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 hybrid work capacity,

Relocation assistance is available.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Director, manages the day-to-day operations and staff responsible for the settlement dispute resolution process. Ensures settlement disputes are resolved in accordance with the ISO tariff, Business Practice Manuals (BPMs) and proper business procedures. Responsible for timely evaluation of issues affecting market settlements. Builds and maintains relationships and provides customer service to internal and external customers.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Manages the day-to-day for Settlement Disputes operations and staff. Responsible for providing broad direction and guidance, identifies training needs, coaches and gives feedback on employee performance, develops staff performance plans, 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.
   
• Provides guidance and subject matter expertise on settlement dispute resolution and market issue analysis. Ensures appropriate analytical methods are used to research settlement disputes and proper procedures are followed to resolve settlement disputes. Guides the team to identify root causes of system and data issues, oversees impact assessments and recommended solutions. Works with other business units to provide internal or external education if training needs are identified.
   
• Leads and supports cross-functional teams to investigate complex issues and determine recommended resolutions. Designs and creates appropriate metrics to monitor dispute issues. Periodically creates and presents the dispute report and summarizes key dispute topics to share with cross-functional management.
   
• Develops and fosters cross-functional relationships between internal business units to ensure timely dispute resolution. Guides the team to communicate to internal business units and external market participants on dispute related market or settlement issues as appropriate.

Level of Education and Discipline:

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

Amount of Experience:

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

Type of Experience:

Requires an in-depth knowledge of the ISO bid to bill processes. Experience in utility industry settlement, market performance monitoring, energy trading, regulatory and policy analysis, operations research, analysis of electricity market systems, or electricity market design. Data analysis experience is preferred. Experience managing highly technical staff is highly desired.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. Excellent leadership and management abilities with experience coaching and developing others. Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions.  Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member.  Strong analytical and quantitative skills required.  Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex materials and concepts. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently. 

The pay range for the Manager, Settlement Disputes at the CAISO is $143,400 - $239,000 per year.