Operational & Regulatory Compliance Lead

Title: Operational & Regulatory Compliance Lead

Basic function: The Head of Operational Compliance will manage compliance requirements and architect a system that can grow and meet  SBE’s Regulatory and Operational Compliance (Federal, State and, Local and ISO) obligations. 

In this role, you will also be responsible working with third parties, other SB Energy functions and O&M providers for operational projects to ensure all requirements are met. An additional element will be to make improvements in this area. This position will report to the VP of Operational Excellence. 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Compliance Program Oversight: Direct the strategic development, execution, and oversight of the NERC and ISO compliance program across SBE’s renewable portfolio, ensuring consistent alignment with applicable reliability standards. 
• NERC Registration Management: Oversee the NERC registration process for all applicable assets, coordinating with regional reliability organizations, Transmission Operators, Planning Coordinators, and other stakeholders. 
• Environmental and Permitting Compliance: Engage with operations staff and vendors through periodic (quarterly) site engagements to identify and correct potential environmental and permitting non-compliance issues. 
• Policy and Procedure Management: Create and refine internal compliance policies and procedures, aligning them with regulatory requirements and organizational goals to support a comprehensive compliance framework. 
• Development and Construction Support: As Operations representative during the Development and Construction phase of projects, provide subject matter expertise ensuring all compliance-related obligations are addressed. 
• Document Compliance Assessment: Evaluate interconnection agreements, power purchase agreements, shared services contracts, and other critical project documentation for NERC and ISO compliance implications. 
• Vendor Oversight: Manage third-party compliance service providers to ensure contracted deliverables are met and effectively integrated into the internal compliance program. 
• Internal Compliance Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews to assess adherence to NERC standards and ISO requirements, identify potential gaps, and implement corrective actions as needed. 
• Regulatory Deadlines: Track and ensure timely submission of all compliance documentation and regulatory filings, maintaining a proactive stance on deadlines. 
• Standards Monitoring: Keep abreast of changes to NERC Reliability Standards and ISO requirements, ensuring timely updates to internal controls, procedures, and policies. 
• Program Development: Continuously evaluate and recommend improvements to compliance strategies and processes for sustained regulatory alignment. 
• Audit Coordination: Lead the planning and execution of both internal and external compliance audits, including preparation of audit materials and engagement with auditors. 
• Operational Coordination: Collaborate with the operations team to verify implementation of compliance procedures, collect necessary documentation, take the lead in responses to information requests, and submit required materials to regulators. 
• Industry Engagement: Participate in industry workshops, seminars, and working groups to remain informed of emerging best practices and regulatory updates. 
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain comprehensive logs and trackers for all compliance activities, supporting transparency, auditing needs, and financial requirements. 
• Training & Awareness: Design and deliver compliance training sessions to internal stakeholders to build a strong culture of accountability and awareness. 

Job Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field required. Master’s degree preferred.  
• Deep understanding of NERC reliability standards, including Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP). 
• Familiarity with electric generation and transmission systems. Ability to read single-line electrical drawings. 
• Experience with compliance requirements, audits, and certifications from TRE, WECC, CAISO, ERCOT, PUCT and similar authorities. 
• General understanding of compliance requirements with applicable local and state discretionary permits and environmental laws, including:
• Clean Water Act (CWA) - stormwater/erosion prevention/WOTUS,  
• Clean Air Act (CAA) - back-up generation emissions  
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - federal rights-of-way,  
• Endangered Species Act (ESA) - take permits,  
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) - avian impact avoidance,
• Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) - hazardous waste,  
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
•  Environmental Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) - Tier II reporting)
• Demonstrated ability in evaluating internal controls and conducting compliance assessments.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Effective project management and organizational capabilities, with comfort in managing multiple priorities. 

 Travel requirement:  Up to 10% 

 Locations: CA, Texas, San Diego, Denver 

 Base pay: 160000-200000

The pay range mentioned above is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks—while ensuring internal parity across our team. In addition to competitive base pay, total compensation may include a discretionary annual bonus, a long-term incentive plan aligned with our ownership mindset, and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process. 

 Our Health & Wellness Benefits 

At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy: 

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents) 

• 401(k) with Company Match 

• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays 

• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave 

• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage 

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions) 

• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions) 

• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits 

• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data 

• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans 

• Device Purchase Support 

At SB Energy, the success of our projects is driven by a desire to see our projects benefit as many people as possible. We work to serve local communities through volunteering, fundraising, and much more. For example, we’re proud to support access and opportunity in engineering and clean energy through impactful mentorship programs and workforce training. When you join SB Energy, you can become a part of these efforts, collaborating with team members who share a vision of building a better future now!  

 SB Energy is built on a foundation of collaboration and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class. 

 To learn more about us, visit www.sbenergy.com.