Sr. Director, Transmission Readiness & Seams Planning (Remote Eligible)

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Sr. Director, Transmission Readiness & Seams Planning is responsible for establishing and leading a function that bridges Operations and long-term System Planning. This role enhances SPP’s ability to identify, assess, and implement near-term and intermediate-horizon transmission solutions that support reliability, economic value, and strategic objectives during the period before large infrastructure can be constructed. This position provides strategic leadership for seams coordination, affected system studies, interregional transfer capability evaluations, transmission-to-transmission HVDC integration studies, and other specialized analyses requiring collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Markets, and neighboring RTOs/ISOs. The Sr. Director represents SPP in regional, interregional, and regulatory forums, ensuring SPP’s interests are clearly articulated and well supported and ensures intermediate planning initiatives align with corporate goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or other related degree
• Twelve (12) years of Engineering experience or work related industry experience
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience
• Advanced knowledge of power systems engineering and economic analyses
• Demonstrated problem solving skills, forward planning capabilities, organizational skills and ability to lead the execution of departmental strategies
• Demonstrated knowledge of transmission planning and operations associated with the bulk power grid and SPP’s specific circumstances
• Specific knowledge of federal and state regulatory policies and procedures
• An understanding of the history and operating requirements of interconnected electric networks
• Practical understanding of the SPP Open Access Transmission Tariff, FERC & NERC governing documents, SPP By-Laws, SPP Criteria and the SPP Committee structure
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills
• Understanding of, compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Five (5) years in a supervisory position
• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
• Advanced degree
• Professional Engineer License (PE)

Responsibilities

• Establish the vision, scope, and processes for the Transmission Readiness & Seams Planning function.
• Direct staff performing seams studies, affected system coordination, HVDC T-T integration evaluations, and short-term/intermediate-horizon transmission analyses.
• Translate corporate and engineering strategic goals into measurable initiatives with clear accountability.
• Ensure effective communication of team objectives, performance, and study outcomes to leadership, members, stakeholders, and regulators.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse, highly qualified technical staff.
• Direct budgets, resource planning, and cost-effective departmental operations.
• Direct short-term and intermediate-term studies identifying transmission capability, constraints, and operational mitigation strategies.
• Lead seams planning coordination activities including Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs), Coordinated Planning initiatives, and interregional study processes.
• Oversee technical assessments of emerging technologies including FACTS devices, Storage as Transmission Only Assets (SATOAs), HVDC interfaces, T-T projects, Remedial Action Schemes (RAS), Topological Control, Dynamic Line Ratings (DLRs), Transmission vision granularity, and advanced conductor applications.
• Ensure accurate and consistent planning assumptions between Operations and System Planning.
• Provide engineering support for operational risks, seasonal assessments, and evolving system conditions.
• Represent SPP in interregional committees, seams negotiations, and technical policy discussions.
• Serve as spokesperson on transmission readiness, seams coordination, and intermediate-planning matters.
• Lead and support high value policy changes for accelerating transmission capabilities.
• Build and maintain relationships with members, regulators, neighboring RTOs, state commissions, and other industry bodies.
• Ensure compliance with the SPP Tariff, Business Practices, NERC Standards, FERC Orders, and applicable policies.
• Ensure SSAE-16, audit, and regulatory documentation requirements are met.
• Maintain awareness of industry developments and regulatory changes affecting transmission readiness.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees