Project Manager, NERC Regulation Compliance I-Sr in Albuquerque, New Mexico at PNM Resources

POSTING DEADLINE

This position is posted until filled.

DEPARTMENT

Department: NERC Compliance

PREFERENCES

NERC Operations & Planning experience, especially with Transmission Planning (TPL), Protection & Controls (PRC), Facilities Ratings, Design, Connections, & Maintenance (FAC), Interconnection Reliability Operations & Coordination (IRO), and/or Modeling, Data, and Analysis (MOD) strongly preferred. Experience with NERC CIP and/or willingness to learn and project manage a subset of NERC CIP requirements is a plus.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST INCLUDE A COVER LETTER IN ADDITION TO A RESUME

JOB DESCRIPTION

Project Manager, NERC Regulation Compliance, Sr.

Salary Grade: G04
Minimum Midpoint Maximum
$110,004 - $148,506 - $187,007

This position is covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards. Prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.

Given the financial nature of this position, this position has been defined as a position requiring a credit check. Prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a credit background check.

SUMMARY:

Under limited direction, facilitates implementation of PNM Resources¿ NERC Internal Compliance Program directly with business area resources to ensure that assigned areas of PNMR and its New Mexico and Texas utility affiliates achieve and maintain compliance with any and all NERC, WECC, and TRE mandatory reliability standards. This includes, but is not limited to, providing guidance and technical expertise related to the implementation of long term compliance plans and processes for assigned business areas as it relates to NERC standards, working with appropriate stakeholders and subject matter experts to implement the compliance strategic direction, and managing, developing and overseeing the implementation of controls for monitoring all NERC compliance activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the company strategy for maintaining NERC compliance across PNMR and its affiliates

Monitors reliability standard developments in the industry and maintains an in-depth knowledge/understanding of rapidly evolving compliance requirements and strategic initiatives within the industry as well as associated technical/operational expertise. Assists business areas with formulating content for compliance evidence and/or RSAWs

Conducts in-depth technical reviews and compliance evaluation of any and all applicable reliability standards implemented by assigned business area(s) (such as planning, maintenance operations, physical and cyber-security for generation, transmission, distribution, and control center facilities), including performing reviews implementation of internal controls, compliance evidence, and Reliability Standards Audit Worksheets (RSAW) and makes necessary recommendations to Management and Subject Matter Experts following review. As appropriate, coordinates with PNMR internal audit staff and/or other third parties utilized for supplemental compliance assessment.

Translates existing and new/revised standards into program requirements and communicates those requirements to applicable personnel across the enterprise

Conducts compliance activities in an ethical and professional manner

Responsible for identifying, establishing, and implementing internal performance measures for key compliance/reliability/security metrics and internal procedures for tracking, evaluating, and reporting on compliance project plans and overall company compliance risk.

Facilitates processes/projects/implementation of technology to assist business areas with the implementation of new or revised standards by working closely with assigned subject matter experts to develop project plans and track progress on those plans across multiple technical areas of enterprise

Provides company representation to industry forums such as, the WECC/TRE/NERC Compliance Workshops, Western Interconnection Compliance Forum (WICF), North American Transmission Forum (NATF), Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC) as assigned

Facilitates compliance program processes such as annual self-certification, spot checks, on-site audits, investigations and the preparation of self-reports and mitigation plans for regulatory violations

Creates and maintains any and all document repositories necessary for PNMR and its affiliates to demonstrate to regulatory compliance with NERC and regional reliability standards

Facilitates company position development on all new or revised standards developed by FERC, NERC, WECC and TRE

Leads and coordinates the identification and documentation of roles and responsibilities for NERC compliance tasks pertaining to assigned business areas and reinforces established reporting boundaries between assigned business areas and Corporate NERC Compliance Department

Participates in stakeholder and enforcement forums including violation dispensation processes and/or contested hearings, alerts, and investigations as assigned

Assists in investigation of and external reporting associated with compliance violations and/or NERC reportable event(s) and cyber incident(s)

Develops alliances with other stakeholders, regional entity representatives and counterparts at neighboring entities

Participates in or conducts in internal spot checks and reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and supports PNMR internal audit(s) and/or other third party compliance assessment(s), as assigned

COMPETENCIES:

Demonstrated leadership skills

Knowledge, understanding, and commitment to express and implement the company¿s vision and goals

Demonstrated in-depth, technical understanding of various NERC and Regional reliability standards and regulatory organizations that create those compliance standards to include: FERC, NERC, WECC, and TRE

Ability to assist in the production of clear policies, procedures and processes that PNMR staff can follow and that can stand up to scrutiny of internal and external auditors, including WECC/TRE/NERC auditors

Demonstrated knowledge of at least one key business area(s) covered by NERC Standards such as cyber security, physical security, and/or network architecture for Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) candidates and real-time operations, planning, transmission, distribution, generation facilities, and/or protection and controls within WECC and ERCOT for Operations and Planning candidates. Ability to expand knowledge to additional business areas as needed.

