Distribution Support Manager

Southern - Atlanta, GA

Full-time - Mid Level

Atlanta, GA

Utilities

About the position

This position is responsible for various Power Delivery standards and policies with a focus on electric distribution. Chief focus areas include materials standards, construction specifications, system power quality, distribution and power delivery bulletins, tool evaluation and acceptance, engineering practices, distributed energy resource (DER) interconnection technical requirements and acceptance testing, R&D, plant accounting, and marginal cost inputs. This position leads a team of subject matter experts who effectively partner with multiple groups within Southern Company and influence matters at the national industry level. This position represents GPC in numerous SO and industry engagements while also serving as a trusted partner with GPC distribution area leadership.

Responsibilities

• Working across Southern Company to set strategic direction for system design and policy matters within Power Delivery
• Leading a team of highly skilled subject matter experts in working with vendors to develop and deploy new materials, tools, and solutions that support the safe and reliable operation of the electric system
• Represent GPC in various SO committees pertaining to electric distribution, DER integration, engineering training, R&D, marginal cost analysis, and the like
• Building and exercising influence at a national level within the electric utility industry in shaping the future of distribution system design and operation including but not limited to organizations such as EPRI, SEE, NEETRAC, EEI, IEEE, and various technology industry user groups
• Responsible for coordinating with Supply Chain Management on acceptance of new material items, external suppliers, supplier performance, material availability, and material substitutions
• Provide budget input, projections, and other financial information as needed on Power Delivery capital and O&M work plans
• Develop and support execution of DER interconnection requirements and policies, focusing on those related to DER witness testing
• Support regulatory filings such as the integrated resource plan and rate case as well as associated responses to stakeholder data requests. This includes serving as the distribution expert on the GPC Rules, Regulations, and Rate Schedules for Electric Service.
• Ensure distribution compliance with pertinent environmental, financial, and other regulations and legislation
• Stay abreast of industry code making, regulatory activity, proposed legislation, and compliance requirements; evaluate impacts to our business and lead any mitigating efforts from a distribution perspective
• Provide leadership and expertise in initiatives aimed at increasing efficiencies in distribution design processes
• Represent Power Delivery in territorial matters and screen all proposed requests for transfer of retail electric service prior to execution
• Provide oversight for the sale, purchase, or lease of distribution assets
• Ability to manage a large capital and O&M budget
• Capability to serve effectively in a variety of SERP roles, support emergency preparedness and other Storm Center functions

Requirements

• BS or higher degree in engineering or related field required
• Active PE license in Georgia is preferred
• Demonstrates advanced technical problem-solving skills and the ability to address and solve complex engineering issues associated with distribution grid design and operation
• Advanced working knowledge of construction standards, distribution materials, industry codes, and engineering practices required
• Proven leadership and organization skills
• Fosters an environment of vibrant innovation where new ideas are brought forward by the team and acted on
• Effectively identifies organizational priorities and clears the deck to allow the team to execute on those
• Must be approachable and self-aware with a keen ability to relate to and connect with employees and stakeholders regardless of experience level or position
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Prior experience in multiple areas of Power Delivery, Southern Company, and/or the industry at large is preferred
• Ability to work effectively with vendors and experience with contract negotiations
• Champions a culture that reflects Southern Company's core values: safety first, intentional inclusion, act with integrity, and superior performance

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Annual incentive awards for eligible employees
• Health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being