Director - Grid Transformation

Electric Reliability Council of Texas•Taylor, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Grid Transformation is a visionary leader responsible for overseeing ERCOT’s Grid Research, Innovation & Transformation (GRIT) programs and initiatives. The role anticipates and explains challenges and opportunities associated with the changing Texas electric power grid, develops a vision and roadmap for ERCOT’s readiness, and leads approaches, processes, and solutions that help the organization respond effectively. The Director reports to the Chief Technology Officer and guides recommended investments in staff, systems, and solutions. The position leads innovation from research and white papers through proofs of concept, pilots, and prototypes, determining which ideas are ready to scale into ERCOT systems, processes, and market design. It uses matrixed resources across ERCOT, establishes and expands research and innovation partnerships, and provides strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders. The Director builds the department and its staff, manages functional planning and budget priorities, and promotes a high-performing, collaborative culture. The role also represents ERCOT in industry forums and contributes to standards, procedures, and market protocols that address emerging grid solutions. The position is based in Taylor, Texas, with at least two on-site days per week, or more as business needs require. Remote work must be performed from the employee’s Texas residence; schedules may be flexible or rotated based on business needs.

Requirements

At least 10 years of job-related work experience, plus 5 years in a management or leadership role beyond degree requirements; leadership experience may count toward the job-related experience minimum.
At least 10 years of experience in electric power grid operations and/or planning at a utility, ISO, RTO, or vendor.
At least 5 years of experience with technology development and delivery at a utility, ISO, or vendor; this experience may be concurrent with the grid operations and/or planning experience.
Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of programs and initiatives, working across cross-functional matrixed teams, and delivering solutions.
Demonstrated success leading an enterprise-level innovation initiative.
Deep understanding of generation, transmission, and distribution technologies, associated modeling for software development, and related communications methods that are transforming grid and market operations.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent knowledge from a combination of education and experience.
Ability to work on-site in Taylor, Texas at least two days per week, or more as business needs require; remote work must be performed from a Texas residence.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of ERCOT or other ISO/RTO wholesale market operations.
Master’s or doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Set the long-term vision and roadmap for how ERCOT navigates a rapidly transforming grid.
Anticipate technology, load, and market shifts involving large-load growth, inverter-based resources, distributed energy, and electrification, and translate them into actionable organizational plans.
Lead the innovation pipeline from research and white papers to proofs of concept, pilots, and prototypes, and determine what is ready to scale into ERCOT systems, processes, and market design.
Implement and provide leadership and accountability for GRIT programs and initiatives using matrixed resources across the organization.
Guide and recommend investments in staff, systems, and solutions; oversee functional planning, staffing, budgeting, expense priorities, and changes to methods within organizational guidelines.
Hire, coach, train, develop, and manage the performance of staff; build the department and promote a high-performing, collaborative culture.
Provide strategic and technical expertise to internal and external stakeholders and raise awareness of research and innovation activities.
Lead cross-functional teams working on grid transformation initiatives in a matrixed structure; set goals and track progress.
Track trends and issues involving emerging generation, transmission, and distribution technologies and assess potential impacts to ERCOT.
Develop and manage relationships with energy research and innovation networks, global academic institutions, industry consortiums, and other stakeholders.
Explore partnership and collaboration opportunities and establish governance structures to support progress and timely communication.
Provide leadership and strategic direction for the annual innovation summit, including theme selection and speaker strategy, in collaboration with stakeholders.
Represent ERCOT on panels, committees, and advisory boards and gather information from industry sources.
Provide input to national organizations such as NERC, FERC, and the ISO/RTO Council on standards and procedures that may affect ERCOT; comment on proposals and participate in relevant groups and meetings.
Propose new or revised ERCOT protocols, guides, and procedures that enable market participation of emerging solutions.
Interface with market participants through subcommittees such as TAC, WMS, PRS, ROS, and their working groups, sharing information about ERCOT systems, practices, and capabilities.
Interact with executives and major customers, including negotiating on matters significant to the organization.