Workstream: Technology Services
Job Family: Technology Planning
Job Title: Technology Planning Analyst, Snr
Location: The position will be filled at a Level 6
Reports To: Director, IT, Customer & Marketing Services Technology Solutions
Purpose:This Technology Planning Analyst is responsible for promoting and supporting the realization of what is possible with technology focused on the Marketing Services and Customer Operations business areas. At its core this position ensures that our technology investments are optimal, adheres to standards and is aligned with the business and the Technology Organization’s strategic objectives. Consideration must be given to all technology delivery components, including resources, hardware, software, and outside services. The Technology Planning Analyst is depended on to provide thought leadership on technology direction and decisions based on emerging technologies, industry trends, best practices, and sound business processes. This position leads business partners through the technology acquisition and governance process. The position builds and maintains strategic partnerships, clarifies and documents needs and facilitates the development of business cases that will enable and achieve business objectives.
Education / Experience: Bachelor degree required (Business or Technology related focus desired)
Job Responsibilities:
Strategic/Relationships
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with the business unit so as to apply knowledge of the business and appropriate technology for the purpose of streamlining processes, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction
- Understand and articulate the mission, vision, goals, strategic and tactical initiatives of the business units; develop strategic technology plans with the business units on a company or system-wide basis.
- Develop strong partnership with aligned Applications Development Manager(s).
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships within the Technology Organization, Strategic Initiatives, and other SCS departments.
- Support TO strategic plans and initiatives and communicate them to the business unit, representing the business units’ concerns/issues on these points.
- Ensure that the business understands the importance of common technology standards and the implications (including cost implications, availability, cyber and other risks) of non-compliance.
- Share best practices within business units, across business units, within Southern Company, and external companies.
Governance and Prioritization
- Communicate the business units’ technology needs to ensure that technology priorities are established and driven by the business needs to maximize value of technology investments.
- Provide leadership and facilitation of the governance and funding processes for new technology investments. Participate as a member of one or more technology governance teams.
New Technology Requests and Projects
- Develop business cases, as needed, which clearly articulate business requirements, appropriate use of technology, and value added for supported business units.
- 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.
- Provide consulting and coordination in vendor management activities for new technology solutions or services, including Supply Chain Management engagement, RFx, vendor demonstrations and Statement of Work.
- Oversight and maintenance of project pipeline related information in the enterprise project tracking tool.
Job Requirements:
- Demonstrate Southern Company Values.
- Strong account management skills including managing multiple tasks/priorities, communication, teamwork, consulting, and financial analysis.
- Proven analytical abilities and problem-solving skills; experience in business process and requirements analysis
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and critically, exhibit breadth in vision and creative thinking.
- Ability to build, maintain, and influence relationships at all levels and within all organizations.
- Demonstrate leadership and strong customer service skills.
- General knowledge of both current and new technologies being used within Southern Company.
- General knowledge of the Southern Company’s core business, particularly Power Delivery
