Director, Grid Modernization

JOB DESCRIPTION

Director, Grid Modernization
Salary Grade: G02
Minimum  Midpoint  Maximum
$131,698 - $184,377 - $237,057

Position posted until filled.

SUMMARY

Responsible for leading PNMs Grid Modernization Program throughout its current and future growth phases. Drive and own cost-effective end-to-end execution of Grid Modernization initiatives, promoting the vision and mission of Grid Modernization at PNM, and building a high performing team and Grid Modernization Department from the ground up. Design, implement, and help to operate PNMs electric grid of the future, serving as one of the key faces of Grid Modernization for the company. Responsible for coordinating multi-disciplinary initiatives that include input and cooperation from functions such as NM Operations, Customer Experience, BTS, Regulatory/Government Affairs, Customer Operations and many more. Oversee and ensure optimal performance of teams pivotal to the success of the Grid Modernization Program, and will engage with external counterparts, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure PNM is leveraging and contributing to industry best practices. Serve as the main point of contact for the program and will be responsible for communicating status and growth opportunities to executive leadership and key members of the PNM community. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the Grid Modernization Leader within PNM, bringing domain expertise in various aspects of Grid Modernization to the rest of the organization and serving as the responsible party for the end-to-end execution of the program. 
• Actively engage in the development and prioritization of current and future Grid Modernization strategic documents, road maps, requirements, and plans to support the growth of the program at PNM over the next decade and beyond. 
• Ensure that PNMs strategic priorities are responsive to industry developments, and continue to maximize value over time, capturing new opportunities as they emerge and when the regulatory environment allows.
• Work with key PNM SMEs, third-party vendors, and other experts to identify interconnected platforms, applications, and integrations that will directly impact the Grid Modernization Program at PNM (both current and future state)  playing a key leadership role across the company to ensure the effective coordination of large strategic initiatives that cross the information and operational technology divide. 
• Provide Grid Modernization-specific input and operational perspective to the enterprise-scale strategy at PNM.
• Lead the Grid Modernization Team in developing key, repeatable processes associated with the future-state of the grid at PNM  helping to document and standardize them along the way, while identifying and eliminating pain points where possible. 
• Help to develop repeatable and standardized tools, methods, and training curricula to be utilized over the course of the Grid Modernization programs lifespan and beyond. 
• Serve as the responsible party for developing and defending yearly Grid Modernization program reviews in front of the NMPRC.
• In tandem with Regulatory and Government Affairs, own future regulatory filings regarding Grid Modernization at PNM.
• Work with the Grid Modernization Project Manager to oversee and track budget and progress to plan for the Grid Modernization Program.
• Act as the key point of contact between PNM and Grid Modernization vendors, coordinating with multiple third-party contractors at once and building/maintaining relationships with key outside personnel. 
• Identify the need for additional vendor support and then lead procurement efforts for various stages of the program.
• Leverage industry expertise and market sensibilities to propose and plan forward-looking refinement or growth of the Grid Modernization program at PNM.
• Engage in thought leadership around Grid Modernization at PNM  including hosting webinars, authoring joint case studies, and engaging with other utilities across the country to learn more about successfully implemented Grid Modernization programs. 
• Maintain expertise in various topics associated with Grid Modernization by attending key conferences, summits, and partner meetings when necessary. 
• Stand up, support, and develop the Grid Modernization Department at PNM  fostering the long-term vision of the program and identifying and hiring key resources that will be paramount to the success of the program over the short and long-term.
• Mentor and coach members of the Grid Modernization Department - lead people development and community-building activities.
• Guide direct reports when challenging situations are encountered, helping them to be successful. 
• Communicate strategic initiatives, status updates, and implementation plans to leadership and the greater PNM community  leading efforts to obtain senior executive approval of strategic items and plans for grid modernization at PNM. 
• Work with Corporate Communications and key Marketing Personnel to develop messaging to PNM Customers. 
• Foster a productive, engaging, and inclusive work environment in which open communication is encouraged and obstacles to open communication are addressed quickly and effectively.
• Develop and implement Grid Modernization strategies that align with  budget , leveraging current systems and infrastructure where possible
• Collaborate with various departments to identify and utilize existing systems and processes that can support Grid Modernization initiatives
   

COMPETENCIES

• Expertise in grid infrastructure, power systems, power quality, reliability, advanced distribution equipment, and associated systems
• Familiarity with computer systems and the electric power industry, including advanced infrastructure programs
• Knowledge of electric distribution system designs and operations, utility specifications, and the National Electric Safety Code
• Proficient in Smart Grid technology and developing technical best practices
• Knowledge of Industry practices and State and Federal regulatory requirements and policies
• Understanding of the jobs in the organization and how these affect the organization's productivity
• Thorough understanding of the PNM budget process including the preparation of and interrelationship of the department's budget with other departments and budgets
• Understanding of local politics including city, county, state, and tribal governments
• Thorough understanding of the regulatory rules, regulations and tariffs as they apply to electric operations affecting the managed group
• Understanding of environmental issues, concerns, overall policies and procedures
• Good interactive skills and promotes teamwork
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects within strict budgetary constraints
• Expertise in optimizing existing systems and processes to achieve new objectives
• Strong understanding of utility financial management and cost-control measures
• Proficiency in identifying and leveraging synergies between existing infrastructure and new Grid Modernization technologies

QUALIFICATIONS  
                 
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with nine to eleven years related experience including five years of management experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline. 

Master's degree preferred.

Proven track record of successfully implementing large-scale projects while adhering to pre-established budgets and working within existing organizational frameworks

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a current, legally valid driver's license and meet the company's driving record requirements.

Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly desired

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for all personnel actions within the organization.  
Responsible for overall direction and performance of the organization.  Ability to manage and mold a diverse group of people into a highly productive team by applying principles of management.  Ability to promote team performance by having a positive attitude, being self-motivated, and staying flexible to change.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS  
            
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations

Ability to write complex reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS          
     
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of engineering

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations

COMPUTER SKILLS 
                
Working knowledge of Windows Office software, and any special application software that may be used from time to time

ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY

Ability to solve complex practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit up to 2/3 of the time.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office environment. Infrequent travel is required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Safety Statement:
Safety is a core value at PNM and our vision, ¿everyone goes home safe¿, reflects our commitment to promoting an environment conducive to learning, improving and building safety practices. Our safety value is built upon the belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harm.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: 
PNM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with the ADA. If you require assistance with the job application process due to a disability, please contact HR ADA Analyst, at 505-241-4627.

DEI Statement:
At PNM, we value the diversity of our workforce and actively seek opportunities for incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within our family of companies. We believe a diverse workforce enriches our environment and helps us better meet the needs of our employees, customers, and shareholders.  We remain committed to attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce and retaining high-performing employees who work collaboratively to carry out the Company's purpose.

PNM and affiliates are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers.  Women, minorities, disabled individuals and veterans are encouraged to apply.