The Managing Director of Commercial Real Estate is a senior executive responsible for leading the strategic direction, development, and management of the company’s real estate portfolio. This role is pivotal in driving large-scale development initiatives while ensuring operational excellence in portfolio and asset management. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in real estate transactions, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement, with a strong customer-focused mindset and leadership capabilities.

What You'll Do:

Strategic Leadership & Development

- Lead the planning and execution of transformative, large-scale real estate development projects that support long-term infrastructure and growth objectives across Operating Companies, Transmission, and Distribution.

- Develop and execute a property acquisition strategy aligned with the company’s long-range business plans.

- Establish real estate policies, approval frameworks, and strategic benchmarks to guide decision-making and ensure consistency.

Transaction Management & Compliance

- Manage all real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, and contract negotiations.

- Lead large-scale contract development and negotiation in collaboration with legal teams and business units.

- Ensure all real estate decisions comply with municipal, county, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including environmental and code standard

Portfolio & Asset Management

- Oversee the performance, optimization, and governance of the company’s real estate portfolio, including owned, leased, and joint-venture properties.

- Provide executive-level financial analysis and reporting on real estate investments, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals.

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance

- Oversee relationships with external brokers, public agencies, and landowners to support strategic initiatives and community engagement.

- Collaborate with legal, finance, and OPCO teams on financial structures, compliance, and governance related to real estate.

- Maintain clear alignment and partnership with the legal team to ensure risk mitigation and regulatory adherence.

Customer-Focused Culture

- Create and sustain a customer-focused culture within the real estate organization, simplifying engagement with business units and promoting a responsive, partnership-driven approach to meeting their needs.

Regulatory & Testimony Support

- Support rate case testimony development and serve as a witness, providing expert insights into real estate strategy and valuation.

Team Leadership & Development

- Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of real estate professionals.

- Set clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations to foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

- Bachelor's degree is required.

- Advanced degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience:

- 15+ years of progressive experience in commercial real estate, with demonstrated success in large-scale development and portfolio management.

- Strong track record of leading high-stakes transactions and managing large portfolios.

- Excellent skills in deal structuring, risk assessment, and strategic negotiation.

- Understanding of real estate law, utility asset strategy, and regulatory frameworks.

- Experience in the utility, energy, or infrastructure sectors is highly desirable.

Other Must Haves:

- Strong executive presence with exceptional communication and presentation skills.

- Proven ability to build support for real estate initiatives across multiple business units.

- Strong analytical, teamwork, and collaboration skills.

- Ability to prioritize and coordinate activities effectively in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%.

Compensation Package:

- Base salary

- Executive incentive compensation consisting of annual cash bonus and stock units

- Comprehensive benefits package: medical, dental, vision, 401K matching, AEP pension, short- and long-term disability, etc.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!