Supervisor of Operational Planning

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Supervisor of Operational Planning supervises a team of highly qualified engineers that provide technical and analytical engineering support of the Reliability Coordination, Market Operations, Tariff Administration and Scheduling functions performed by SPP. This team performs engineering analysis, engineering studies, and data analysis in support of all Operations related responsibilities within the SPP footprint. The Supervisor coordinates these analyses and studies, as appropriate, both within the SPP footprint and inter-regionally. Both real-time and forward engineering support is provided to all Operations functions. The Supervisor may also provide coordination support for the necessary SPP organization committees, working groups and task forces. As such, accurate and effective decision making, sometimes in stressful situations, is required. The team is also responsible for assisting in the development, implementation and maintenance of engineering applications, processes and tools required to perform the SPP operational functions. The Supervisor performs assignments with guidance from the Manager, Operations Engineering Analysis & Support on overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, unusual developments, and policy matters. This position proposes to the Manager, Operations Engineering Analysis & Support and/or the appropriate operational function manager actions deemed appropriate to maintain the integrity and reliability of the bulk electric system. The Supervisor of Operational Planning discusses development plans with their direct reports and manages individual performance through real-time coaching and periodic performance reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university or other technical degree from an ABET accredited university is required
• 6 years Significant experience, preferably in electric utility operations is required
• Advanced knowledge on transmission system operations including power flow, stability, voltage control, restoration, ATC calculation, etc.
• Advanced knowledge of the Southwest Power Pool high voltage transmission system, the SPP Criteria, SPP Business Practices, NERC Reliability Standards, SPP Market Protocols, SPP Regional Tariff, SAS70 Modeling Controls and SPP Change Control procedures
• Working knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards, SPP Criteria, SPP Market Protocols, the SPP OATT and SPP OATT Business Practices
• Knowledgeable of and conversant with tools such as the EMS, IDC, CAT, MFC, Constraint Manager, CROW, OPS1, Market System and OASIS
• Strong inter-personal and team building skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Motivation to take appropriate expedited action when required
• Initiative to stay abreast of industry developments
• Ability to work with a broad spectrum of individuals with diverse interests when resolving problems
• Competent skills with communication and data handling software such as Microsoft Office© Word, Excel, and Access
• Ability to work overtime, as needed, during adverse system conditions including extreme weather conditions such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, extreme hot or cold conditions, and other emergencies affecting the integrity of the bulk transmission system. These situations can create a high degree of stress
• Understanding of, compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree Related field of study is preferred
• Professional Engineer (PE) License is preferred
• NERC Operator Certification is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in the performance of their associated responsibilities
• Evaluate and select appropriately qualified candidates for open positions subordinate to the Supervisor Operational Planning
• Establish work schedules and ensure qualified Operations personnel are always on duty
• Perform periodic performance reviews and evaluations, recommend salary and position adjustments
• Assist in development of the SPP Administrative Budget
• Establish and maintain guidelines and processes the Operations personnel will follow while fulfilling their responsibilities
• Understanding of, compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies, Business Practices, SPP Criteria and Procedures
• Conducts regular touch-base meetings with direct reports to discuss development goals, business goals and performance matters
• Provides real-time coaching on performance
• Conducts annual performance reviews
• Ensure that appropriate controls are in place for key processes and that such controls are designed effectively
• Maintain records of evidence as required for various audits and regulatory entities
• Ensure proper tools necessary to assist the Operations personnel in performing their duties are available and performing accurately
• Apprise appropriate SPP Staff and Membership of results of pertinent engineering analysis and studies performed in support of the SPP operational functions
• Collect data and prepare necessary reports in support of the operational functions as required by SPP, NERC and FERC
• Oversee the research and analysis of issues reported by SPP Staff, SPP Members, non-Members and Market Participants related to results of any of the systems used by the Reliability, Tariff, Market and Scheduling desks and document the findings and report the results back to the requestor
• Oversee the analysis and coordination of activities necessary to maintain the reliability of the Bulk Electric System in the operational horizon including outage coordination, system planning, and coordination of operating guides and directives
• Assist with development and testing and provide operational support of the integrated market software including the Day-Ahead (DA) Energy Market, Reliability Unit Commitment (RUC) and Operating Reserves Market with primary focus on business rule validation
• Coordinate and interface with SPP Compliance personnel, Customer Relations, Settlements, IT and SPP members to resolve any inquiries, issues or disputes
• Assist the Manager, Operations Engineering Analysis & Support with special projects
• Participate and contribute as necessary, as an SPP representative on NERC and SPP committees, subcommittees, working groups and task forces
• Assist with administrative office duties as required

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)
• 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: Manager