Dir Compliance Reliability & Protocols

CPS Energy•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Director oversees CPS Energy’s regulatory compliance efforts related to NERC Reliability, ERCOT Protocols, Railroad Commission (RRC), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) obligations. The role provides functional support and organizational guidance to help Business Units oversee regulatory compliance and leads the day-to-day administration of the NERC Reliability, ERCOT Protocols, and RRC/TSA Gas Compliance Programs and their staff. The programs include compliance activities, self-assessments, risk assessments, and independent compliance assessments to evaluate internal-control design and effectiveness, capability infrastructure, and audit readiness. The Director works across Business Units and with executive leadership, Legal Services, the Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer (CCEO), regulators, utilities, consultants, and other stakeholders to promote an open compliance culture, identify and address risks, and develop and improve enterprise compliance processes. The role also supports regulatory advocacy, audits, reporting, and staff guidance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Systems, Sciences, Business, or another related discipline from an accredited university.
Knowledge of PUC substantive rules and procedures.
Knowledge of state regulatory and legislative developments affecting the electric and gas industries.
Knowledge of budgeting and cost management.
Seasoned experience providing regulatory and compliance advisory assistance to relevant stakeholders.
Direct management experience, including accountability for department budgets, staff build-out, and staff performance management and review.
Managerial experience dealing with regulatory authorities and interacting and collaborating with internal and external counsel.
Experience reading and interpreting regulations, laws, and statutes, and drafting, updating, and managing internal regulatory compliance tools, policies, programs, processes, and procedures.
Proven track record as a leader developing and building compliance programs.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Information Technology, Business, or another related field.
Multiple years of experience supervising or conducting investigations, reviews, and audits of a regulatory nature.
Active Certified Information Systems Security Professional designation, Certified Internal Auditor/CPA designation, Quality Assurance/Control or Process Engineering certification, or equivalent.
Strong working knowledge of IT and ICS regulatory requirements for one or more of NERC (reliability and CIP standards), FERC, ERCOT, or the Public Utilities Commission of Texas.

Responsibilities

Champion and promote the Corporate Compliance Program across Business Units, ensuring it is implemented, administered, and continually improved to identify, measure, monitor, and address compliance risks and process-control deficiencies.
Collaborate across Business Units to foster an open compliance culture and develop systematic communication protocols for identifying, mitigating, resolving, escalating, and reporting regulatory compliance risks and issues to executive management.
Consult with Business Unit management and compliance stakeholders on initiatives and business or regulatory changes, providing tactical compliance advice and recommendations.
Participate in negotiations with other parties and stakeholders, including regulatory bodies.
Consult with other regulated utilities and regulatory staff on common regulatory issues.
Confer with outside consultants in preparing evidence for presentation before regulatory bodies.
Guide Business Unit staff on compliance self-assessments.
With the CCEO and Legal Services, oversee potential self-reports of electrical reliability, protocol, and gas violations.
Communicate and provide staff guidance on compliance education opportunities, policy changes, Human Resources activities, and Business Unit executive leadership initiatives.
Use the Governance, Risk, Compliance application to improve program monitoring, reporting, and tracking.
With the CCEO, Business Unit executives, and staff, support or lead enterprise compliance efforts and the design and implementation of internal controls, policies, and procedures for applicable electrical reliability and protocol requirements.
Use dedicated compliance managers to analyze and report on electric reliability and protocol compliance practices and activities, identifying trends and issues within Business Unit programs.
Drive compliance risk identification and reporting, communicate compliance matters throughout the enterprise, and engage leaders and stakeholders to resolve emerging issues collaboratively.
Stay current on electric reliability, protocol, and gas compliance standards and industry benchmarks.
Participate in professional organizations and conferences and provide compliance thought leadership.
Direct the preparation of and participate in compliance audits and reviews.
Support regulatory advocacy efforts affecting the development, implementation, and design of an effective compliance program.
Serve as a key compliance information and communication conduit and representative for the CCEO, SLT, and Directors on compliance issues, emerging risks, practices, and events.
Collaborate with Business Unit personnel to standardize regulatory compliance policies and processes across the Company using common templates and tools.