AVP, Data Center & Large Load Strategy - Commercial

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow?  A   position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. AVP, Data Center & Large Load Strategy - Commercial Position Summary 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.

Customer Pipeline & Relationship Management 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.  Commercial Negotiation & Risk Management 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. Regulatory & Ratemaking Strategy 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 Resource & Infrastructure Planning 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. Internal Leadership & Matrix Management 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.  Technology & Innovation Strategy 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. Strategic Reporting & Executive Engagement 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