Account Executive

Position Summary The Account Executive is responsible for managing strategic issues and cultivating relationships with Duke Energy’s largest and most complex commercial and industrial customers. This role focuses on enhancing customer satisfaction, strengthening key external partnerships, building customer advocacy, and identifying opportunities to grow earnings. In collaboration with internal teams, the Account Executive develops and executes strategies that support the company’s business objectives and reputation management efforts. Responsibilities Relationship and Issues Management Establish and maintain strong relationships at all levels within customer organizations to support long‑term engagement and strategic alignment. Demonstrate an in‑depth knowledge of complex rate structures, billing options, demand response programs, and renewable options based on each customer’s value proposition. Serve as lead negotiator and primary decision maker in resolving customer issues, ensuring timely and effective solutions. Own and manage the entire customer relationship, coordinating with internal departments, including senior leadership, to ensure alignment. Understand the customer’s unique needs, strategic issues, business objectives and decision‑making processes, and effectively communicate those needs internally to drive alignment and support. Business & Economic Development Drive regional growth by partnering with the economic development team to identify, coordinate, and manage potential new projects or expansions within the service territory. Drive earnings growth by proactively identifying and positioning technical products and service solutions that meet and exceed customer needs. Manage the sales process from initial needs assessment through solution delivery, coordinating cross‑functional teams to ensure customer success. Coordinate and manage customer service projects and load growth opportunities. Actively promote the implementation and broad acceptance of the company’s tools and services. Strategic Planning Develop and execute strategic plans to proactively address and resolve issues, strengthening and preserving relationships with large business customers. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of the customer’s business, key stakeholders, and strategic initiatives to better anticipate needs and deliver value. Monitor and communicate market trends, forecasts, and external factors that impact large business customers, providing insights to internal stakeholders for strategic planning and forecasting. Develop and implement action plans for specific projects to achieve defined business objectives and customer outcomes. Project Management Serve as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of solutions and alignment with customer expectations. Provide support during emergency and storm events by communicating outage information and restoration updates to customers. Education and Policy Advocate Establish and maintain effective communication and education channels to keep customers informed and engaged. Serve as a liaison between the company and customers to communicate and educate on relevant regulatory and legislative matters. Prepare and present relevant information on emerging trends, technologies, and industry developments to customers, ensuring they remain informed and engaged. Performance Management Develop and maintain technical and working knowledge of industrial processes and technologies used by large assigned customers that affect energy delivery methods, including all energy end uses. Maintain comprehensive working knowledge of electric systems and components, including those associated with the transmission and distribution system and the interface with customer systems. Serve as a resource to assigned internal cross‑functional teams to assist in developing solutions to large business customers’ needs. Basic/Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree Five (5) years minimum related experience In lieu of degree(s) and experience, High School/GED AND eight (8) years minimum related experience Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree Certified Energy Manager Professional Engineer Experience managing relationships with large and complex customers and/or key stakeholders Ability to develop results‑oriented business relationships to influence the outcome of issues and advance the corporation’s business plans and objectives Additional Preferred Qualifications Extensive knowledge of electric distribution and transmission systems and grid operations Knowledge of customer‑side energy distribution and energy‑consuming systems and processes Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, conflict resolution and negotiation skills Business development experience Excellent judgment and decision‑making skills Ability and flexibility to manage multiple projects and issues simultaneously Effective analytical, problem identification and resolution skills Ability to maintain composure and clarity of thought in highly stressful situations Ability to work in a team environment to coordinate resources in a matrixed organization to meet customer expectations Proven self‑starter with a results‑oriented mindset, capable of taking initiative and driving tasks to completion with minimal supervision Working Conditions Hybrid Mobility Classification – work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after onboarding; hybrid employees should live within a reasonable daily commute to a Duke Energy facility. Three days in office; flexible Ability to engage 24/7 for response and resolution of emergent customer needs, including power outages, emergent maintenance work, and major storm support. Specific Requirements Knowledge and capability to pass the CEM certification test Valid driver’s license Travel Requirements 15‑25% travel Relocation assistance provided (as applicable) Represented/Union position: No Visa sponsored position: No To be considered, the applicant must possess all basic/required qualifications. #J-18808-Ljbffr Duke Energy Corporation