Senior or Lead CIP Specialist - Little Rock, United States - Southwest Power Pool Inc.

Description

Description

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:

• Competitive 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 assistance
• Flexible working environment for positions that are eligible where employees have the flexibility to work from home and come in where collaborative in person work is needed.
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a defined benefit plan fully funded by SPP

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior or Lead CIP Specialist to join our CIP Compliance team. As the Senior or Lead CIP Specialist your role will:

Involve leading the implementation and management of processes required for our company's corporate-wide programs to ensure compliance with national and regional reliability and commercial business practice standards, particularly related to Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). Additionally, you will play a crucial role in supporting the development of NERC CIP Standards as part of our ongoing corporate efforts.

This position entails interacting with SPP members, external audit teams, and other industry representatives. It is essential to maintain excellent working relationships with all parties to ensure compliance requirements are met. The Senior Lead CIP Specialist will engage in both internal and external outreach activities to collect and validate processes and evidence demonstrating ongoing corporate compliance.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as a compliance subject-matter expert (SME) for all relevant CIP compliance needs.
• Provide direction and leadership to Compliance department staff, especially in areas that involve CIP-related responsibilities
• Provide guidance and mentor lower-level Compliance department staff on regulatory responsibilities and compliance-related processes and procedures
• Assist the Manager and Director of the Compliance Department with the development and ongoing practice of relevant Internal Compliance Program initiatives
• Act as the Compliance Department Liaison with the SPP departments responsible for CIP compliance, establishing a positive rapport with key staff.
• Represent compliance interests involving the NERC CIP Standards during regional conferences, regulatory meetings, compliance forums, and the like.
• Represent Compliance in RCWG meetings and interact with other Staff Secretaries for other SPP Working Groups (MOPC, CIPWG, RCWG, ORWG, etc.) related to corporate CIP compliance.
• Represent compliance interests involving CIP Standards and related security needs during regional conferences, regulatory meetings, compliance forums, and the like.
• Participate in the NERC Standards Development Process to provide influence and obtain knowledge of revisions to NERC Standards. This may be in the form of participation as an observer or member of NERC Standard Drafting Teams.
• Provide consultation for the development and delivery of CIP compliance-related training for SPP Staff.
• Lead Internal Risk Assessments and lead the scheduled, ongoing reviews of internal CIP compliance readiness.
• Conduct investigations of potential compliance risks/possible violations.
• Develop self-reports, mitigation plans, evidence citations, and responses to requests for information.
• Develop and maintain Compliance oversight controls
• Participate in, and assist SPP Staff Secretary of, the SPP Critical Infrastructure Protection Working Group (CIPWG).
• Participate in CIP-related conferences and meetings such as the Critical Infrastructure Protection Committee (CIPC), the North American Transmission Forum, and NAESB.
• Work closely with Legal and Regulatory Departments by reviewing possible compliance related filings, self-reports, and changes involving corporate compliance.
• Gather, review and prepare audit-related materials in advance of formal external audits, focusing on SERC audits and miscellaneous visits.
• Coordinate audits, to include scheduling, logistical support and ongoing facilitation
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of NERC CIP Standards and other reliability requirements

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and responsibilities. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences, or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

To be successful as the Senior or Lead CIP Specialist, we're looking for a:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Lead: Ten (10) years of industry experience
• Senior: (8) years of IT, Industry, or Compliance related experience OR Two(2) Years of relevant job-related experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirement.
• Extensive knowledge of the NERC CIP Standards
• Relevant regulatory experience, especially in CIP-related compliance obligations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the NERC CIP Standards
• Advanced Degree

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

• This is a full-time position. Days and hours of workweek are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Working extended hours may be required.

Travel Requirement:

• This position requires minimal (0--10%) travel.

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