Ability to develop consensus positions and interface with various groups to accomplish compliance objectives

Ability to manage complex projects and multi-disciplined team of senior technical professionals

Ability to prioritize, schedule, organize, focus on, and complete work

Ability to multi-task and effectively manage time in a dynamic environment

Ability to demonstrate sound judgment

Ability to demonstrate advanced interpersonal skills

Ability to maintain positive and productive working relationships with various individuals and groups

Action-oriented, detail-oriented, and goal-oriented

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelors degree in a related field with seven to nine years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to this position. Significant experience in regulatory, compliance, operations, engineering, power plant, Control Systems, Energy Management Systems, SCADA, cyber-security, and/or physical security related experience strongly preferred.

Masters degree is preferred.

For CIP candidates: knowledge of enterprise security architecture, network design, and operational risk management with CISA, CISM, CISSP, or other technical certification preferred.

Project Management Professional certification preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leads and coaches matrix resources regarding forms, filings, and other tasks related to assigned regulatory matters

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Negotiation skills and ability to gain concessions without damaging relationships

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental orders and regulations

Ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals

Ability to effectively give persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to various audiences

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations

Ability to effectively listen and get clarification to respond to a wide-range of questions

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry

Ability to apply the concepts of fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Strong, working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and Microsoft SharePoint administration. Working knowledge and experience with high-availability computer networks

Knowledge of industry standard and best practice cyber security protection measures, including but not limited to: establishment of electronic security perimeters, malware detection and protection, intrusion protection and detection, cyber asset vulnerability assessments, local and wide area network design, backup plans and procedures, and disaster recovery procedures preferred for CIP candidates

ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY:

Ability to strategically approach issues. Must be proactive, adept at working with cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups.

Ability to synthesize complex information.

Ability to apply creativity to problem solving and utilize analytic skills and modeling capabilities to provide ongoing insight into the business and to make recommendations and decisions.

Ability to identify mitigation plans as necessary

Ability to coordinate with, and lead, cross-functional team of technical experts.

DECISION MAKING:

Ability to make quick, effective decisions in a rapidly changing and demanding environment. Makes decisions as to whether a compliance violation has occurred, what actions need to be taken and works with business areas to develop plans for future avoidance of violation.

SCOPE AND IMPACT:

Facilitates cross-functional team(s) responsible for compliance with a portion of applicable regulatory standards. Failure by PNMR to comply with the standards exposes PNMR to heightened regulatory oversight, monetary sanctions, and increases vulnerability to malicious cyber-attack against PNMR cyber assets that are essential to the functioning of components of the bulk electric system for which PNMR is responsible. Violations can result in millions of dollars in fines and restrictions being placed on activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit up to 2/3 of the time and to stand, walk, and stoop up to 1/3 of the time. Good vision and ability to adjust focus is required. Manual dexterity is required. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Out-of-state travel may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Project Manager, NERC Regulation Compliance

Salary Grade: G05
Minimum Midpoint Maximum
$94,831 - $128,022 - $161,213

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills.

This position is covered by North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) cyber security standards. Prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.

SUMMARY:
Oversees, leads, and coordinates compliance and operations analysis projects, ensuring adherence to NERC standards and Electric Reliability Council Of Texas protocols. This role involves continuous research and analysis of practices, procedures, and processes to confirm and improve compliance. The project manager represents TNMP as a Subject Matter Expert during audits, spot checks, and investigations, requiring a deep understanding of compliance standards and effective communication skills. Additionally, they conduct analyses of operating issues and problems, identifying root causes and developing solutions to maintain operational efficiency and prevent regulatory violations. This position is vital for maintaining the integrity and reliability of TNMP's operations. Conducts compliance activities in an ethical and professional manner

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serves as the department lead for compliance with all NERC Standards applicable to TNMP as assigned to this position

Assumes Subject Matter Expert (SME) role for all assigned applicable NERC Operations & Planning (O &P)Standards for the department

Follows and participates in NERC standards drafting, development and approval processes at NERC

Develops revisions and updates to procedures and practices to provide continuous improvement and assure compliance; monitors the compliance activities of TNMP Staff; develops and monitors compliance metrics

