Sr. Director of Commercial

Sr. Director of Commercial 

The Organization

Grid United is a mission driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.

More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com

The Position

Grid United has numerous large scale transmissions projects underway and is currently identifying and studying additional prospective projects across North America. With patient capital backing led by experienced energy veterans, Grid United is in a fast-growth stage, boasting a purpose-built team of motivated and entrepreneurial talent.  We are particularly focused on effective stakeholder engagement and positive involvement with the communities in the areas where we are working. The Sr. Director of Commercial will play a critical leadership role in driving the company’s commercial strategy and execution. This role is responsible for executing agreements with utilities and trading partners that wish to own equity or transmission rights in the company’s portfolio of transmission projects. The Sr. Director of Commercial will work cross-functionally with development, regulatory, engineering, legal, and financial teams to ensure the successful commercialization of projects. This role will report to the Chief Commercial Officer and will be located in Houston, TX.

Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below.

Key Responsibilities & Outcomes

• Strategic leadership: Develop and implement the commercial strategy for Grid United’s transmission line projects, aligning with the company’s business goals, and long-term vision. 
• Partnerships and negotiations: Lead negotiations with utilities, independent power producers, renewable energy developers, corporate offtakers, trading companies, and large loads to secure agreements for long-term transmission service, develop-transfer ownership, construction financing, and build-own-transfer ownership. 
• Market analysis: Analyze capacity and energy market trends, regulatory environments, and customer needs to identify commercial opportunities and optimize project commercial structure. 
• Financial oversight: Collaborate with the finance team to evaluate project economics, revenue models, and business cases to ensure financial viability and attractiveness to investors. 
• Regulatory and policy engagement: Partner with the regulatory team to navigate federal, state, and RTO/ISO policies that impact commercial agreements and transmission line development. 
• Cross-functional leadership: Coordinate across Grid United functional areas and synchronize work of many Subject Matter Experts.  Help junior staff learn and grow with challenging work and high standards. 

Behaviors – which are essential to success of this team

• Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace
• Build, maintain and value board and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community
• Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm and no blame way
• Step up in an unselfish manner to support and lead the cross-functional team and fill gaps 
  
• Operate with strong sense of urgency to maintain commercial momentum 
  
• Communicate with integrity and build trust with customers

Desired Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, or a related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in energy infrastructure, transmission, renewable energy, or utility industries, with a strong focus on commercial strategy and execution.
• Ability to travel 1 to 3 times per month for customer meetings and industry events. 
• Proven track record of negotiating complex commercial agreements, such as power purchase agreements (PPAs), interconnection agreements, or transmission service agreements.
• Deep understanding of capacity and energy markets, state and FERC regulatory frameworks, and transmission infrastructure.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to analyze project economics and develop business cases.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with a history of building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Leadership experience, including building and managing teams in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Strong writing skills, including both technical and persuasive writing.
• Ability to read and digest large amounts of information rapidly.
• Desire to learn key elements of all functional areas including finance, engineering/construction, land acquisition, public outreach, and US state and federal regulations. 

What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity

• An organization dedicated to solving the ever-changing Rubik’s cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture
• Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
• Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders
• Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large-scale project that will materially change the energy future of America  
• Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact
• Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development

Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.

Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.