Transmission Planning Manager (SPS)

Xcel Energy•Amarillo, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Transmission Planning Manager provides visionary and strategic leadership for the Transmission Asset Management/Planning group. The role directs transmission planning analyses and strategy development, engages with transmission planning organizations, utilities, stakeholders, and regulatory groups, and develops and implements asset management analysis and prioritization processes. The objective is to produce and implement a comprehensive, risk-assessed, and economically justified transmission plan and capital budget that comply with applicable reliability standards and support business unit and corporate objectives. The manager coordinates with Regional Transmission Planning to incorporate regional needs into a balanced investment plan, represents the company in regional and other industry organizations, and leads personnel and consultants supporting local and interconnected electric system planning. The position also manages the unit’s operating budget and supports project development, permitting, regulatory proceedings, technical studies, and transmission policy analysis. Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model; onsite expectations vary by role, team, and business needs, and many roles work onsite three days per week, Tuesday through Thursday.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
At least 10 years of progressive transmission planning, engineering, or operations experience.
At least four years of demonstrated success in a supervisory or lead role overseeing complex technical projects and relationships.
Comprehensive understanding of federal, regional, and local planning guidelines, policy, and tariff requirements, including FERC, NERC, State Utility Commissions, and Regional Reliability Organizations such as WECC, MAPP, and SPP.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
Considerable travel may be involved.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or Master of Business Administration.
Professional Engineer registration.
Previous managerial experience.

Responsibilities

Lead development and coordination of short- and long-term system models and plans to ensure reliability, efficiency, economic benefit, and compliance with applicable standards and requirements.
Provide input and required data to develop a justified and prioritized transmission capital budget.
Coordinate with Regional Transmission Planning to incorporate regional needs and plans into the comprehensive investment plan.
Develop, recommend, and implement transmission asset management and planning strategies through engagement with internal functions, neighboring utilities, RTO/RRO staff, regulators, advocacy groups, and public entities.
Develop, implement, and continually improve asset management analysis and prioritization processes for a comprehensive, risk-assessed, economic transmission plan and capital budget.
Manage the unit’s operating budget, including forecasts and monitoring results.
Ensure alignment with business unit and corporate objectives.
Lead and coordinate Transmission Asset Management participation on project teams developing and permitting approved plans, including constructability and other assessments.
Prepare, sponsor, and direct transmission planning testimony, regulatory filings, and technical studies in support of corporate strategies.
Provide leadership, direction, and training to personnel on local and regional planning of the local and interconnected electric delivery system.
Direct the work of supporting consultants.
Coordinate unit activities with internal and external organizations to support corporate and project team objectives and meet customer needs.
Represent the company in local, regional, and national organizations and transmission planning forums, as necessary.
Stay current on new technologies and industry practices.
Develop and present, or direct the development and presentation of, technical transmission planning information to public groups and forums.
Provide federal regulatory and transmission policy analysis support, as necessary.