Corporate Development Expert

Duquesne Light Company, headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is a leader in providing electric energy and has been in the forefront of the electric energy market, with a history rooted in technological innovation and superior customer service. Today, the company continues its role as a leader in the transmission and distribution of electric energy, providing a secure supply of reliable power to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Duquesne Light Company is committed to creating a culture of inclusion. We value and respect the unique differences and experiences of our employees. We believe that our differences lead to better collaboration, innovation and outcomes. We want you to join our team!

The Corporate Development Expert within the Corporate Strategy organization is an expert who will lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of strategic opportunities that align with our long-term growth goals as a utility provider. This role requires an individual with expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), partnerships, and market expansion strategies within the utility sector. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of driving growth through corporate initiatives, excellent financial acumen, and the ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to support our mission of providing reliable, sustainable utility services.

Location: Hybrid, downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A):

• Identify potential acquisition targets and strategic partners within the utility and energy sectors.
• Lead due diligence efforts, including financial analysis, market research, and risk assessments, specific to the regulatory and operational frameworks of the utility industry.
• Negotiate deal terms and structure, working closely with legal, finance, and senior leadership teams.
• Oversee post-acquisition integration to ensure seamless transition and value realization and alignment with company goals and regulatory requirements.

1. Strategic Partnerships:

• Develop and nurture strategic partnerships with other utility providers, renewable energy firms, technology companies, and governmental entities to support sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with business units to explore joint ventures, public-private partnerships, and other partnership opportunities in the energy and utility space.
• Manage ongoing partner relationships and monitor partnership performance to ensure alignment with company objectives, especially in terms of service reliability and sustainability.

1. Market & Competitive Analysis:

• Conduct market research to identify new trends, opportunities, and regulatory changes in the utility industry, particularly in renewable energy, smart grid technology, and sustainability.
• Analyze competitor activity and regulatory developments to inform corporate strategy and identify areas for potential growth and competitive advantage.

1. Strategic Planning:

• Assist in the development and execution of the company's long-term growth strategy, including geographic expansion, renewable energy projects, and infrastructure development.
• Provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership based on market trends, financial analysis, and industry-specific opportunities.

1. Financial Analysis & Valuation:

• Develop financial models to assess the feasibility and profitability of potential deals, factoring in the long-term regulatory and operational considerations of the utility industry.
• Conduct valuation analyses using industry-standard methods such as discounted cash flow (DCF), comparable company analysis, and precedent transaction analysis, with a focus on utility-specific metrics.

1. Risk Management & Compliance:

• Assess risks associated with potential deals, including regulatory changes, environmental considerations, and operational impacts, ensuring alignment with the company's risk appetite and compliance standards.
• Work with legal and compliance teams to ensure all deals meet regulatory requirements and internal policies, including those specific to utility and energy sectors.

1. Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Collaborate with senior executives, legal teams, finance teams, regulatory bodies, and external advisors to ensure alignment throughout the deal-making process.
• Prepare presentations and reports for board meetings and investor relations, effectively communicating strategic initiatives and their potential impact on the business.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 12+ years of experience in corporate development, investment banking, management consulting, corporate finance, or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of M&A processes, including valuation, negotiation, and integration.
• Excellent analytical skills with a deep understanding of financial modeling and valuation techniques.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• High degree of initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to assess complex business challenges, identify new opportunities, and develop forward-looking strategies that support the long-term vision of the organization.
• Financial Acumen: Expertise in financial modeling, business valuation, and performance metrics, with the ability to analyze complex data to make informed strategic decisions.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate favorable terms in high-stakes business transactions, ensuring alignment with corporate goals while managing risk.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, from initial analysis to execution, while keeping stakeholders informed and on track.
• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the utility sector, including regulatory frameworks, sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements within energy systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to collaborate effectively across departments such as legal, finance, operations, and strategy to ensure alignment and successful deal execution.
• Risk Assessment: Strong understanding of the risks associated with utility-specific transactions and strategies, including regulatory changes, environmental impact, and operational concerns.
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both written and verbally, to diverse internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, investors, and regulatory bodies.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in driving strategic initiatives, mentoring junior team members, and influencing decision-making at the highest levels within an organization.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience in the utility industry or similarly regulated sectors.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, etc.).
• Expertise in digital marketing and social media strategies to drive business development initiatives.

Scope

Primary focus is on daily deliverables, outputs, reporting along with the proactive improvement of process and workflows for the larger group. Confidently manages ones own time and work flow and prioritizes work effectively. Responsibilities are both operational and strategic in nature. Daily work is typically complex in nature requiring the incumbent to draw on previous knowledge to perform role. Has well established capabilities, acts as a resource to less experienced staff and peers on complex issues which require subject matter expertise.

Decision Impact

Problems and issues faced are vague and require reasoning of a broader set of variables to identify root cause. Expert in their field makes sound decisions regularly. Other employees typically seek advise and decisioning support from this role on a regular basis.

Hybrid Work

Position follows our hybrid work model, with a minimum of two days working in the office and the remaining days working remotely. Reporting location and frequency may be subject to change based on job role and department needs.

Storm Roles

All Non-Union Employees will serve in storm roles as appropriate to their role and skillset. Please be sure to discuss storm roles with the hiring manager for this position, as duties can vary across the Company.Examples of storm roles could include but aren't limited to duties such as: working with operations for service center support or with the communications, customer service or government affairs teams to respond to public and customer requests for information, etc.

Data Governance

Utilize data to make business decisions as appropriate for the position, support data stewardship activities and partner with IT on underlying data needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of the employment relationship, without discrimination because of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran or any other unlawful basis, as defined by applicable law, and fostering a workplace free of unlawful discrimination and retaliation. This policy affects decisions including, but not limited to, hiring, compensation, benefits, terms and conditions of employment, opportunities for promotion, transfer, layoffs, return from a layoff, training and development, and other privileges of employment. An integral part of Duquesne Light Holdings' commitment is to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws concerning equal employment and affirmative action.

Duquesne Light Holdings is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us at HR@duqlight.com and describe the specific accommodation requested for a disability-related limitation.