Business Analyst, Transmission Planning

Assistant/Associate/Business Analyst/Advanced Business Analyst Transmission Planning

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. The Business Analyst Transmission Planning supports routine reporting, program management of planning tasks, assistance with the tracking and completion of work assignments and compliance obligations and ensures planning records are up to date.

A Transmission Planning Business Analyst is responsible for supporting engineers and other key stakeholders who perform planning functions across FirstEnergy's (FE) transmission and subtransmission systems. Business Analysts will primarily work on preparing submittals and presentations for internal and external entities, developing, and analyzing reports, data maintenance, and supporting the Transmission Planning leadership team with ad-hoc reports as required.

Location: Akron OH, Greensburg PA, Reading PA, Fairmont WV

Responsibilities include:

• Demonstrate a solid commitment to all aspects of safety.
• Supporting the process for PJM baseline, supplemental and network upgrade projects by assisting with documentation and tracking, including Open Window requests.
• Coordinate with Transmission Siting on projects requiring regulatory approval to develop and maintain project schedule and prioritization of deliverables to siting.
• Support the load connection process by monitoring/tracking requests in the database, publishing status reports, monitoring progress of load studies through the process, identifying any study at risk of being delayed to timely notify management, and initiating projects to move forward when agreements are signed.
• Gather justification from technical personnel for project needs/solutions and submittal files for PJM Attachment M-3 process.
• Coordinate with the planning team to ensure project information is prepared and presented to internal stakeholders and PJM stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders to create the annual portfolio Transmission Planning project submittals including round meeting slide presentations.
• Support preparation of generation interconnection study reports per PJM requirements as needed.
• Prepare quarterly reactive summary reports and voltage profile reports for leadership.
• Supporting the development of capital portfolio projects by assisting with:
• Track scoping requests from other sponsor groups and collaborate with the planning team on providing responses.
• Obtain scopes and estimates for planning sponsored projects as needed.
• Assist in developing executive presentations for project submittals (Capital Allocation Review Board, Executive Council, etc.)
• Preparing/editing other supporting documentation as needed.
• Entering/editing information into OPPM or other databases or systems.
• Providing ad-hoc reports and data analysis.
• Preparing and analyzing monthly activity and budget reports.
• Recommending and implementing improvements to work processes.
• Recommending and implementing solutions to more complex issues and assignments.
• Maintain data integrity under planning ownership in internal project tracking system.
• Actively participate in initiatives or work groups that could impact the FirstEnergy Transmission Planning Team.
• Provide support to the Operations Centers or Corporate Storm Support when required, such as during severe weather, heavy loading, or abnormal system events.

An employee hired at the Business Analyst and advanced levels will be expected to perform all the above responsibilities with more proficiency. Further, the Business Analyst and advanced level employee may be assigned additional responsibilities related to those listed above.

Qualifications at the Assistant Level include:

• Work safely according to company policies and procedures.
• Two- or four-year degree in a related discipline (Business Administration, Engineering, Math, Science, Finance) is preferred. In lieu of a degree, two years of direct relevant experience may be considered.
• 0-1 year of relevant or equivalent work experience.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to convey information to various levels in the organization.
• Ability to deliver quality, accurate work within established deadlines.
• Desire to continue to learn and grow, work across FirstEnergy and deliver results.
• Strong proficiency and knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office.
• Travel will be required at times across the FirstEnergy service territory.

Qualifications at the Associate Level include all of the above minimum qualifications plus:

• Minimum of two years relevant work experience is required. In lieu of a degree, four years of direct relevant experience may be considered.
• Relevant experience includes data reporting, analysis, costing, and understanding of business processes.
• Willingness to undertake assignments involving unfamiliar subjects, and the aptitude to learn quickly.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to effectively resolve technical problems.
• Basic knowledge of transmission / distribution operations, typical projects, accounting policies, and procedures is required.
• Sufficient maturity to exercise independent judgment on basic projects and assignments.

Qualifications at the Business Analyst Level include all of the above plus:

• Minimum of four years relevant work experience is required OR currently in Business Analyst role. In lieu of a degree, seven years of direct relevant experience may be considered.
• Relevant experience includes data reporting, analysis, costing, and understanding of business processes.
• Highly driven, self-motivated worker that is organized, task oriented with a strong attention to detail.
• Experience in process/project development, planning/analysis, and performance reporting.
• Ability to adapt communication skills to all audiences.
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with employees at all levels of FirstEnergy.

Qualifications at the Advanced Business Analyst Level include all of the above plus:

• Minimum of seven years relevant work experience is required OR currently in Advanced Business Analyst role. In lieu of a degree, ten years of direct relevant experience may be considered.
• Relevant experience includes data reporting, analysis, costing, and understanding of business processes.
• An advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• Project/task management background or applicable experience.
• Experience in analyzing complex problems and demonstrating good judgment in decision making.
• Demonstrated experience in accomplishing responsibilities in a timely manner through maximizing organizational resources and employing logical approaches.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, with multiple departments.
• Knowledge of the electric transmission system, reliability standards, regulatory requirements, and regional transmission organizations is required.
• Ability to influence and lead.
• Six Sigma / Lean certification from a recognized granting authority is preferred.
• Experience with developing Power BI reports.