Consultant - NERC Compliance

GDS Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging full-time opportunity with advancement and growth potential for a Consultant - NERC Compliance to work in our Rates & Regulatory group. This position is a remote role based out of the Marietta, GA office. The Consultant - NERC Compliance will lead client engagements supporting electric utility clients in achieving and sustaining compliance with NERC Reliability Standards. The Consultant will drive audit readiness, compliance program maturity, and strategic advisory across complex client environments.

Client Leadership & Advisory

• Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for client leadership
• Lead strategic discussions on compliance posture, risk, and regulatory impacts
• Translate regulatory requirements into business solutions
• Lead multiple client engagements simultaneously
• Manage scope, timelines, and deliverables
• Ensure high-quality delivery and client satisfaction

Audit Leadership & Regulatory Interface

• Lead audit readiness efforts and mock audits
• Serve as primary liaison with Regional Entities during audits
• Provide defensible positions on compliance interpretations
• Lead risk assessments aligned with CMEP expectations
• Oversee mitigation plans, self-reports, and remediation strategies
• Advise on enforcement risk and compliance exposure

Program Development & Oversight

• Design and mature enterprise compliance programs and internal controls
• Establish governance frameworks and Compliance Oversight Plans
• Guide implementation of sustainable compliance processes
• Oversee development of audit-ready documentation and evidence
• Perform executive-level quality reviews of compliance artifacts
• Deliver advanced training to client teams
• Mentor junior consultants and client staff

Experience And Skills

• Required Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, or other STEM major with a focus in computing or networking.
• Required 10+ years of NERC Compliance or Utility experience.
• Project Management and may directly manage one or more employees. Leads mentoring of other team members.
• Preferred 10+ years of experience in NERC compliance or utility consulting
• Deep expertise in NERC Reliability Standards
• Audit experience (internal or external)
• Proven client-facing consulting experience
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Preferred experience with compliance tools such as Align, CORES, MIDAS, TADS, and GADS.
• Up to 50% travel to Client sites and to attend industry meetings.
• This position requires passing a 7-year Personnel Risk Assessment prior to employment and renewed at least every 7-years.

GDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship.

Work Authorization: Citizens or Permanent Residents of USA. Cannot provide Visa sponsorship.

Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The typical salary range for this position is just one component of the firm's total compensation package.

Job Benefits

GDS Associates, Inc. offers excellent benefits package to include:

• Flex Benefits (Flexible Hours, Telecommuting)
• Competitive Pay
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision, Company Paid Life, Long Term & Short-Term Disability)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Floating Holiday, Holidays)
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Keyword: CIP, NERC Compliance, audit, regulatory, leadership, electric utility, NERC, CMEP, compliance, reliability standards, Align, CORES, MIDAS, TADS, GADS