System Planning Manager

Hiring company: Bahamas Grid Company Source: LinkedIn The Manager, System Planning is responsible for leading the system planning function for Bahamas Grid Company's transmission and distribution network. The role provides technical and managerial leadership for long- and short-term system planning, load forecasting, capacity analysis, power system studies, infrastructure development, and grid modernization to ensure the network is positioned to meet present and future reliability, safety, and growth requirements. Reporting to the VP of Engineering & Planning, the Manager translates system forecasts and technical studies into actionable expansion strategies, capital investment recommendations, and engineering priorities. The position reviews planning deliverables, establishes planning standards and methodologies, and provides senior leadership with clear recommendations on system capacity, constraints, future system needs, and long-range development. The Manager works closely with Transmission & Distribution Operations, Protection & Control, Asset Management, Project Management, Finance, Procurement, IT/SCADA, Regulatory Affairs, external consultants, contractors, government agencies, and major customers to support coordinated planning and execution of system improvements. The role also provides planning expertise during outages, storm preparation, restoration, and other critical system events. Essential Functions: System Planning & Load Forecasting • Lead the development and maintenance of long-term and short-term load forecasts for system, feeder, and substation planning. • Oversee identification of capacity constraints, aging infrastructure, reliability concerns, and future expansion needs across the grid. • Lead the preparation of System Expansion Plans and other long-range planning documents. • Establish planning assumptions, methodologies, and priorities to support reliable and cost-effective system development. Power System Studies & Engineering Analysis • Lead and review power system planning studies, including load flow, short-circuit, voltage, reliability, and contingency (N-1/N-2) analysis. • Evaluate system performance under projected load growth, DER integration, planned outages, and other operating scenarios. • Review technical studies, models, reports, and recommendations for quality, accuracy, and alignment with Company planning objectives. • Identify technical risks and recommend solutions to address system constraints, reliability concerns, and infrastructure requirements. Capital Planning & Infrastructure Development • Recommend and justify capital projects, including new substations, feeder upgrades, switching improvements, and transmission enhancements. • Support the development and prioritization of annual and multi-year capital budgets based on system planning needs. • Prepare and review engineering planning reports, technical memoranda, business cases, and investment justification packages. • Provide planning input throughout project development to ensure capital investments remain aligned with long-term system requirements. Grid Modernization & Technology Integration • Lead planning assessments for grid modernization initiatives, including automation, digital substations, feeder reconfiguration, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies. • Support the integration of distributed energy resources (DER), renewable energy, and energy storage into system planning activities. • Collaborate with IT/SCADA, Protection & Control, and other technical teams to evaluate and implement modern grid technologies. Contractor, Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination • Coordinate with and provide technical oversight to contractors and consultants supporting system planning studies, designs, field assessments, and related engineering initiatives, ensuring deliverables meet BGC standards, scope, schedule, and technical requirements. • Engage with government agencies, regulators, major customers, and other external stakeholders on planning matters as required. • Coordinate with Procurement and Project Management on technical scopes, specifications, evaluations, and planning-related project requirements. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operations Support • Work closely with Operations, Protection & Control, Asset Management, Project Management, and the Control Room to align planning assumptions with real-time system needs. • Coordinate with Regulatory Affairs on technical reports, filings, and compliance submissions. • Provide planning expertise during outage analysis, storm preparation, emergency restoration, load transfers, switching plans, and contingency operations. • Represent the System Planning function in internal and external technical meetings. Standards, Documentation & Reporting • Develop, maintain, and promote consistent application of system planning standards, methodologies, procedures, modeling datasets, and technical guidelines. • Ensure accurate records of system forecasts, planning assumptions, models, studies, and recommendations are maintained. • Provide regular planning reports and presentations to senior leadership on system performance, capacity, risks, capital requirements, and future needs. • Support engineering audits, technical reviews, regulatory submissions, and compliance activities related to system planning. Team Leadership & Development • Lead, coach, and develop System Planners and other assigned technical personnel. • Plan and manage day-to-day priorities and workloads in alignment with departmental, operational, and project requirements. • Establish clear performance expectations, monitor progress, and provide ongoing feedback in accordance with BGC’s performance management framework. • Identify technical training and professional development needs and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning. Other Requirements: • Must be available for emergency response, storm restoration, and critical system events. • Ability to travel to substations, field sites, and operational facilities across The Bahamas. • Must have a valid driver’s license. • Ability to work extended or irregular hours during outages, emergencies, or major projects. • Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive grid planning, infrastructure, and operational information. Physical Demands: • Ability to work in office, control room, and field environments. • Ability to walk, climb, and navigate uneven terrain during field assessments. • Ability to work safely in energized environments when required. Work Environment: • Fast-paced utility environment with competing priorities and deadlines. • Regular interaction with engineering teams, operations, contractors, consultants, regulators, and other stakeholders. • Combination of office-based analytical and managerial work and site visits to substations, feeders, and project locations. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. • Professional Engineer (P.Eng./PE) designation or equivalent professional certification preferred. • Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in system planning, power systems engineering, utility engineering, or a related field. • Minimum 3–5 years of experience providing technical leadership or supervising engineering personnel, preferably within an electric utility environment. • Demonstrated experience with load forecasting, power system studies, capacity analysis, system expansion planning, and capital planning. • Experience supporting transmission and distribution systems, substations, capital projects, DER integration, or grid modernization initiatives. Skills/Attributes: • Proficiency with power system modeling tools such as CYME, ETAP, PSS®E, PSLF, or equivalent. • Strong understanding of transmission and distribution planning principles, utility standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. • Knowledge of applicable IEEE, NERC, and other industry planning standards. • Strong leadership, analytical, project management, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to translate complex technical analysis into clear recommendations for senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with GIS, SCADA, and utility asset management systems.