Nuclear Development - Director Commercial Development & Strategy

American Electric Power; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 160,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentive

401K match

AEP Pension

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

American Electric Power in Columbus, OH is seeking a strategic leader to drive growth, commercial development, and profitability of our advanced nuclear projects. You will originate and structure complex transactions, guide cross-functional teams, and deliver scalable energy solutions.

The role requires a strong network, deep deal experience, and the ability to manage end-to-end development from concept through financial close, aligning with corporate objectives and risk controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, or business.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years’ experience arranging, developing, and negotiating investment opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Identify high-value market opportunities through market research and customer needs.
• Lead origination, negotiation, and closing of complex transactions.
• Oversee end-to-end project development and maintain deal pipelines.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams through due diligence and approvals.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, or business

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Posting End Date11-11-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.Job SummaryAccountable for leading the strategic growth, commercial development, and financial success of AEP advanced nuclear projects. This role combines vision, deal making, and deep sector expertise to originate, structure, and execute transactions that expand the company’s advanced nuclear footprint. The ideal candidate is a highly commercial leader with a strong network, proven transactional capability, and a track record of delivering profitable, scalable energy projects.Job DescriptionWhat You'll Do:Strategic input: Identify high-value market opportunities through the monitoring of customer needs, market research, and competitive dynamics. Build business cases for new investments, balancing financial returns, risk, and strategic value.Transaction leadership: Lead the origination, negotiation, and closing of complex commercial transactions, including project acquisitions, greenfield development rights, joint ventures, PPAs, tolling agreements, fuel supply, and equipment procurements.Project development management: Oversee the end-to-end project development process; prioritize opportunities; maintain transparent deal pipelines and status reporting so support departments have timely access to materials and can provide constructive due diligence feedback.Cross-functional coordination: Direct cross-functional development activities from concept through financial close, including permitting, interconnection, engineering, real estate, and environmental diligence.Convene due diligence meetings, work with subject matter experts to resolve issues, and coordinate preparation and circulation of approval materials (including risk oversight and executive briefings).Team leadership: Direct and mentor business development staff, set priorities, and ensure alignment with corporate objectives and support functions.What We're Looking For:Education:Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, business, or related field. Advanced degree preferred.Experience:10 years’ experience, arranging, developing, and negotiating investment opportunities.Where You'll Work:On-Site in the AEP Headquarters in Columbus, OHWhat You'll Get:Base salaryAnnual bonusLong-term incentive401K matchAEP PensionComprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!#LI-ONSITE#AEPCareersCompensation DataCompensation Grade:SP20-011Compensation Range:$160,434.00 - $208,565.50The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.