Job DescriptionGDS Associates, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated
Senior Project Lead - NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) Compliance to support our Rates & Regulatory group with a strong focus on NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) Compliance. This fully remote role is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience in NERC Compliance, electric utility operations, and regulated environments.
The NERC O&P Senior Project Lead manages GDS projects that support client NERC Operations & Planning compliance programs. The position ensures compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards, FERC requirements, Regional Entity requirements, and ISO/RTO requirements.
The role develops action plans to meet client goals, leads project teams, and provides quality control over compliance work products. The position works closely with client Operations, Engineering, Asset Management, Cybersecurity, Legal, and other stakeholders and assists in developing proposals for new business.
Key Responsibilities:- Manage client NERC O&P compliance program support, including policies, procedures, processes, and internal controls.
- Develop project plans, schedules, and action plans to meet client compliance goals.
- Lead compliance monitoring, self-certifications, data submissions, evidence collection, and audit preparation.
- Lead internal assessments, spot checks, gap analyses, mock audits, and compliance investigations for clients.
- Lead potential non-compliance investigations, self-reports, corrective actions, and mitigation plans.
- Oversee responses to NERC, Regional Entity, ISO/RTO, FERC, and audit information requests.
- Provide quality control over project team work products, including evidence, procedures, reports, and presentations.
- Develop advanced knowledge of assigned NERC Standards and coordinate implementation of regulatory changes.
- Provide NERC compliance guidance to project team members and support client training.
- Identify opportunities to improve client compliance processes, controls, documentation, and audit readiness.
- Assign and supervise project team members and assist in their training.
- Interact directly with clients and assist in developing proposals for new business.
- Actively participate in and contribute to Regional Entity workshops, committees, and industry working groups.
Experience and SkillsQualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Technology, Environmental Science, Energy Management, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience and/or relevant certifications will also be considered.
- Minimum of 6 years of direct NERC O&P compliance experience.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with compliance monitoring, audits, evidence, self-certifications, procedures, internal controls, and corrective actions.
- Credentials such as NERC System Operator certification or NERC Auditor experience are preferred.
- Ability to supervise or lead a small team of compliance professionals. Assign tasks to support team members and assist in their training.
- Advanced knowledge of NERC O&P Standards and their application to generation and/or transmission assets.
- Strong understanding of ISO/RTO requirements and electric industry operations.
- Ability to break down project requirements and develop complete project plans.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical operational processes.
- Ability to manage multiple client interactions, priorities, deliverables, and regulatory deadlines.
- Effective time management skills.
- Physical ability to perform reading and work on a computer during working hours.
- Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
- 25-50% travel to Client sites and industry meetings.
- Must pass a background check before employment and again at least once every 7 years.
Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The typical salary range for this position is just one component of the firm's total compensation package.
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Job Benefits- Flex Benefits (Flexible Hours, Telecommuting)
- Competitive Pay
- Health Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision, Company Paid Life, Long Term & Short-Term Disability)
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Floating Holiday, Holidays)
- 401(k)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement
