Job Summary
The Technology Organization (TO) Innovation and Emerging Technology Manager at Southern Company plays a pivotal role in driving technological advancements and fostering innovation. This technology-focused position is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating the art of the possible with cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall company performance. The role focuses on transformational, disruptive, and incremental innovation. The manager will partner with Technology Organization (TO) and the business to foster and deliver innovative solutions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, universities, industry partners, and stakeholders to ensure that Southern Company remains at the forefront of technological progress. The ideal candidate embraces a collaborative mindset and possesses the strategic vision to elevate TO’s performance and propel the company’s vision of building the future of energy.
Major Job Responsibilities
Develop and execute innovation strategy and roadmap aligned to strategic business goals and growth priorities.
Lead hackathons and ideation sessions, develop prototypes from those sessions, and conduct research on emerging technologies.
Identify and assess emerging technologies and trends that could impact the energy sector.
Mentor and lead the innovation team in designing, architecting, and development of proof of concepts using emerging technologies to drive business value.
Establish and maintain external ecosystem partners, which may include universities, venture capital firms, companies, accelerators and fellow enterprises. Create an innovation ecosystem inclusive of both internal and external partnerships that grow innovation capabilities and opportunities.
Represent the company at industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to stay abreast of technological advancements.
Define, measure, and report key innovation measurements that represent progress against innovation goals.
Act as thought leader on emerging trends and technologies, articulating the potential impact to Southern Company.
Lead and develop a team of innovation analysts, product owners, and interns, ensuring their services, expertise, and capabilities enhance TO's performance and drive the company's vision of building the future of energy.
Partner with other TO functions to ensure that the organization has the innovation competencies, resources, and understanding of approved methods to drive key initiatives.
Work with senior leadership, business units, and external partners to review key business priorities and drive technology initiatives.
Conduct annual goal planning and manage the budget for the innovation and emerging technologies team through the year.
Knowledge and Skills
Forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate future technology trends and their impact on the business.
Strong understanding of current and emerging technologies relevant to the energy industry.
Ability to strategically equip the organization with the appropriate technology, skills, and processes to support the transforming industry and business.
Proven ability to identify and resolve complex technical and business challenges
Exhibits transformational leadership skills with a proven track record of challenging the status quo
Sophisticated change management capabilities, including the ability to lead and manage through change. Should be recognized as a change agent
Outstanding credibility and demonstrated ability to build strong relationships within the company and industry, as well as with vendors/suppliers
Demonstrated ability to influence senior-level management and key stakeholders and lead through influence
Team player with a collaborative approach to drive solutions for the good of Southern Company
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
Outstanding listening and communication skills, including the ability to communicate to various audiences
Excellent customer service skills that exhibit initiative and follow-through to meet customer commitments
Education and Experience
A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business, or related field. Advanced degree highly desirable
10 or more years of experience in IT or business, 2 or more years of IT management experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of information technology.
Proven track record of leading and managing innovation projects and teams, with experience in driving innovation initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization.
Experience in leading and mentoring cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and driving team performance
Experience presenting and sharing insights with business and technology executives (VP, CXOs) on strategy, emerging technologies, and roadmap initiatives.
Experience using design thinking methodologies
Experience with the following technologies: AI, Cloud, AR/VR, Robotics and IoT
Hands-on experience with software development, system architecture and integration
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial 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 infrastructure company 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 our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero 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 and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
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.
Job Identification: 8452
Job Category: Information Technology
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
