Analyst Sr, Technology Planning

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. The company is committed to providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy with excellent service, advancing innovation, resilience, and sustainability to meet customers' and communities' needs.

About the role

The Technology Planning Analyst, Senior 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. This role guides the strategic technology direction, ensuring technology investments are optimal, adhere to standards, and align with business and Technology Organization (TO) strategic objectives. Consideration is given to all technology delivery components, including resources, hardware, software, and outside services.

Responsibilities

• 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, driving revenue growth, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing 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.
• Anticipate and communicate the business unit's technology needs to the technology organization to set priorities that maximize the 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.
• 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.
• Oversee and maintain project pipeline-related information in the enterprise project tracking tool and technology roadmaps.

Requirements

• BS or BA degree in Technology, Business, or a related field is required.
• Experience in business analysis, business relationship management, and technology support.
• Plant experience preferred but not required.

Skills

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

Schedule

• 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.
• Occasional travel to generation plant sites is expected, with overall travel requirements not exceeding 20%.

Benefits

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.
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• Eligibility for additional compensation, such as an incentive program.

Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. A summary of benefits can be found here.