Operations Technology Manager

City of Denton•Denton, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for ensuring the availability, performance, and security of Denton Municipal Electric (DME) technology infrastructure and applications. This includes, but is not limited to, the Electric Technology Operations (ETO) hardware, software, data integration, and cybersecurity processes required for secure and optimal performance of the SCADA system, ADMS, Transmission & Distribution automation technology, and supporting wired and wireless networks. The role involves overseeing a team, managing vendor contracts, leading the development and implementation of the operational technology roadmap, and collaborating with Technology Services to align with city-wide technology strategies and NERC CIP standards. A key focus is on developing and implementing an enterprise risk-based cybersecurity program for ETO systems. The position also requires collaboration with business units to define operational technology needs, budget planning, and resource allocation, as well as developing ETO technology standards for functionality, compatibility, and integration. Strategic product architecture, including data infrastructure and management systems, will be evaluated and directed. The role includes implementing and managing backup and resiliency solutions, ensuring infrastructure resiliency and patch management, and providing strategic technology input for projects. Prioritization of ETO resources to meet business requirements and staying current with electric utility innovation projects, grid modernization, and technology operations are also essential. The manager will establish external industry relationships, stay updated on technology trends, and generate regular reports on infrastructure performance and operational metrics.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
Eleven (11) years’ experience in information technology, cybersecurity, compliance, architecture, or related field.
Five (5) years’ experience in a management or supervisory capacity.
Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations.
Knowledge of various networking hardware and software products.
Knowledge of Server operating systems.
Knowledge of Patch management techniques.
Knowledge of least-privileged security model.
Knowledge of project management principles, including the ability to review and recommend project improvements based on scope and budget.
Knowledge of effective research-based strategies, theories, techniques, and methodologies.
Skill in managing and maintaining Network Management Systems (NMS).
Skill in analyzing and researching to interpret and understand policies, laws, and regulations, and to provide workable recommendations and solutions that maintain compliance.
Skill in complex problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Skill at the advanced level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.
Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
Ability to establish and effective interpersonal relationships.
Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
Ability to work independently and/or with a team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or presentations with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to motivate, mentor and train through direct and indirect influence.
Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
Ability to prepare budget documentation and to monitor expenditures to implement fiscal control and maintain budget compliance.
Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check and social security number verification.

Nice To Haves

Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

Responsibilities

Oversee the team responsible for managing and building storage systems, computer resources, backup solutions, and the daily operations of applications and infrastructure.
Manage outsourced vendor contracts and service level agreements.
Lead development, implementation, and administration of DME’s strategic operational technology roadmap, including governance structure, procedures, policy, and standards.
Ensure utility plans and deployment of technology solutions enable electric business units to achieve objectives through strategic technology investments.
Collaborate with Technology Services to ensure utility plans and strategies align with strategic and tactical business objectives, city technology strategy, and NERC CIP standards.
Ensure work with Technology Services includes the development and implementation of an enterprise risk-based cybersecurity program for ETO systems.
Collaborate with business units and divisional leaders to determine operational technology that meets business requirements, including planning budgets and resource requirements.
Develop and implement the ETO work plan and update accordingly.
Provide leadership and direction to facilitate the development of ETO technology standards to ensure functionality, compatibility, and integration.
Evaluate, approve, and direct strategic product architecture activities, including development and administration of data infrastructure, architecture, management systems, and governance/policies.
Implement and manage backup and resiliency solutions to safeguard data integrity and ensure organizational availability.
Ensure infrastructure resiliency and patch management.
Provide strategic technology input to internal stakeholders to ensure project objectives and appropriate resources are anticipated, allocated, and optimized.
Match and prioritize available ETO resources to specific business requirements and facilitate discussions and decisions on discrepancies.
Maintain familiarity with electric utility innovation projects, including system & plant automation, distribution automation, grid edge, and behind-the-meter technology.
Consult on the development of grid modernization strategy, including T&D Automation/Smart grid and Technology Operations projects, and their integration with foundational technology architecture.
Establish external relationships with industry peers to exchange information and strategies.
Stay up to date on state-of-the-art technology concepts and solutions in the utility industry and non-utility concepts as they map to utility issues.
Generate regular reports on infrastructure performance, backup status, and operational metrics.
Provide reports to leadership as appropriate.
Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure operations are cost-effective and funds are managed wisely.