Sr or Lead Specialist - Policy Planning

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

102d • $85,800 - $123,700 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a technical or business field or equivalent experience.
• Lead Specialist- Ten (10) years of job-related work experience.
• Sr Specialist - Seven (7) years of job-related work experience.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Expert communication skills and the ability to successfully interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• The exercise of independent judgment.
• Ability to build strong relationships and work across multiple departments.
• Strong oral and written communications.
• Strong analytical capabilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and/or environments.
• Ability to work with multiple priorities.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Advanced understanding of industry compliance requirements (such as NERC, FERC, SPP's OATT).
• Experience in the electric utility industry or similar regulated industry, Information Technology, database management systems, data analysis and ad hoc report writing.
• Proficiency with communication and data handling software such as Microsoft Office© Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the electric utility industry, database management systems, data analysis and ad hoc report writing.
• Experience with advanced decision-making in a multi-client environment.
• Experience with project management and software development life cycle (SDLC).
• Familiarity with one or more power systems analysis tools applicable to power system steady state, dynamic, production costs & economics, or database management systems.
• Advanced degree in related field of study.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of corporate planning policies; facilitate collaborative planning efforts across multiple departments and stakeholder groups.
• Conduct and oversee data-driven research initiatives to inform planning decisions; ensure technical accuracy and alignment with strategic goals.
• Identify, develop, and implement new planning techniques, tools, and processes that support efficiency, automation, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with SPP membership, regulators, and internal stakeholders to address policy impacts and planning challenges affecting the bulk electric system.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to internal staff; represent the Engineering department in cross-functional teams, working groups, and external engagements.
• Lead and support critical projects, executive presentations, and ad-hoc initiatives tied to planning, engineering, and regulatory issues.

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: Senior
• Industry: Utilities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree