Manager, Model and Contract Implementation (Flexible)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a flexible hybrid schedule.

Relocation assistance is available.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Director, manages the day-to-day operations and activities of the staff of Model and Contract Implementation (MCI) responsible for new resource implementation, market participant asset implementation, network model process management, entity resource management, energy data acquisition systems, and resource testing and performance validation. The scope of work for the team includes resources, assets and data for the California ISO Transmission Operator (TOP), Balancing Authority (BA) and Reliability Coordinator (RC) areas as well as for the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM). Responsible for strategically planning and monitoring project and compliance activities to ensure the business unit processes are compliant with applicable Tariff requirements, NERC and WECC Mandatory Standards and are executed consistently with applicable Business Practice Manuals, Operating Procedures and defined controls. Facilitates, coaches and promotes a culture of compliance and continuous improvement amongst Operations staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and manages the employee work assignments, provides broad direction and guidance, identifies training needs, coaches and gives feedback on employee performance, makes recommendations with respect to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change in the status of direct reports, and performs related activities as appropriate.
  
• Oversees business unit processes and projects for new resource implementation, market participant asset implementation and full network model process management. Provides input, direction and decision making regarding the resolution of complex interconnection situations, and network model scope and development activities.
  
• Oversees business unit processes and projects for energy data acquisition systems, and resource testing and performance verification. Reviews and authorizes meter certificates of compliance, exemptions to the tariff for meter or telemetry requirements, and resource performance verification results.
  
• Oversees business unit processes and projects for entity resource management. Monitors changes made to the Master File database, and provides guidance as needed regarding validation of proposed data changes.
  
• Responsible for reviewing and approving BPM and Operating Procedure language relating to business unit functions. Above and beyond assigned policy and project work, is responsible for looking ahead to ensure the team is anticipating whether future changes to the market and grid products, resources and assets could impact business unit processes and technology. Ensures MCI perspective is represented in forward-looking meetings regarding current state of processes and potential future states to ensure they are characterized appropriately. Ensures feedback from grid operators and external customers are taken into account for continuous improvement of processes and technology.
  
• Attends business meetings, and collaborates with ISO colleagues to develop "best practices" policies and procedures, and to identify and resolve issues to help create a flexible and efficient organization.
  
• May perform related duties and activities as assigned.
  
• Adheres to and supports the Core Values of the ISO.
  
• Adheres to and supports the safety policies and programs of the ISO. Accountable for implementing the policies and procedures of the ISO Safety Program.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering, Computer Science or Business. Master Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten (10) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

• Demonstrated experience with complex processes impacting internal & external customers
• Demonstrated experience working cross functionally with other departments
• Demonstrated experience working with external customers
• Has conceptual knowledge of resource data management and network modeling, metering and telemetry data and communications, market participation by generation and load assets
• Has conceptual knowledge for determining compliance applicability, as well as issue resolution related to potential resource performance and compliance concerns

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates fundamental leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a leader, facilitator and team member. Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required. Excellent analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts in a non-technical manner. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently. Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite. Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.

The pay range for the Manager, Model and Contract Implementation at the CAISO is $132,075 - $220,125 per year.