Wholesale Market Trading Manager

formally ECG•Marietta, GA

About The Position

Cooperative Energy Incorporated (CEI) is an electric cooperative that provides wholesale power services to its member cooperatives and is committed to providing reliable, low-cost power for our members. CEI fosters a collaborative, fast-paced, and results-oriented environment where expertise in wholesale energy markets is highly valued. Join the CEI team and play a critical role in optimizing our commercial operations and mitigating financial risk. Position Summary: CEI is seeking a highly skilled and decisive Wholesale Market Trading Manager to lead the management and execution of wholesale power and fuel transactions across the Southeast and adjacent regions. This role is crucial for optimizing the CEI portfolio, minimizing costs, ensuring reliable dispatch, and actively expanding the company’s market reach. The Manager will be responsible for essential natural gas hedging strategies and providing expert support to power scheduling and middle office functions.

Requirements

Market Execution: Demonstrated ability to independently and decisively execute time-sensitive energy procurement and trading decisions within approved delegation of authority limits.
Industry Relationships: Proven ability to build, develop, and maintain strong working relationships with third-party companies and individuals across the wholesale gas and power industry.
Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, market pricing software, and the ability to quickly adapt to new relevant technologies.
Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills, grammar, business writing, and verbal communication for internal reporting and external negotiation.
Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment toward shared company objectives and goals.
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Services, Information Technology, or Business Administration.
Required Experience: Minimum eight (8) years of progressive, hands-on experience in wholesale power markets.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

Market Trading & Optimization:
Execute Transactions: Manage and execute physical and financial wholesale power and natural gas purchases and sales in long-term, short-term, and Day Ahead markets.
Market Analysis: Proactively analyze near-term power and market exposure, identify intra-month and multi-day procurement/sales opportunities, and present strategies at the Week Ahead meeting.
Transmission Management: Establish and manage necessary documentation with Transmission Service Providers to acquire capacity for meeting load obligations and optimizing sales.
Financial Risk Management & Hedging:
Natural Gas Hedging: Develop and execute hedging recommendations (NYMEX futures, Monthly/Daily Basis forwards, etc.) to mitigate portfolio risk associated with natural gas and fuel exposure.
Compliance Support: Serve as the front office liaison to the middle office, ensuring accurate Mark-to-Market analyses, proper position valuation, and early identification of potential risks.
Business Development & Expansion:
Counterparty Development: Identify and pursue new trading counterparties for both physical and financial power and gas products to broaden CEI’s access to market liquidity, as well as maintain existing counterparty relationships.
Negotiation: Work with legal and counterparties to negotiate trading documents (ISDAs, etc.) for physical and financial natural gas and power products.
Strategic Analysis & Communication:
Market Intelligence: Continuously monitor market conditions for material changes affecting CEI’s cost-effectiveness, generating concise reports for senior leadership.
Team Education: Lead coaching and education efforts for departmental staff on market fundamentals, trading strategies, and current events.
Asset Support: Contribute analysis and operational procedure development for potential power supply asset acquisitions.