Analyst II Capacity Planning

JOB SUMMARY
This Gas Supply Operations position is responsible for developing system load forecasts of Southern Company Gas’ utilities.  This position requires strong analytical, technical, and quantitative skills with the ability to utilize statistical forecasting models.  This role supports multiple business units including Gas Supply, Gas Control, Engineering, and Regulatory Affairs.  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 
Functional Expertise:
•Acquires historical load, temperature, and billing unit (customer) data for analysis.
•Utilizes statistical models to analyze data and develop load forecasts.
•Develops design day load forecasts and load duration curves.
•Develops monthly, seasonal, and annual forecasts of daily system load. 
•Develops statistical modeling philosophies and establishes criteria for load forecasting.
•Evaluates capacity asset and gas supply alternative costs and risks.
•Provides support in various multi-state and federal (FERC) regulatory proceedings including preparing data request responses, reviewing testimony, and analyzing interstate pipeline rate and tariff filing impacts.
•Prepares ad-hoc analysis as requested such as identifying peak sendout days, coldest weather days, weather pattern scenarios and other various load and supply portfolio information.
•Effectively communicates and presents results of analysis.

Business Acumen:
•Analyzes load, weather, and billing unit (customer) data to help drive business decisions.  
•Confirms accuracy of analysis and data.
•Effectively communicates analysis, assumptions, results and recommendations.
•Demonstrates experience in statistical modeling and a familiarity of the natural gas industry.
•Develops recommendations and documentation to support and coordinate business decisions.

Engagement:
•Fosters relationships with managers, peers, external business partners and is a team player.
•Collaborates with other departments to coordinate and complete analysis.
•Communicates complex topics with all levels of business partners.
•Influences business decisions by sharing analyses.

Driving Results:
•Tests forecasting accuracy by comparing actual load data to forecasting model results.
•Identifies forecasting model adjustments and recommends process improvements.
•Recommends operational and capacity options that provide best cost to utility customers.
•Maintains process documentation and accurate data records.
•Enables the growth and development of junior team members.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Certifications/Licenses:
Required:
•Bachelor’s Degree in statistics, economics, finance/accounting, engineering, or a related discipline/field of study
Preferred:
•MBA, EIT, PM certification or equivalent degree
•Previous forecasting experience
•Familiarity with machine learning, neural networks, and/or stochastic models
•Demonstrated experience in building predictive models using multiple modeling methods in R, Python, or SAS
•Experience in using hydraulic modeling systems, Monte Carlo statistical simulations, and supply optimization models
 
Specific Skills & Knowledge:
Required:
•Natural gas industry experience
•Ability to handle multiple projects with dynamic priorities
•Ability to work independently while keeping management informed
•Strong data analysis skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications
•Familiarity with statistical analysis and regression modeling
Preferred:
•Knowledge of Southern Company Gas’ gas operations
•Natural gas industry experience with gas supply, interstate pipeline capacity, and state/federal regulatory proceedings
•Forecast modeling experience
•Experience with statistical package software

Related Work Experience:
Job level determined by level of skills, work experience as described below, and familiarity of Gas Supply Operations existing procedures relating to:  data management systems and techniques, LNG assets, interstate pipeline assets, corporate budgeting and accounting/forecasting practices.

Gas Supply Operations Analyst II 
•    Required:  5+ years experience in the natural gas or electric energy industry with a strong background in load forecasting and/or capacity planning.  Ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior team members.
•    Preferred:  Experience in using hydraulic modeling systems, Monte Carlo statistical simulations, and supply optimization models.  Ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior team members. 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
•    Office environment - 4 days on-site 

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.