Sr or Lead Specialist - Policy Planning (Architecture)
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We're about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas' Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!
We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.
We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:
- Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
- Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
- Relocation bonus (if applicable)
- Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
- Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.
- Lead Specialist, Planning Policy - $ 95,200 - $ 123,700
- Sr Specialist, Planning Policy - $ 85,800 - $ 109,450
Join our team as a Sr or Lead Specialist in Planning Policy!
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr or Lead Specialist- Policy Planning to join our Engineering department. This pivotal role is responsible for independently driving the development and implementation of planning policies, research initiatives, and strategic improvements that support our corporate objectives and the integrity of the transmission grid within the SPP (Southwest Power Pool) footprint.
As a senior subject matter expert, you will lead cross-functional efforts to design and implement best practices, tools, and processes that enhance system planning, business management, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of grid planning and policy development at a high-impact level.
Key Responsibilities
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Policy Development & Facilitation
Lead the design and development of corporate planning policies; facilitate collaborative planning efforts across multiple departments and stakeholder groups. -
Research & Analysis
Conduct and oversee data-driven research initiatives to inform planning decisions; ensure technical accuracy and alignment with strategic goals. -
Process Improvement
Identify, develop, and implement new planning techniques, tools, and processes that support efficiency, automation, and regulatory compliance. -
Stakeholder & Regulatory Coordination
Collaborate with SPP membership, regulators, and internal stakeholders to address policy impacts and planning challenges affecting the bulk electric system. -
Leadership & Mentorship
Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to internal staff; represent the Engineering department in cross-functional teams, working groups, and external engagements. -
Strategic Initiatives
Lead and support critical projects, executive presentations, and ad-hoc initiatives tied to planning, engineering, and regulatory issues.
To be successful as the Sr or Lead Specialist in Planning Policy we're looking for:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical or business field or equivalent experience
- Lead Specialist- Ten (10) years of job-related work experience
- Sr Specialist - Seven (7) years of job-related work experience
- Strong leadership skills
- Expert communication skills and the ability to successfully interact with internal and external stakeholders
- The exercise of independent judgment
- Ability to build strong relationships and work across multiple departments
- Strong oral and written communications
- Strong analytical capabilities
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and/or environments
- Ability to work with multiple priorities
- Excellent organizational skills Advanced understanding of industry compliance requirements (such as NERC, FERC, SPP's OATT)
- Experience in the electric utility industry or similar regulated industry, Information Technology, database management systems, data analysis and ad hoc report writing
- Proficiency with communication and data handling software such as Microsoft Office© Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
Preferred:
- Experience in the electric utility industry, database management systems, data analysis and ad hoc report writing
- Experience with advanced decision-making in a multi-client environment
- Experience with project management and software development life cycle (SDLC)
- Familiarity with one or more power systems analysis tools applicable to power system steady state, dynamic, production costs & economics, or database management systems
- Advanced degree in related field of study
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
- This is a full-time position. Days and hours of the workweek are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Working extended hours may be required.
Travel Requirement:
- This position requires moderate travel (approximately 10-15%)
SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool .
Full job descriptions will be made available to those selected for an interview.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
