Primary Role

The Lead, Operational Compliance, is responsible for the day-to-day implementation and performance of the Operational Compliance Program (OCP) for the assigned State(s) Operating Company (State). The role oversees compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations that create regulatory risks and obligations for the State. The role is also responsible for strategic planning around and assessment of the OCP to ensure that the program remains relevant and viable

Key Accountabilities

• Support the creation and maintenance of the operating company’s OCP with a focus on ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and maintaining activities under the core elements of the OCP.
• Support risk assessment activities to identify critical areas for compliance by functional area, develop an inventory of key compliance requirements, and identify and deliver compliance controls to operating companies
• Lead and/or support root cause analyses of negative business compliance outcomes/ events or significant near misses.
• Identify and support the development of compliance training to functional business leaders and support teams on key compliance requirements, systems and processes, and communicating and socializing OCP objectives to the business.
• Support the design, development, and implementation of strategies, processes and tactics focused on ensuring compliance with key compliance requirements within assigned operating companies, as well as the continual effectiveness of the OCP.
• Support the testing of key compliance requirements through risk assessment tools and solution development to support continuous compliance program improvement.
• Work under the direction of and support the compliance work of the Corporate Operational Excellence Team.
• Continuously coordinate with the subject matter experts (SMEs) responsible for conducting compliance activities, including systems and process controls, within specified areas identified through the risk assessment process to facilitate monitoring and testing of those activities.
• Coordinate tracking and/or automation of appropriate compliance processes and controls.
• Advise management on the status of each operating subsidiary’s compliance with laws and regulations through detailed reports.
• Track, analyze and interpret changes to local, state and federal laws and regulations that impact operations.
• Review tariffs and regulatory orders for compliance requirements and incorporate into OCP

Knowledge/Skills

• Excellent working knowledge of standard business concepts, practices and procedures
• Solid knowledge of compliance processes and programs
• Knowledge of utility operations, policies and business activities
• Knowledge of water and wastewater regulatory requirements
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software applications
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements
• Ability to be both visionary and strategic in thinking, as well as tactical in executing training strategies while anticipating and considering how the business may be impacted by such initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations)
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with State senior management and other key stakeholders)
• Strong project and change management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on project activities, managing concurrent projects).

Experience/Education

• Driver’s License required
• Water and/or wastewater operator licensure recommended
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field strongly preferred. Relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of degree.
• 8+ years' experience in utility or regulatory operations
• Proven track record of maintaining compliance efforts within a regulatory environment.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 30% within operating company locations, as required

Work Environment

• This position will be supporting WV - candidate must sit within the state
• Indoor office environment

Competencies