Business Operations Consultant

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state's largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona. Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country's fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity. Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together. Summary The Business Operations Consultant coordinates and supports APS Operations business unit processes and systems to ensure efficient, compliant, and secure day-to-day operations. This role contributes to the planning, analysis, communication, and implementation of business initiatives; leads process and data analytics (including identification of potential security risks and adherence to regulatory requirements); and develops standardized reporting and statistical summaries to ensure data integrity and consistency. The consultant partners across departments to identify opportunities, implement technology-enabled solutions, document business processes and requirements, and measure outcomes. May lead cross-departmental process and system improvement projects of moderate to complex scope and budget, and provides guidance to less tenured personnel. Minimum Requirements BS/BA equivalency or an equivalent combination of four years relevant work experience and relevant college coursework in business, information technology or a related area. An additional eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience where a strong understanding of business unit operations, business unit systems, database design, structure, functions and work processes and experience with database tools has been obtained. Previous experience with the systems specific to the business area may also be required. Demonstrated knowledge of business processes and operational knowledge including functions, procedures, processes, and computer systems. Preferred Qualifications: * Ability to identify process improvement opportunities, gaps, data analysis and recommended solutions which tie functional needs to technology solutions. Demonstrated project/team experience and ability to prioritize work. * Ability to review data, see relationships and patterns, as well as possess strong analytical, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. * Experience in managing projects and identifying and resolving issues. * Expertise in PC applications including advanced skill level in Microsoft Excel, Access, Word. * Requires proficient knowledge of emerging practices and technologies used within the business area. * Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and standards impacting business areas. * Demonstrated communication skills, both verbal and written. Major Accountabilities 1) Participates or leads projects to formulate and define business needs, system scope modifications, and objectives through research and fact finding combined with a good understanding of business functions, systems, and industry requirements. 2) Researches, analyzes, and resolves routine to complex business/operational problems within the business units. Interfaces with IT, Systems Analysts, or vendors to resolve issues as necessary. Follows up to ensure timely resolution of problems and ensure customer satisfaction. 3) Participates in or oversees analysis, planning, and implementation of enhancements to new and existing processes, which may include new systems and/or enhancements to existing systems. Ability to gather and write moderate requirements based on business needs with consideration of business goals and future needs. 4) Provides input and gathers functional requirements, policy/procedure interpretation, and future business system needs. For smaller projects, may coordinate assigned phases of project planning and execution, including estimating resources and tasks, creating, managing and controlling project schedules and resources. 5) Using quantitative metrics, analyze process designs, workflows, and suggests process improvement initiatives, which may include potential technology solutions to streamline, automate, and/or improve process efficiencies. 6) With limited direction, coordinates and participates in the development of effective business cases using sound cost/benefit analysis. Keeps apprised of current and emerging trends for business unit. 7) Provides operational support for business area and multiple systems including, but not limited to, researching and resolving system problems, gap analysis, training identification and delivery, and data integrity audits. 8) Writes, maintains, and supports a variety of reports or queries utilizing appropriate reporting tools.Assists in the development of standard and complex reports for business unit. Assists in the development and maintenance of standardized business reporting protocol and ensures data integrity and consistency in all reporting aspects. 9) May monitor and track business goals, activities, performance monitoring, and issues for an assigned unit(s) to keep management apprised of business unit activities. 10) Actively shares knowledge of business/technical environment, priorities, and processes to less tenured personnel. 11) Conducts research, performs data analysis, and reports findings through formal presentations. 12) Participates in project assignments as a lead or a key member. Responsible for coordinating activities within the business areas. Direct areas of project responsibility to include needs analysis, scope definition, testing strategy, implementation, and user acceptance. May support application/system training to functional users. 13) May be responsible for managing access, security for business systems, and ensuring appropriate data security controls including process and system documentation. 14) Maintains documentation of processes, guidelines, tools, procedures, and training aids required to support business unit. 15) May participate in the planning, development, and administration of business unit's budget functions. Export Compliance / EEO Statement This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law. For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws. Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person). In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location. * Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees). * Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up. * Role types are subject to change based on business need. Job Segment: Sustainability, Nuclear, Energy Apply now "