Director or Sr Director, Operations Support (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.
Salary range - $ 184,200 - $ 248,650
Join our team as the Director or Sr Director of Operations Support!
SPP is seeking a strategic and visionary Director or Sr Director of Operations Support to lead our operational support functions and ensure the continued reliability of the Bulk Electric System. This executive leader will be responsible for overseeing support to core operational areas including Reliability Coordination, Tariff Administration, Market Operations, and more, while ensuring full compliance with NERC standards, SSAE-16 requirements, and industry best practices.
This role demands a collaborative leader with deep operational knowledge, a passion for excellence, and strong communication skills to work effectively with stakeholders, SPP members, and cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all Operations Support functions, aligning departmental goals with SPP's corporate strategy.
- Direct support activities across real-time operations, market operations, tariff administration, and business functions.
- Serve as a key liaison to NERC, ISO-RTO Council committees, and SPP stakeholder working groups.
- Collaborate with the Vice President of Operations on the development and execution of the Operations Strategic Plan.
- Oversee department staffing, performance management, resource planning, and budget development.
- Drive compliance with regulatory standards (NERC, FERC, NAESB), including SSAE-16 control activities and documentation.
- Ensure availability and effectiveness of operational tools, systems, and processes.
- Monitor industry trends, identify operational risks and opportunities, and formulate responsive strategies.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, coaching, and professional development for staff.
To be successful we are looking for:
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university or other technical degree from an ABET accredited university.
- Twelve (12) years' experience of significant experience, preferably in electric utility operations
- Advanced knowledge on transmission system operations including power flow, stability, voltage control, restoration, AFC, unit commitment, balancing function, etc.
- Advanced knowledge of the Southwest Power Pool high voltage transmission system, the SPP Criteria, SPP Business Practices, NERC Reliability Standards, SPP Market Protocols, SPP Regional Tariff, SAS70 Modeling Controls, SPP Change Control procedures and JOA and CMP Agreements.
- Working knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards, SPP Criteria, SPP Market Protocols, the SPP OATT and SPP OATT Business Practices
- Knowledgeable of and conversant with tools such as the EMS, IDC, MFC, Constraint Manager, CROW, Market System,M2M and OASIS
- Strong inter-personal and team building skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Motivation to take appropriate expedited action when required
- Initiative to stay abreast of industry developments
- Ability to work with a broad spectrum of individuals with diverse interests when resolving problems
- Judgment necessary to set individual and staff priorities in instances of insufficient resources as well as demonstrate flexibility and the ability to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities
- Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, management and senior management, including officers of other companies for purposes of requests, analysis, coordination, guidance and presentations
- Demonstrate flexibility and successfully function with constantly changing and multiple priorities
- Possess and use good organizational skills
- Ability to work overtime, as needed, during adverse system conditions including extreme weather conditions such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, extreme hot or cold conditions, and other emergencies affecting the integrity of the bulk transmission system
- Understanding of compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures
Preferred:
- Variety of experience in sophisticated analytical tools such as Energy Management System advanced application packages, Market System application functionality, Interchange Distribution Calculator, Open Access Same-time Information System, etc.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:
- This is a full-time position. Days and hours of 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 minimal travel (approximately 0-20%).
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.
