JOB SUMMARY: The Customer Development Department focuses on growing our business through the addition of new customers, increased utilization of natural gas from our existing customer base and maintaining long-term relationships with our key customer accounts. The purpose of this position, including the Sr Account Executive role, is to promote and market natural gas to the large commercial and industrial customer market segments to generate growth for the utility’s distribution system. This position works closely with regional economic development organizations in support of attracting new C&I customers and assisting existing C&I customers for increased utilization of natural gas. A primary responsibility of this role is to develop and maintain long-term relationships with our largest natural gas consumers, providing a single point of contact for all their natural gas needs. This role serves as a subject matter expert with our largest commercial and industrial customers regarding their use of natural gas in their daily operations. This role focuses on strategically identifying target market segments for outreach and working cross-functionally to facilitate the onboarding process for projects in the most optimal manner possible. JOB REQUIREMENTS: Account Executive: Bachelor’s Degree – engineering, marketing, business, or other field relevant to the energy market. 5 years previous experience in a utility and/or energy-related field. Valid Driver’s License – position requires local travel within our service territory. Sr Account Executive: Bachelor’s Degree – engineering, marketing, business, or other field relevant to the energy market. 8+ years previous experience in a utility and/or energy-related field, with a focus on large commercial and industrial market segments. Demonstrated ability and proficiency in developing trustworthy and productive relationships with customers. Prior experience negotiating contracts. Valid Driver’s License – position requires local travel within our service territory. Preferred for Both Roles: Prior utility experience and/or prior experience with the large commercial and industrial market segment. MBA or Masters in a related field. Previous experience in sales and/or economic development with the commercial/industrial market segment. Skills: Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and networking skills. Ability to plan, navigate, and negotiate complex sales and onboarding processes. Strong organizational skills and excellent follow-through skills. Leadership skills with a strong understanding of customer business and drivers. Ability to analyze, understand, and react to changing market conditions and customer demands. Ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external customers. Customer-focused mindset with proven ability to respond quickly to customer needs. Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: This position is based out of an office environment; however, frequent customer visits and pre-construction meetings are required. This position may require excessive driving throughout the Nicor Gas service territory. MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop, manage, and maintain ongoing relationships with our largest Illinois utility customers. Identify and drive opportunities for growth utilizing a consultative sales approach, promoting the benefits of natural gas over other energy sources. Call on existing and prospective customers to achieve growth targets; develop customized proposals, provide cost analytics, feasibility studies, and payback analysis for customers. Prepare and deliver sales presentations to key decision-makers/leaders of prospective/existing large commercial and industrial businesses; effectively communicate the value proposition of natural gas. Work collaboratively to facilitate and negotiate contracts with large commercial and industrial customers. Coordinate sales efforts and project management with engineering and construction groups to ensure timely implementation of natural gas infrastructure projects while providing a superior customer experience through the sales and customer onboarding process. Partner cross-functionally within the organization to optimize sales efforts. Provide technical assistance to the Customer Development new business coordinators and service representatives. Act as a subject matter expert and liaison between the customer and the company. Understand our customer’s energy needs – identify needs and opportunities to provide solutions for increased utilization of natural gas; educate customers about process, technological, or efficiency improvements in natural gas equipment. Participate in economic development activities to attract new business and industry to our service territory; work collaboratively with local, regional, and state community economic development agencies to support attracting new business and retention of existing business. Perform analytical, life cycle economic studies for commercial and industrial customers regarding their utilization of natural gas in their operations. Balance external stakeholder (customer, regulatory agency, permitting jurisdiction, etc.) needs with company goals and objectives to reach favorable resolution to stakeholder issues and/or concerns. Maintain a thorough knowledge of the company’s terms and conditions, tariffs, rates, processes, etc.. Utilize the company’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool daily, schedule and document all activities, and develop robust information profiles on existing and prospective customers to facilitate growth. Provide monthly metrics and analysis of customer consumption profiles and growth/margin targets. **About Southern Company Gas** Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com . Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process. Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. Job Identification: 9191 Job Category: Administrative & Clerical Job Schedule: Full time Company: Nicor Gas Pay Range: $75,374.00 - $136,215.20 USD Annually: Base salary varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, and at the time of this posting, this is the reasonable salary range for this role.