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David Careers

Senior NERC Compliance Manager

Posted today

acumenEverett (WA)
Compliance ManagersOther Management Consulting Services

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$110,000 - $180,000

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About the role

ABOUT ACUMENSince 1984, Acumen has been the trusted advisor behind North America’s most critical infrastructure. As a management consulting and engineering firm serving the Energy, Transit, and Government sectors, we sit at the crossroads of technology, resilience, and compliance. Acumen specializes in Regulatory Compliance, Cyber & Physical Security, Operational Technology, and Energy Solutions, enabling critical system resiliency and effectiveness as operating and regulatory environments evolve. Our people are our assets, and we invest in our team with the same level of diligence and respect as we do for our clients.
ABOUT THE ROLE: As part of Acumen’s continual efforts to strengthen the capabilities of our Regulatory Compliance team, we are hiring a Senior NERC Compliance Manager. This role is designed to enable our energy sector clients across North America to maintain a strong NERC compliance posture. You'll lead proactive compliance management initiatives, mock audits and gap assessments, prepare clients for regional audits, serve as a CIP and O&P subject matter expert, and help grow our practice. The role also involves monitoring industry and regulatory changes and identifying and pursuing business opportunities emerging as a result. LOCATIONUS Office (New Albany, IN - Louisville, KY Metro)FORMATFull TimeRemote AvailableEXPERIENCE10-15 YearsTRAVELNorth America & Internationally(10%-25%)SALARY RANGE$110,000 - $180,000WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Relationship & Project Management: Lead client facing engagements - providing project leadership and coordination activities (scope, timelines, deliverable quality management) working internally and with existing and new clients. Serve as an Acumen client liaison, ensuring a quality work product, client satisfaction, and long-term beneficial alliances.
  • Audits and Assessments: Direct performance of CIP and O&P mock audits, gap assessments and readiness reviews across all registered functions. Interview SMEs, review evidence, and walk down substations, plants and control centers. Turn findings into practical mitigation plans and roadmaps.
  • Audit Readiness: Guide clients through regional audits, spot checks and self-certifications. Prepare Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs), Self-Reports and mitigation plans, manage audit evidence, coach SMEs for auditor interviews, and act as the client's SME when needed.
  • Compliance Programs: Build Internal Compliance Programs, policies, procedures and internal controls, and develop CIP cyber and physical security plans. Serve as the lead compliance resource for managed services clients.
  • Stay Ahead of the Standards: Track NERC Standards development, FERC orders and Regional Entity guidance so clients stay audit-ready, and take part in NERC drafting teams, regional workshops and industry working groups.
  • Be the Trusted Advisor: Deliver reports, presentations, and CIP and O&P training to client teams, and lead projects to keep engagements on track. Develop compliance reports and dashboards. Track status, monitor tasks in compliance tools, and support submissions to NERC or Regional Entities.
  • Grow the Team: Review analyst work, give clear direction, and help junior team members build their skills.
  • Fuel Our Growth: Spot new opportunities, write proposals, cost estimates, and RFP responses, represent Acumen at conferences and events, and help shape our NERC compliance services strategy.
WHO YOU ARE:
  • You bring 10 - 15 years of experience in the electric utility industry, with a primary focus on NERC Operations & Planning and CIP compliance.
  • You have a working knowledge of power system operations (generation, transmission, distribution), the NERC regulatory landscape, and the NERC compliance enforcement and monitoring processes employed by the various NERC Regional Entities.
  • You have direct experience with NERC CIP Standards, FERC reliability requirements, and Regional Entity audit processes.
  • You have a strong understanding of CIP documentation requirements including RSAW development and evidence collection/management.
  • You’re an exceptional communicator who builds strong client relationships and turns complex technical topics into clear reports and presentations.
  • You’re analytical and detail-oriented, with great organization and time management - equally strong on a team or as an individual contributor.
  • You learn fast and are curious about the rest of Acumen’s work across our Practice Areas.
  • You are a skilled Project Manager – confidently able to directly manage multiple projects and resources. QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Power Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience in the electric utility industry.
  • Experience: 10+ years of NERC compliance experience, including hands-on audit preparation, mock audits and gap assessments. Experience with regulatory environment compliance tools / applications, such but not limited to as Align, CORES, MIDAS, TADS, and GADS.
  • Preferred: Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) certification and experience across multiple NERC Regions and Canadian jurisdictions. Client facing consulting or proposal-writing experience is a plus.
  • Travel: Willing to travel across North America and internationally, including visits to client substations, plants and control centers.
  • Eligibility: Must be legally authorized to work in the US and able to obtain a work permit to work and travel in Canada.
  • Background Checks: Must be able to successfully complete criminal, cross-identity and financial background checks.
NICE TO HAVE: Ideally, you have a background as a utility compliance manager, in utility operations, or as a Regional Entity auditor. Involvement with NERC Standard Drafting Teams or regional compliance committees is a plus, as is experience across multiple NERC Regions and Canadian jurisdictions. A track record of business acumen and a CCEP certification will help you stand out. QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITYYou'll work with utilities in every NERC Region and learn from senior consultants with decades of operations, audit and Standards-drafting experience.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: The base salary range for this role is $110,000 – $180,000 USD, depending on experience, certifications, and location.
  • Annual performance bonus
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid certification and training
  • Paid time off and flexible, remote-friendly work
We are a team that values professional growth as much as we value family and a healthy work-life balance. Acumen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodations are available under the ADA upon request.

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