Director - Markets Development

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 Markets Development - Pay Range: $ 184,200 - $ 248,650

Join Our Team as the Director of Markets Development!

Are you ready to lead a dynamic team at the forefront of energy markets development across a multi-state region? We're seeking a Director, Markets Development to oversee the strategic direction, system support, and functional analysis of the Day-Ahead Market, Real-Time Energy Market, and Operating Reserve Markets. This role ensures the efficient, reliable, and compliant operation of our energy markets in accordance with NERC standards and SSAE-16 requirements.

This is a critical leadership position responsible for aligning market systems and processes with corporate strategy, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability of the Bulk Electric System.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide executive leadership for the development and continuous improvement of SPP’s energy markets, including the Day-Ahead Market, Real-Time Energy Market, and Operating Reserve Markets.

- Direct the design, implementation, and support of market systems, tools, and processes to ensure reliability, efficiency, and compliance with NERC, FERC, and SSAE-16 requirements.

- Develop strategic objectives and translate them into tactical plans that align with corporate goals and member needs.

- Lead and manage departmental staff, including hiring, training, coaching, performance reviews, and career development.

- Oversee departmental budgets, resource planning, and performance tracking to ensure cost-effective operations.

- Ensure the development and maintenance of tariffs, operational controls, audit documentation, and regulatory compliance processes.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, IT, Compliance, Settlements, and other internal teams.

- Represent SPP Markets in internal leadership forums and external industry groups, including NERC and the ISO-RTO Council.

- Stay current on market trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to inform strategic decision-making.

To Be Successful In The Role We're Looking For

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

- Minimum of twelve (12) years’ experience in managing the development or administration of regional electricity markets, grid operations, or other similar RTO/ISO function.

- Understanding of fundamentals of electricity wholesale markets, security-constrained economic dispatch, and security-constrained unit commitment

- 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

- Variety of experience in sophisticated analytical tools such as Energy Management System advanced application packages, Interchange Distribution Calculator, Open Access Same-time Information System, etc.

- Specific knowledge of transmission system operations including power flow, stability, voltage control, restoration, etc.

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 position. Days and hours of work week are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Working extended hours may be required.

Travel Requirement

- This position requires moderate 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.