Director, IT Applications

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.

Director of IT Applications Pay Range - $163,200.00 - $216,200.00

Join Our Team as Director, IT Applications

Are you ready to lead a dynamic team at the forefront of technology? We’re searching for an experienced and visionary

Director, IT Applications

to guide our talented IT Applications group. This leader will bring fresh perspectives, challenge the status quo, and drive service excellence across our organization.

The ideal candidate is a strategic leader who excels in fast-paced environments, prioritizes customer service, and remains at the forefront of current and emerging technologies. They are a bold thinker, unafraid to challenge the norm, and approach leadership with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. A skilled communicator and collaborator, they understand the intricacies of enterprise IT within real-time operations and have experience working across all levels of an organization. Above all, they are passionate about continuous improvement and championing innovation.

What You’ll Do

As Director, IT Applications, you will lead a talented team in overseeing the design, development, implementation, maintenance, and support of critical software systems across key business areas, including Reliability Coordination, Tariff Administration, Regional Scheduling, Engineering, Day-ahead and Real-time Market Operations, and Settlements. You’ll also manage efforts in Identity and Access Management, Test Coordination, and Business Analyst services, as well as ensure 24/7 on-site system support for real-time operations.

In this role, you will set and communicate the strategic direction for the department, ensuring that our technology initiatives align with company goals. You will collaborate closely with senior executives and leaders across the organization, making sure we meet expectations, deliver value, and drive innovation. Additionally, you will represent SPP at key technical committees and industry working groups (e.g., NERC, ISO-RTO Council), and partner with members, customers, and third-party vendors to deliver scalable, reliable solutions.

As a leader, you will also coach and mentor your team, define and track departmental goals, and foster a culture of customer service, continuous improvement, and innovation.

If you're passionate about leading transformation, aligning technology with business outcomes, and making an impact in a mission-critical environment — we’d love to hear from you.

To Be Successful In The Role We're Looking For

- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business administration or a related field

- Ten (10) years’ experience in Information Technology management, overseeing the development and support of software systems

- Specific knowledge of power system engineering applications software, the software development lifecycle, and data base management systems

- Judgment necessary to set individual and staff priorities in instances of insufficient resources as well as demonstrate flexibility and the ability to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities

- Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, management and senior management, including officers of other companies for purposes of requests, analysis, coordination, guidance and presentations

- Demonstrate flexibility and successfully function with constantly changing and multiple priorities

- Possess and use good organizational skills

- Understanding of, compliance with and enforcement of SPP Policies and Procedures

Preferred

- Electric Industry experience

- Variety of experience in Information Technology projects

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, onsite 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 20%).

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.