VP, Trading & Market Operations

Urban Grid, a leading independent power producer, facilitates a rapid and sustainable energy transition by developing high-quality renewable energy projects, fostering community partnerships, and serving as a good land steward. Our company is positioned to own and operate its facilities while cultivating a land management system that benefits farmers, communities, and the natural world through agrivoltaics. Urban Grid maintains a delivery-focused approach with the goal of being a good neighbor, corporate citizen, and trusted energy solutions partner. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with teams situated strategically throughout the United States, Urban Grid has a long history of contributing to the clean energy economy. In addition to 940 megawatts currently under construction, we are actively developing a growing portfolio of more than 12,000 megawatts of solar PV and 7,000 megawatts of co-located and stand-alone energy storage. To learn more, please visit www.UrbanGridSolar.com.

 Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield. one of the world’s largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.

Job Summary

The VP, Trading & Market Operations is a critical role that requires balancing day-to-day trading operations, strategic planning and building out the trading and market operations function as we establish an independent function at Urban Grid. This individual will be instrumental in setting and executing trading strategies, managing risk, and optimizing our growing renewable asset portfolio while also acting as a key contributor to the broader strategic commercial objectives. A crucial aspect of this role involves serving as the main point of contact for the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at Brookfield, ensuring alignment between trading strategies and risk management frameworks. This position requires a hands-on approach to daily operations, strategic insight into the energy markets, and the development and execution of a comprehensive plan for the trading team's growth and function over the next 2-3 years.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Play a pivotal role in strategic planning, particularly in identifying opportunities for growth and optimization. Contribute to high-level decision-making and long-term planning around greenfield development.
• Risk Communication: Act as the primary liaison with the Chief Risk Officer at Brookfield, ensuring that trading strategies are aligned with risk management principles and financial objectives. Participate in strategic planning and high-level decision-making, contributing to the company's long-term goals.
• Maintaining Curves and Valuation Assistance: Responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date forward curves for various commodities and assisting in the valuation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), enhancing the financial and strategic analysis of potential deals.
• Trading and Portfolio Management: Lead the development and execution of trading strategies across various products (capacity, RECs, power and basis), leveraging market analysis and risk management tools to maximize profitability.
• Operational and Hands-On Engagement: Maintain direct involvement in daily trading decisions and working closely with the asset operations team.  Demonstrates an expert understanding of energy markets and trading dynamics.
• Team Development and Financial Planning: Outline and execute a detailed plan for the expansion of the trading function, including budgeting, staffing, and timeline management, to ensure the department's growth aligns with corporate objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with regulatory, risk, asset management, and finance departments to integrate trading strategies within the broader organizational framework. Establish and maintain strategic relationships with industry stakeholders, utilities, and ISO/RTOs.
• Market Analysis and Asset Optimization: Oversee the optimization of renewable asset portfolio, ensuring strategic asset management and integration into the market.

Location: Flexible / Preference Houston or New York for select candidates. Office flexibility for Houston office, full-time office for New York location.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in energy markets, with a significant focus on renewable energy trading and portfolio management.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to manage both strategic and operational aspects of the trading function.
• Strong analytical skills, with expertise in financial modeling and trading software.
• Deep knowledge of PJM and MISO markets, regulatory environments, and the renewable energy landscape.

• Exceptional negotiation and communication skills, capable of engaging with senior management, external partners, and regulatory agencies.

Benefits

Urban Grid offers an exciting benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, voluntary life, and long-term disability, paid parental leave, and a retirement plan with matching. Full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.