuring asset optimization and appropriate performance by counterparties.
Actively participate in the marketplace, staying abreast of market pricing trends, Fuel contracting methods, supply availability, available transportation connections/alternatives and potential operational constraints.
Closely coordinate with Production Optimization, Day Ahead Operations, Generation Dispatch and power plant employees to understand Fuel requirements and to develop and provide cost information for each unit.
Maintain a thorough knowledge of the transporters serving the regulated operating companies' generating plants and associated contractual agreements/tariffs, including contract obligations, receipt points, delivery points, transport commodity rates, fuel retainage/surcharges, allocations, etc.
Provide updates to appropriate AEP personnel regarding Fuel supply and transportation operating conditions and maintenance. The update will provide detailed information as to how the operating conditions will impact the receipt and delivery of Fuel.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with Fuel suppliers and transporters to provide low-cost, reliable Fuel arrangements with appropriate flexibility for AEP's regulated generating fleet.
Market excess Fuel, terminal and railcar capacity and Coal Combustion By-Products.
Maintain an awareness of legal, accounting, regulatory/governmental issues and/or initiatives that may impact Fuel supply and transportation arrangements. Recommend contract pricing provisions and amendments, when necessary.
Coordinate with regulatory, environmental, generation, contract administration, plant personnel, settlements, accounting and confirmations to appropriately resolve all Fuel issues.
Prepare Fuel testimony schedules and work papers to support fuel/environmental cost recovery and related regulatory proceedings, including responses to data requests from regulatory agencies and other internal and external entities.
Ability to communicate ideas and recommendations to key stakeholders ensuring coordinated solutions across Regulated Commercial Operations.
Support other AEP business units with routine Fuel cost reporting; special projects and analysis support; Sarbanes-Oxley compliance testing; internal and external audit coordination; and other duties as assigned and appropriate.
Fuel Buyer will assist in the development of procurement strategies, support negotiations and preparation of analysis and presentations for senior level evaluation and consideration.