Manager (Energy Supply & Market Modeling)

The Manager (Energy Supply & Market Modeling) at Xcel Energy is responsible for overseeing the modeling and analysis functions related to resource planning for all operating companies. This includes managing the development and maintenance of the Encompass resource planning models, ensuring they reflect our generation portfolio and adhere to emission profiles. The role also involves supervising the validation of modeling outputs and documenting resource decisions. A key part of the job is to manage input data accuracy and perform comparison analyses with other models, ensuring consistent use across the company.

To qualify for the Manager position in Energy Supply & Market Modeling at Xcel Energy, candidates should possess a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of direct experience in the planning, operations, and modeling of electric generation systems using the Encompass model or similar analytical tools is essential. Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are also critical for this role.

The Manager role in Energy Supply & Market Modeling significantly contributes to resource planning by ensuring the Encompass models effectively represent our existing generation portfolios and future options. By evaluating various portfolio scenarios, the manager aids in making informed decisions regarding supply and demand-side resources, retirement options, and emissions-related projects. This proactive approach helps shape Xcel Energy's corporate strategy and optimizes our resource management initiatives.

Working as a Manager (Energy Supply & Market Modeling) at Xcel Energy offers the opportunity to be part of a leading energy company dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Employees enjoy a range of benefits including an annual incentive program, comprehensive health plans, tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) plan, amidst a supportive work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. This role allows you to make a meaningful impact on energy generation while working in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Essential skills for a successful Manager in Energy Supply & Market Modeling at Xcel Energy include strong analytical capabilities, proficiency in modeling tools like Encompass, and excellent leadership qualities. A detail-oriented mindset is crucial for ensuring data accuracy, while effective communication skills are necessary for articulating complex modeling results and influencing decision-making. Additionally, the ability to collaborate with various teams and navigate challenges in resource planning is vital.

During your response, detail your hands-on experience with the Encompass model, highlighting specific projects or scenarios you worked on. Discuss how you contributed to the development and maintenance of models and provide examples of how you ensured accuracy and consistency in the data utilized, showcasing your problem-solving skills in practical contexts.

In answering this question, emphasize the importance of a systematic approach to validation. Discuss techniques such as regular comparisons with real-world data and other models, thorough documentation of assumptions, and peer reviews to minimize errors. Providing a specific case study where you identified discrepancies and corrected them can further solidify your answer.

Here, craft a narrative that outlines the problem, your analytical approach to solve it, and the successful outcome. Stress your ability to adapt and pivot when faced with obstacles, showcasing your critical thinking and team collaboration skills. Acknowledge what you learned from the experience to demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.

Your response can include fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, and providing constructive feedback regularly. Highlight how you prioritize team members' professional development and encourage continuous learning opportunities. Mention specific methods you've used to motivate your team and enhance productivity.

Discuss your proactive approach to professional development, such as attending industry conferences, participating in webinars, or joining professional organizations. Share how staying informed about new regulations, technologies, and methodologies contributes to your effectiveness as a Manager in this evolving sector.

Explain your systematic analytical process when presenting multiple portfolio scenarios. Mention the consideration of factors such as demand forecasts, regulatory environments, and environmental impact, while using modeling tools. Demonstrate your ability to present findings in a clear manner to stakeholders, aiding in strategic decision-making.

Detail a specific project that illustrates your leadership and analytical skills in action. Describe the project objectives, the methods you employed to achieve success, and the outcomes achieved. Highlight how your contributions positively affected the organization's resource planning or modeling operations.

Your response can demonstrate your organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands. Discuss methods like prioritization frameworks, open discussions with stakeholders to realign expectations, and ensuring your team has clarity on what needs immediate attention, enabling effective workflow management.

Highlight your understanding of how the Manager in Energy Supply & Market Modeling influences strategic direction by ensuring effective resource allocation, facilitating long-term planning, and balancing sustainability with operational needs. Share your vision on how this role supports Xcel Energy’s mission and help solve ongoing energy challenges.

Articulate your passion for sustainable energy practices and how Xcel Energy's mission aligns with your professional values. Mention specific aspects of the company, such as its commitment to innovation, the comprehensive benefits offered, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a collaborative team as reasons for your interest.