Sr. Manager, Transmission & Interconnection

RWE•Austin, TX

3d•$150,000 - $210,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Transmission & Interconnection will be responsible for driving transmission and interconnection solutions in support of RWE America’s development portfolio of generation projects primarily in the WECC (including SPP RTO and other developing markets) transmission markets but also support in CAISO market. The Senior Manager of Transmission & Interconnection will drive interconnection efforts working with multiple internal and external stakeholders including the ISOs, utilities, FERC, state agencies, and internal development teams. S/he will also be responsible for managing utility scale generation projects to drive the successful completion of interconnection requests through the regulatory and commercial environment and coordinating with internal stakeholders including RWE’s Transmission Analysis organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, STEM, business/economics, or relevant fields required
A minimum of 10 years of experience and 7 years specialized in commercial and regulated energy markets, driving projects to completion, and interacting with various counterparties (project developers, IPPs, utilities, regulatory agencies, and others)
Background in transmission planning or transmission utility scale engineering and project management or execution strongly preferred
Experience with transmission planning analysis and software preferred
Demonstrated track record of securing interconnection approvals for renewable energy projects in the United States across a mix of RSO/ITOs regions
Broad experience within the utility/power development space, including: Securing interconnection rights, transmission capacity, federal, state and local regulatory approvals
Navigating the RSO/ITO process to avoid obstacles and position RWE for approvals
Transmission and commercial analysis including knowledge of load flow, transmission capacity, projected congestion with strategic insights to develop around findings
Negotiating and closing projects in complex and sometimes adversarial environments
Proven ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and a strong understanding of costs and activities necessary for a project cycle
A thorough understanding of competitive and regulated wholesale and retail power markets and strong commercial acumen
Excellent communication skills and ability to interact clearly and concisely with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
Strong knowledge in key areas, including project management, energy markets, prospecting, real estate development, interconnection, permitting, environmental, project engineering, and construction management
Exceptional project management skills
Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to manage customer relationships
Demonstrated desire to learn about the Company and the renewables space
Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams
Knowledge in the use of transmission planning modeling software and analysis including TARA, PSS/e, and PSLF is strongly preferred
Strong communication and ability to meet deadlines
Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deliverables
Ability to multi-task, while working independently and as part of a team
Motivated self-starter, goal-oriented, and strong problem-solving abilities
Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from a diverse set of backgrounds
Responds well to direction, is easy to challenge and develop, and is coachable
Is detail-oriented, has strong business acumen, and a sound understanding of business concepts
This position is an office-based role with significant travel 20%+ and visits to other RWEA offices and field locations
Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. RWE Americas is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees are a plus
Background in transmission planning or transmission utility scale engineering and project management or execution strongly preferred
Experience with transmission planning analysis and software preferred
Knowledge in the use of transmission planning modeling software and analysis including TARA, PSS/e, and PSLF is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Manage a pipeline of 10 GW plus of wind, solar and battery energy generator interconnection along with load interconnection projects throughout the lifecycle of the ISO and transmission owner interconnection processes
Work closely with RWE’s transmission analytics, development and other relevant teams to shepherd projects through the interconnection process to achieve best cost and schedule, while tracking timelines, milestone requirements, and effectively communicating and managing project risks and opportunities
Manage interconnection processes including initial application submittals, major milestones, interconnection agreement negotiation, material modification packages, and interconnection management through project commercial operation date
Manage interconnection milestones and financial tracking. Effectively forecasting and communicating project commitments and at-risk amounts for portfolio projects
Negotiate large generator interconnection agreements bringing together internal stakeholders to negotiate optimal schedules and terms for projects
Attend transmission owner project management meetings representing RWE to ensure cost and schedule are being maintained
Drive creative problem solving with transmission owners and ISOs bringing together internal RWE resources and stakeholders
Assist Development, Energy Marketing, Commercial, Regulatory, Construction, Engineering, Operations, and Compliance teams with multiple aspects of project development, design, and operation
Maintain a comprehensive understanding of current and developing regulations within the different regional ISO/RTOs to create opportunities and mitigate obstacles for RWE
Track and drive policy developments and opportunities to best capitalize on target markets, partners, and strategies
Develop regional transmission and interconnection strategy for potential future opportunities such as new project interconnection, transmission service, and behind the meter arrangements
Build visibility and the reputation of the company through conference attendance and stakeholder engagement
Mentor and coach junior staff