IT Manager - Customer Care & Billing and Meter

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

This position is responsible for the CC&B (CUSTOMER CARE BILLING) and Metering technology group within the customer technology pillar for Southern Company Gas applications used by GAS Distribution Operations for our state regulated Local Distribution Companies (LDCs). This includes full software development lifecycle of end-to-end CC&B and Metering technology program and project delivery, and CC&B and Metering technology production support and maintenance. This leader will drive a seamless CC&B and Metering delivery that will deliver technology that increases innovation and efficiency. This leader will ensure the CC&B and Metering roadmap and technology portfolio align with the overall GAS Technology Delivery strategy, roadmap and goals including ensuring GAS CC&B and Metering Technology is simplified and readily supported. This role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence through continuous metric driven improvement providing highly reliable and high-quality technology solutions and support through appropriate design and highly engaged customer service. This position collaborates across Technology Organization (TO) leadership to ensure effective delivery. This leader is responsible for 13 - 20 IT (Information Technology) professionals, including thirteen (13) employees plus approximately twenty (20) contractors across various geographic locations. This position is responsible for managing a $5M - $10M annual technology budget with responsibility for a project portfolio of $10M – $15M. The position requires business and technology acumen to drive solutions, support and progress that ensure the continued success of the portfolio. This leader influences through active participation in customer activities, and leverages business and technical resources from across the organization to ensure the timely delivery and support of effective business solutions. The position is responsible for the successful implementation and execution of new solution development. This leader will drive the organization to leverage current products for new solutions, influence consolidation and application rationalization. This position will influence simplification of solutions to minimize customization and improve supportability. This leader will also be responsible for the thought leadership on technology direction and decisions based on emerging technologies, industry trends, best practices, and sound business processes for certain business partners. This includes defining and supporting investments that enable the achievement of business objectives and advance the company’s capabilities to provide a competitive advantage. This position is responsible for promoting and supporting the realization of what is possible with technology. In close partnership with GAS Business Operations Technology Services (BOTS), this position influences GAS business partners on the Customer Operations Technology Advisory Committee. This position reports to the Director, GAS Customer Technology.

Requirements

A degree in Computer Science or a related field is required.
10 or more years of experience in IT, with at least 5 years of experience managing multiple, medium-to-large- sized and cross-functional teams.
Comprehensive knowledge of information technology with an extensive understanding of application development technologies and methodologies.
Experience establishing and defining a comprehensive integration strategy and roadmap that meets the strategic and operational objectives of the business.
Broad knowledge of the utility business functions and an understanding of how the Technology Organization adds value to these organizations.
Building strong leadership teams and high performing organizations.
Leading and operating in a fast paced, real-time operational environment with changing business dynamics.
Experience with Waterfall and Agile delivery.
Broad understanding of System Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
Solid foundation in information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL).
The ability to lead and manage through change. Recognized as a change agent.
Knowledgeable about current and future technology trends with the ability to scout and deploy industry-changing technology.
Outstanding credibility and demonstrated ability to build strong relationships within the company and industry, and with vendors/ suppliers.
Demonstrated ability to influence key stakeholders and lead through influence.
Team player with a collaborative approach to drive solutions for the good of Southern Company.
Proven ability to drive efficiency through effective technology management.
Ability to operate successfully in a regulated environment with an understanding and appreciation of risk, compliance, corporate policy and procedures, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated ability to connect the dots and apply sound business judgment.
Ability to attract top talent and build high-performing teams. Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop employees and future leaders.
Recognized as an outstanding people manager with the ability to delegate responsibility effectively.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including communicating complex technical topics to various audiences.
Excellent customer service skills that exhibit initiative and follow-through to meet customer commitments.
Ability to synthesize large amounts of information, determine solutions, and make quality and timely decisions.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree is desirable.

Responsibilities

Applies leadership and strategic thinking to a diverse set of opportunities and challenges, serving as a true strategic partner and enabler of all facets of Southern Company Gas.
Partners with business leaders across the organization and works closely with the technology organization to ensure resources and strategies are aligned to current and future needs of the business.
Support and implements a comprehensive Customer Experience (CX) technology roadmap in the CC&B and Metering area for the supported business units.
Drives innovation and leverages technology to create value and transform the business.
Establishes and maintains excellent working relationships and partnerships with leadership throughout Southern Company Gas and external vendors and suppliers.
Designs technology solutions that are common where possible and custom where it counts.
Drives and simplicity of design to ensure highly available systems where needed and maintainability of the ecosystem.
Creates an overall technology budget and manages financial performance.
Hires, develops, rewards, and retains a highly qualified and diverse technology leadership team.
Establishes and enforces appropriate technology and business policies, practices, and processes.
Acts as a student of business and technology, anticipating future needs and directional shifts in both the technology and energy industries.
Creates an environment that fosters accountability, innovation, and engagement at all levels.