Associate, Business Development

Position

Associate, Business Development

Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company.

Birmingham, AL

$84,000 - $100,000 per year

The Business Development Associate will work closely with the Business Development Managers to assist and support efforts to locate, pursue, and execute quality, profitable acquisition, origination, and development opportunities that provide material benefits to Southern Power and Southern Company. While supporting a broad range of growth initiatives, this role will emphasize identifying and advancing new natural gas generation projects that align with Southern Power’s strategy for reliable, cost‑effective energy solutions.

This support position’s primary role is to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of the Business Development team by coordinating project activities, assisting in technical evaluations, managing follow‑ups on assigned issues, and supporting deal negotiation activities. Primary interfaces involve expert groups supporting a deal evaluation and negotiation such as Accounting, Finance, Structuring, Generation Development, Transmission, Siting, External Affairs, Engineering, Asset Management, and others.

The position provides an opportunity to learn the acquisition and development process by working alongside Business Development Managers to develop relationships with external parties, prepare indicative proposals, understand project valuations, perform due diligence, and structure and negotiate purchase agreements and PPAs, with a particular focus on natural gas generation assets and related infrastructure.

• Support efforts to deliver on growth plans for Southern Power, focusing on new natural gas generation development and acquisition.
• Prepare and maintain deal status summaries and presentations for management.
• Assist in identifying acquisition and origination opportunities across technologies, prioritizing natural gas generation projects that enhance portfolio reliability and flexibility.
• Track acquisition/origination progress, project management activities, and due diligence.
• Investigate and follow up on specific assigned issues as needed.
• Support negotiations and deal structuring.
• Identify and implement process improvements from sourcing to closing.
• Build relationships with peers, support teams, and external counter parties.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required – e.g., Business, Engineering, Finance.
• Master’s degree is not required but may be a plus.

• Experience in the power industry, particularly in natural gas generation development, project evaluation, or asset acquisition, is a plus.
• Experience with due diligence or contract negotiations is valuable.
• Aptitude and attitude are of primary importance.

• Basic knowledge or interest in technologies employed in natural gas and other thermal energy generating assets, as well as renewable energy.
• Basic knowledge or interest in the wholesale energy market and electric system economics.
• Basic knowledge or interest in financial principles.
• Basic knowledge or interest in wholesale power contracting principles, including power purchase agreement terms, conditions, and associated risks.
• Basic knowledge or interest in contract negotiation.
• High degree of project‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative and has a strong sense of ownership.
• Strong organizational skills to support multiple BD managers and handle complex issues under pressure.
• Interpersonal skills with the desire and ability to develop relationships with cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to develop and maintain credible professional relationships with a wide variety of external counter parties.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical skills to identify and understand key issues and recommend best courses of action.
• High proficiency with standard business software.

Southern Company invests in the well‑being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary,…