Analyzes and documents potential violations of the standards to support effective self-reporting and subsequent mitigation of violations

Develops briefing materials for management and staff; advises management of compliance developments at NERC, Texas RE, and ERCOT

Acts as a primary liaison to the TXNM Energy NERC Compliance Governance group for external audits, spot checks, self-reports, Requests for Information (RFI), studies, and investigations; stays current with the NERC Reliability Standards Audit worksheets ("RSAWS") and drafts responses to RSAWS in preparation for audits; coordinates with the NERC Compliance group and Internal Audit during any internal compliance audits or investigations

Coordinates department use of compliance documentation methods and tools; establishes and adheres to effective document version control and management tools and methods, including administration of compliance software

Establishes and maintains compliance policies and controls, including "tickler" and/or calendar reminder systems to assure required periodic (monthly, quarterly and annual) reviews and updates to data, logs and procedures are timely completed

Manages the transition of compliance tasks and responsibilities in response to new staff joining TNMP, and loss of staff after transfers and retirements

May represent TNMP at Texas RE, ERCOT and NERC compliance outreach functions such as, but not limited to the Texas Reliability Entity (Texas RE), NERC Compliance Workshops, North American Transmission Forum (NATF), Edison Electric, as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

Detailed knowledge of NERC O&P Standards, and the NERC Reliability Standards development process

Detailed knowledge of and experience in operations, transmission, and distribution systems

Knowledge of state and federal electric utility regulatory agencies and their rules, regulations and practices

Ability to represent the Company in external NERC and Texas RE audits of compliance with applicable NERC reliability standards

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, mathematics, computer science or a similar field with five to seven years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

Experience as a system operator or power plant operator is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must be cleared (or have the ability to be cleared) to have access to TNMP Critical Cyber Assets ("CCAs") and information about CCAs as such assets are defined within the CIP standards. Must be able to pass a comprehensive initial (and periodically recurring) background check.

NERC Operator certification or the ability to become certified is preferred.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret NERC Standards, governing NERC Compliance and Enforcement Program ("CMEP") documents, applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rulemakings and orders, and related regulatory filings made by other parties and industry groups (such as EEI) in FERC proceedings

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations

Ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences

Ability to write technical reports and procedures

Ability to effectively listen and get clarification to respond to a wide-range of questions

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations

Strong organizational skills and the ability to be self-directed in day-to-day work

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to apply concepts of fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, exponents, and averages

Ability to understand the mathematical equations and algebraic expressions contained in the NERC Standards

COMPUTER SKILLS:
Comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Windows-based software products and platforms include but not limited to MS365, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Sharepoint document management and collaboration, Adobe Acrobat, various web browsers, Webex, Teams, Generative AI and Power BI.

ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY:

Ability to develop new operating procedures and compliance processes, based on experience with and knowledge of electric utility system operations. Ability to develop revisions, updates, and improvements to existing operating procedures and processes. Ability to work with detailed electric utility operations data, analyze the data, diagnose the source of operating issues, concerns and problems, develop and implement recommendations, and follow-up to determine if corrective actions taken were effective or if they require revision or adjustment. Must be proactive, adept in working with cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups. Ability to synthesize complex information. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

DECISION MAKING:

Decides whether existing processes or procedures comply with NERC Reliability Standards and what changes are warranted to enhance compliance with the Standards. Both independently and in coordination with staff that are Subject Matter Experts, must be able to draft and implement improvements to compliance procedures and practices. Acts independently and takes initiative to review compliance status and readiness for audits and to coordinate review of processes and procedures with TNMP staff. Decision making is coordinated with the Director of System Operations and/or TXNM Energy NERC Compliance staff.

SCOPE AND IMPACT:

NERC Compliance failures pose significant financial risks to the Company. The position is responsible for leading NERC compliance activities for TNMP including support during audits. Compliance failures can result in sanctions of up to millions of dollars for each requirement violated. FERC, NERC, and Texas RE are taking an increasingly aggressive approach to audits and actions, and financial risk of non-compliance will also increase.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit up to 2/3 of the time and to stand, walk, and stoop up to 1/3 of the time. Good vision and ability to adjust focus is required. Manual dexterity is required. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Office environment.

Some in-state and out-of-state travel may be required

SAFETY AND ADA STATEMENT

Safety Statement:
Safety is a core value at (TXNM Energy/PNM/TNMP) and our vision, "everyone goes home safe", reflects our commitment to promoting an environment conducive to learning, improving and building safety practices. Our safety value is built upon the belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harm.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement:
If you require assistance with the job application process due to a disability, please contact HR ADA Analyst, at 505-241-4627.