Executive Infrastructure Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
Essential Responsibilities
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 key stakeholders

Minimum Requirements

• 12+ years of experience in utility operations, regulatory affairs, and/or corporate/project/business development.
• Proven track record in leading complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong understanding of utility ratemaking, tariff design, and regulatory approval processes.
• Experience negotiating large commercial agreements.
• Familiarity with transmission/distribution planning and infrastructure development.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with ability to manage ambiguity and drive results.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $199,100.00 to $252,300.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Long Term Incentive, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 08/14/26
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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
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