Specialized Infrastructure Manager

 

 

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for providing vision, direction, leadership, oversight and management for the Specialized Infrastructure organization. 

Specialized Infrastructure is responsible for strategy, architecture, design, engineering, implementation, lifecycle management, consulting and 24x7 support for specialized infrastructure. This includes:

Network technology – LAN and WAN switches and routers, including OSPF, BGP, MPLS and SD-WAN Computing technology – Windows, Linux, and UNIX servers and hardware, VMware virtualization, storage, backups Database technology – Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle RDBMS Products such as Active Directory and various infrastructure management tools Compliance with NERC CIP, TSA SD2, and SOX regulations, as well as internal policies, standards, and requirements Integration with cybersecurity infrastructure

Specialized Infrastructure has these responsibilities in environments where the operational business units across Southern Company (primarily Power Delivery, Commercial Operations, and GAS) seek technology services from the Technology Organization, such as with operational technology (OT) environments, real-time SCADA systems, and control centers.

The most important responsibility for this position is preserving and strengthening trust, credibility, positive working relationships, and effective partnerships with our OT business partners, control centers, and Operations Compliance, as well as with Technology Security, Technology Risk & Compliance, Electric Technology Solutions and Gas Technology Solutions.

The Specialized Infrastructure Manager reports to the Director of Infrastructure Solutions, with four direct reports (three leaders and one architect), and organizational responsibility for approximately 35 technology professionals across various geographic locations.

 

Job Requirements

Partners with business leaders across the organization and works closely with business partner account executives to ensure that infrastructure technology resources and strategies are aligned to current and future needs of the business.  Applies strong leadership and broad, strategic thinking to a diverse set of opportunities and challenges, serving as a true strategic partner and business enabler. Establishes and maintains excellent working relationships and partnerships with senior leadership throughout the enterprise, industry peers and groups, government entities and external vendors and suppliers.  Emphasizes reliability and resilience. Ensures the organization is extremely responsive to the critical 24x7 uptime needs of the business, such as carefully planning changes to avoid downtime, restoring service quickly when unexpected outages occur, and proactively communicating changes and incidents to relevant business partners. Provides leadership for critical strategic initiatives that increase reliability, reduce risk, and fully executes on business initiatives. Consults with business partners on matters related to the use and implementation of all infrastructure technologies and processes.  Understands company policies and relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley, FERC Separation Protocol, NERC CIP, and TSA Security Directive 2). Ensures the organization achieves and maintains compliance.  Drives and manages continuous improvement of organizational responsibilities.  Identifies and resolves obstacles that prevent the organization from being as effective as it can be Develops infrastructure solutions that are common where possible and custom where it counts.  Drives innovation and leverages technology to create value.  Provides cost-effective management, rationalization and simplification of the company’s infrastructure technologies, processes, systems, and projects.  Enforces appropriate technology policies, best practices, processes, lifecycle management, and program and project management. Assesses the impact of infrastructure changes and quantifies the risk in order to ensure the appropriate business decisions are made. Acts as a student of the business and technology, anticipating futures needs and directional shifts in both technology and energy industries. Continuously monitors and evaluates the operating model and supporting organizational design to identify efficiencies and synergies and ensure efficient resource allocation. Creates an organizational budget and manages financial performance.  Hires, develops, rewards and retains a highly qualified and diverse team. Creates an environment that fosters accountability, innovation and engagement at all levels. Establishes him/herself as a thought leader and integral part of the Infrastructure Services leadership team.

 

Education

Degree required; BS/BA in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field.

 

Experience and Knowledge

Ten or more years of experience with technology (IT and/or OT), with at least 5 years of experience managing multiple, medium-to-large-sized and cross-functional teams and managing complex multimillion dollar budgets. Management of technology infrastructure is preferred.   Experience working with Operational Technology (OT) is required. Prefer experience from an electric/gas utility, but OT experience in water, oil, transportation, manufacturing, or other industries also acceptable. Experience complying with regulatory requirements such as Sarbanes-Oxley or NERC CIP is strongly desired. Strong understanding of data networks, cybersecurity, and servers is needed. Familiarity expected with mechanical and electrical data center infrastructure, telecommunications, data storage and backup, application integration, and databases.

 

Skills

Ability to equip the organization with the appropriate technology, skills and processes to support the transforming industry and business.  Exhibits transformational leadership skills with a proven track record of challenging the status quo. Outstanding credibility and demonstrated ability to build strong relationships within the company and industry, as well as with vendors/suppliers.  Team player with a collaborative approach to drive solutions for the good of Southern Company. Change management capabilities, including the ability to lead and manage through change. Should be recognized as a change agent. Knowledgeable about current and future technology trends with the ability to scout and deploy industry-changing technology. Demonstrated ability to influence senior-level management and key stakeholders and lead through influence. Proven ability to drive efficiency through effective technology management, rationalization and simplification of the company’s technology portfolio, systems and projects.  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 judgement.  Ability to attract top talent and build high-performing teams. Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop employees. Recognized as an outstanding people manager with the ability to delegate responsibility effectively, the individual’s business values should align with Southern Company’s values.  Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate very complex technical topics to various audiences ranging from technical staff to executive management. Excellent customer service skills that exhibit initiative and follow-through to meet customer commitments. Flexible, can work under stress with changing direction and with minimal supervision. Self-motivated, takes initiative, is proactive, and habitually removes obstacles for success. The ability to interpret financial reports, build and manage an organizational budget and apply sound business and financial principles.

Location

Candidates in the Birmingham, AL, area are strongly preferred.