Commercial Specialist
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta's interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta's competitive wholesale electricity market. The AESO strives to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where people feel respected and welcomed for who they are, together we deliver high performance and innovative results.
Job Description
If you are a current AESO employee or contractor, please view openings and apply through our internal site at Workday.
Reporting to the Manager, Procurement, the Commercial Specialist has accountability to lead and support on matters relevant to designing and implementing complex procurements based on market operations, economic efficiency implications, grid operations, reliability, legal, policy, industry, and stakeholder perspectives. You will be responsible for leading and influencing cross functional teams through the design and implementation stages for critical products and services to be procured competitively or through bilateral negotiations. To enable the increasing penetration of renewable energy within Alberta's electricity supply, these procured services are critical to the safe, reliable, and economic transformation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System toward net-zero emissions.
This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health and dental benefits, mental health support, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package. We support a hybrid work environment, where the team is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are flexible for where you work best.
You will enjoy working with us if:
You value flexibility to support life and personal needs. We offer a flexible work practice where some weeks may require more onsite presence during key business or operations events.
You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals, and work and learn in a diverse atmosphere - our team and colleagues have varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
You thrive in a dynamic environment and seek opportunities for transformative change.
You leverage your strong written and verbal communication skills to educate and build alignment, and foster effective relationships with stakeholders and industry partners.
You are a natural leader and influencer within cross-functional groups, whether it's in support of large projects or bilateral negotiations.
You can work well independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
You demonstrate initiative and adaptability when priorities change, ensuring deadlines are met.
You enjoy analyzing, organizing, and ensuring data accuracy before presenting findings and recommendations to varying audiences.
You have a knack for strategic and critical thinking, which lends well to anticipating outcomes.
You understand the importance of managing sensitive issues to retain perspective and confidentiality.
Key accountabilities:
Lead and/or support major competitive procurements and key activities associated with product and procurement design.
Develop commercial negotiating strategies and lead bilateral negotiations with sophisticated counterparties.
Effective project management including identifying risks and mitigations, thinking strategically, to actively lead through influence cross functional group discussions to develop product and procurement designs and strategies.
Incorporate a variety of perspectives and employ creativity to develop and defend procurement recommendations which balance trade-offs between complex and competing objectives. Employ an effective balance between conviction and openness to alternative perspectives.
Review project deliverables performed by members of the cross functional team; delegate work as required.
Influence outcomes, analyze, research, understand and communicate product design alternatives, and advocate for how recommendations support organizational objectives and deliver value to Albertans.
Apply subject matter expertise as well as input gathered from other experts to strategically determine priorities and work scope, ensure focused and relevant work efforts to progress procurement objectives and timelines.
Coordinate, facilitate and document outcomes and key decisions from internal and external discussions on relevant topics.
Draft key procurement documents such as Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOI), Request for Information (RFI), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), Request for Proposals (RFP) etc.
Apply subject matter expertise to recommend and support the development of complex commercial agreements, including payment mechanisms and associated incentives and penalties, that minimize organizational risk and deliver long-term value for Albertans.
Develop stakeholder relationships and manage engagements, either formally or informally, as required.
What you'll bring to us:
An experienced professional with a minimum 10 years of relevant industry experience.
An undergraduate degree in business, supply chain management, economics, policy, law, engineering or equivalent, or experience equivalent to a degree or designation. An advanced degree is an asset.
Previous experience with large competitive procurements, establishing strategy and leading or supporting complex bilateral negotiations.
Experience drafting commercial agreements and procurement documents.
Skilled at planning and supporting group facilitation to ensure all perspectives are heard, considered, and respected when establishing recommendations for product and procurement designs.
Specialized knowledge of deregulated electricity markets is an asset.
Project management knowledge and skills, including working with project management software such as MS Project is an asset.
Change endurance and resilience in working through uncertain outcomes.
Intermediate/advanced skill set to perform data analytics in Excel to evaluate different payment mechanisms and perform scenario and cost analysis.
Strong financial and business acumen. Experience working with financial cost models considered an asset.
Application deadline: February 2, 2025
#LI-Hybrid
If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.
The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta.
As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 33 of the FOIP Act.