Director of National and Strategic Accounts

Join our Growing Team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc was named as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies 2019 and 2020; Best Places to Work in Maine 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and Best Places to Work in Arkansas 2020 and 2023, Oklahoma 2022 and 2023, and Missouri 2023. Summit was also recently named one of Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Employers.

Summit is a growing natural gas utility providing safe, reliable and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do.

We have an exciting hybrid opportunity for a Director of National and Strategic Accounts. This hybrid role may be based in our offices in Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Fayetteville, Arkansas, or in Lawton, Oklahoma.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of National & Strategic Accounts drives Summit’s presence in emerging and large-scale markets while strengthening relationships with national partners and strategic stakeholders across Summit’s multi-state footprint.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Customer Development, this position emphasizes market development and enterprise coordination rather than day-to-day account management. The Director works closely with the Key Accounts and Customer Development teams in each operating company, supporting their efforts by removing barriers, coordinating cross-company opportunities, and positioning Summit as an energy partner of choice for large or multi-market customers.

Success in this role depends on strong cross-functional collaboration across Summit’s internal teams to evaluate complex projects, develop investment strategies, and deliver financially sound solutions that support both customer and corporate goals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Market Development

- Lead Summit’s growth strategy in emerging sectors such as data centers, gas-to-power generation, lithium extraction, and other energy-intensive processes.

- Build partnerships with national production homebuilders to drive scalable residential growth across Summit’s territories.

- Identify and pursue growth opportunities that align with Summit’s strategic goals while meeting customers’ evolving energy needs, including decarbonization priorities.

- Represent Summit with national, regional, and state trade organizations (e.g., AGA, SGA, ESC, NAHB), site selectors, developers, EPCs, and economic development groups to enhance visibility and expand market access.

Cross-Functional Leadership

- Serve as the enterprise integrator for large or multi-state opportunities, ensuring coordination among internal stakeholders and business functions.

- Support the Key Accounts and Customer Development teams in structuring complex proposals, assessing feasibility, and developing rates or service recommendations.

- Lead internal review and approval processes for major opportunities, preparing executive summaries and investment memos for senior leadership.

Customer & Partner Engagement

- Engage directly with national and strategic accounts when opportunities span multiple operating companies or require enterprise coordination.

- Maintain strong relationships with developers, industrial customers, and trade partners to identify new opportunities and monitor industry trends.

- Representing Summit at national and regional events to promote its reputation as a reliable and innovative energy partner.

Project Oversight & Governance

- Manage the enterprise pipeline of strategic and emerging-market projects, ensuring alignment with capital and financial thresholds.

- Partner with Summit’s affiliate, Peaks Renewables, to evaluate projects integrating conventional gas infrastructure with renewable or low-carbon technologies.

- Track and report on project metrics and market insights to inform corporate strategy.

Regulatory & Stakeholder Coordination

- Work with Government Affairs and Regulatory teams on filings, incentives, and policy engagement that support major project development.

- Partner with local and state economic development entities to promote growth and align infrastructure planning with regional priorities.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

- Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Economics, or a related field required, MBA or advanced technical degree preferred.

- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in the energy, utility, or industrial infrastructure sectors, emphasizing strategic development or large-account growth.

- Proven experience leading multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

- Strong understanding of utility economics, infrastructure planning, and rate or tariff design.

- Familiarity with emerging energy technologies and industrial trends such as distributed generation, renewable natural gas, and data centers.

- Excellent communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

- Financial acumen, including experience with feasibility modeling, cost recovery, and investment evaluation.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other standard business applications.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Summit offers competitive pay and medical/dental/vision and other benefits that provide flexibility, choice and support to our employees when they need it most. We understand that home and family are essential pieces of your life, and our benefits are designed to support you both at work and at home.

Summit Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or veteran status.