Lead Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CMEP) Specialist

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 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)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• 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

COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Lead Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (“CMEP”) Specialist Pay Range  - $109,500.00 - $142,250.00

Let’s Get Real: Compliance is Here to Stay!

Are you a compliance expert who thrives on maintaining the integrity of critical operations? Do you want to be part of a team that keeps the lights on and the power grid secure? Join us at Southwest Power Pool (SPP) as a Lead Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (CMEP) Specialist, and play a pivotal role in ensuring we meet federal and regional compliance standards for the electric grid.

In this position, you’ll guide and support employees across SPP to adhere to national reliability standards and regulations, ensuring our operations meet compliance requirements while keeping the power grid functioning safely and efficiently. You’ll be responsible for handling noncompliance issues, developing key evidence, creating regulatory filings, and building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a Subject-Matter Expert (SME) for all CMEP compliance-related needs, providing guidance across the organization.
• Lead CMEP-related initiatives, offering expertise and direction in key compliance areas.
• Investigate compliance risks and violations, and actively participate in the Good Catch process to ensure early identification and resolution of issues.
• Draft and develop self-reports, mitigation plans, evidence citations, and responses to requests for information.
• Support the Compliance Department leadership in the creation and ongoing management of Internal Compliance Program initiatives.
• Act as the liaison between the Compliance Department and other SPP departments involved in NERC compliance, building strong, collaborative relationships.
• Represent compliance interests at regional conferences, NERC/ERO meetings, compliance forums, and SPP stakeholder meetings.
• Advocate for NERC Standards and related security needs in various industry forums and regulatory meetings.
• Consult and guide in training efforts, helping develop and deliver CMEP and NERC compliance training for SPP staff.
• Lead Internal Risk Assessments and manage ongoing reviews to ensure NERC compliance readiness across the organization.
• Develop and maintain oversight controls to ensure compliance standards are met.
• Prepare for audits, gathering and reviewing relevant materials for formal external audits and compliance-related engagements.
• Coordinate audits by handling scheduling, logistics, and facilitating the audit process.
• Stay current on NERC Standards and other regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness.

As our Lead CMEP Specialist, you’ll be key in preserving the integrity of the power grid while also helping shape the future of industry compliance. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and lead a talented team that keeps the lights on, apply today to join Southwest Power Pool!

To be successful in the role we're looking for:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university
• Ten (10) years of industry, compliance, legal experience, or other related experience
• Extensive knowledge of the NERC Standards
• Relevant regulatory experience, especially with CMEP matters
• Fluency in English and ability to communicate effectively with a variety of technical staff and management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Flexibility and the ability to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities
• General proficiency with computers, to include the Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent organizational skills
• General understanding of industry compliance requirements

Preferred:

• Advanced degree (Master’s degree or Juris Doctorate)
• Relevant certifications or licensure (e.g., CCEP, CISA, CISSP, etc.)
• Experience in the energy industry, including working with ISOs/RTOs, ERO, and related organizations

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Position Type, Location, and Hours:

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Little Rock, Arkansas. The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours potentially required.

Travel Requirement:

• This position requires minimal travel (approximately 10%).

SPP is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and is committed to excellence. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process. We will accommodate the needs of any qualified candidate who requests a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool.

Full job descriptions will be made available to those selected for an interview.