Technology Partner

Workstream: Technology Services
Job Family: Technology Planning
Job Title: Technology Planning Analyst, Senior
Location: Energy Center, Birmingham, Al
Reports To: Director, Application Development, Generation Technology Solutions
Job Description: Technology Planning Analyst
The Technology Planning Analyst Specialist position reports to the Generation Technology Solutions Director and is responsible for promoting and supporting the realization of what's possible with technology focused on Generation and Operations Data Analytics business functions. At its core, this position guides our strategic technology direction and ensures that our technology investments are optimal, adhere to standards, and are aligned with the business and the Technology Organization's (TO) strategic objectives. Consideration must be given to all technology delivery components, including resources, hardware, software, and outside services. Responsibilities include defining and justifying investments that enable achievement of short and long-term business objectives. The position fosters strategic partnerships, elicits business requirements, documents business processes and business cases. The position creates and maintains technology roadmaps, produces professional presentation materials, and facilitates governance and budget processes. The position coordinates vetting new technology with security, contracts, legal and business owners to mitigate risks.
This job requires employees to physically report to work Monday - Thursday (4) days a week at the Energy Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Fridays are generally hybrid unless requested to come into work. Telecommuting is only allowed on a case-by-case basis pending Manager approval. This position is expected to travel occasionally to generation plant sites, however overall travel requirements should not exceed 20%.
This position is a senior level planning analyst (level 6).
Job Responsibilities and Duties
Strategic Relationships

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Generation and Operations Data Analytics stakeholders to apply knowledge of the business and appropriate technology for streamlining business processes, drive revenue growth, improve customer satisfaction, and increase efficiency.
• Understand and articulate the mission, vision, goals, and strategic initiatives of the business units.
• Develop and own business unit strategic technology roadmaps, communication, and implementation, all in alignment with enterprise strategic plans.

Governance Processes

• Anticipate and communicate the business unit's technology needs to the technology organization to set priorities that maximize value of technology investments.
• Own and drive technology leadership and governance to ensure appropriate prioritization of technology spend within the business unit and across Electric Operations Technology.
• Partner to develop agendas, notes, and content for Generation Technology governance meetings.

New Technology Requests

• Support development of business cases that clearly articulate business requirements, options for potential solutions, financials, appropriate use of technology, and value for business units.
• Ensure business case alignment with the Business Technology Delivery Framework.
• Provide consulting and coordination in vendor management activities, including Statement of Work, quotes, Supply Chain engagement, Requests for Proposals, vendor demonstrations, as well as assisting management with vendor contracts and budget planning.
• Lead the technology acquisition process including governance approval, technology investment process, TO vetting and security processes, procurement, and supply chain processes. Some activities may be delegated as appropriate.
• Anticipate needs and provide business consultation for innovative solutions.
• Oversight and maintenance of project pipeline related information in the enterprise project tracking tool and technology roadmaps.

Education
• BS or BA degree in Technology, Business or related field is required.
Job Experience

• Experience in business analysis, business relationship management, technology support
• Plant experience preferred but not required

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrate Southern Company Our Values.
• Strong technical background.
• Experience managing multiple tasks/priorities, communication, teamwork, consulting, financial analysis, negotiating and influencing.
• Flexible, calm under stress adjusting smoothly to changes in direction.
• Proven analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build, to maintain, and to influence relationships at all levels and within all organizations.
• Facilitation skills, listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities and Duties
Strategic Relationships

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Generation stakeholders to apply knowledge of the business and appropriate technology for streamlining business processes, drive revenue growth, improve customer satisfaction, and increase efficiency.
• Understand and articulate the mission, vision, goals, and strategic initiatives of the business units.
• Develop and own business unit strategic technology roadmaps, communication, and implementation, all in alignment with enterprise strategic plans.

Governance Processes

• Anticipate and communicate the business unit's technology needs to the technology organization to set priorities that maximize value of technology investments.
• Own and drive technology leadership and governance to ensure appropriate prioritization of technology spend within the business unit and across Electric Operations Technology.
• Partner to develop agendas, notes, and content for Generation Technology governance meetings.

New Technology Requests

• Support development of business cases that clearly articulate business requirements, options for potential solutions, financials, appropriate use of technology, and value for business units.
• Ensure business case alignment with the Business Technology Delivery Framework.
• Provide consulting and coordination in vendor management activities, including Statement of Work, quotes, Supply Chain engagement, Requests for Proposals, vendor demonstrations, as well as assisting management with vendor contracts and budget planning.
• Lead the technology acquisition process including governance approval, technology investment process, TO vetting and security processes, procurement, and supply chain processes. Some activities may be delegated as appropriate.
• Anticipate needs and provide business consultation for innovative solutions.
• Oversight and maintenance of project pipeline related information in the enterprise project tracking tool and technology roadmaps.

Qualifications
Education
• BS or BA degree in Technology, Business or related field is required.
Job Experience

• Experience in business analysis, business relationship management, technology support
• Plant experience preferred but not required

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrate Southern Company Our Values.
• Strong technical background.
• Experience managing multiple tasks/priorities, communication, teamwork, consulting, financial analysis, negotiating and influencing.
• Flexible, calm under stress adjusting smoothly to changes in direction.
• Proven analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build, to maintain, and to influence relationships at all levels and within all organizations.
• Facilitation skills, listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

About Us
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
About the Team
Southern Company Services