Director, Network Services

Director, Network Services

Description

Network Services Director

JOB SUMMARY:

This position provides vision, direction, leadership, and management for an organization that is responsible for the engineering, design, documentation, equipment lifecycle management, and support of Southern Company's data and voice network infrastructures and associated services. The associated networks include high-capacity data center networks, Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Wireless LAN infrastructure, Voice, network-based security infrastructure (firewalls), Contact Center data and voice network infrastructures, and cloud network technology support. This position gives leadership and direction to a staff of 4 network engineering managers, 2 infrastructure architects and 40 network engineers/contractors geographically dispersed across the country.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Oversee technology strategies, standards, and best practices to ensure effective operation of the network infrastructure.
• Establish strategic business objectives, strategies, and plans in support of the Technology Organization's (TO) strategic goals.
• Ensure that the enterprise has the capability to support new technologies and maintain high levels of communication performance, reliability, and security.
• Coordinate plans for hardware and software lifecycle replacements and enhancements.
• A comprehensive understanding of human relations, considerable interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively.
• A substantial knowledge of functions and operations performed within organizations of the Southern Company and an understanding of the impact of TO decisions to these organizations.
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of information technologies and how those technologies can best be used to deliver market competitive products and services within Southern Company.
• Knowledge of Southern Company's strategic plan, regulatory and political environment, as well as the Company's policies, procedures and practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations that govern our business.
• Attract, hire, develop and manage a highly effective, diverse workforce of technical individuals highly skilled in required disciplines who understand their job exists to deliver business value and satisfy customers. The incumbent must understand the highly competitive information technology marketplace and develop and retain employees who demonstrate initiative in identifying and meeting customer needs at an aggressively competitive cost.
• Establishes him/herself as a thought leader and integral part of the Infrastructure Services leadership team.
• Manage the organization as a business with emphasis on effective planning, budgeting, cost control, communication and high-quality service delivery that meet customer needs in a changing business environment.
• Ensure all network infrastructure projects are adequately staffed and executed. Ensure all projects result in a smooth transition from engineering to daily operations.
• Provide timely and effective 2nd and 3rd level support for all infrastructure components. Establish and maintain preventative maintenance programs and ensure all support processes are consistently followed.
• Work with other TO organizations and vendors to implement new or refined support processes when necessary to provide high customer satisfaction.
• Ensure a system-wide perspective is considered in all activities.
• Provide performance feedback, leadership, and developmental opportunities for existing staff members.
• Work continuously with customers and other TO organizations to develop and refine strategic business plans to meet customer needs.
• Direct and manage a highly skilled group of technical engineers in the execution of business plans and strategies by supporting multiple network platforms.
• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships/partnerships with the management team throughout the TO organization, as well as external strategic vendors and suppliers.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Degree required; BS/BA in Computer Science, Engineering, or Computer Engineering desired. Advanced degree a plus.

• A minimum of ten (10) years related experience in a broad range of enterprise systems, infrastructure services, networking, and related areas of TO.

• A minimum of five (5) years of direct people management experience.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 diverse 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.
• Ability to understand technology issues, with an emphasis in data network technologies, cloud services, unified communications.

LI#

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries . The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications . Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at 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 Field: Information Technology

Job Type: Standard

Primary Location: Georgia-Metro Atlanta-Atlanta

Operating Company: Southern Company Services

Other Locations: Mississippi-Coastal Area-Gulfport, Alabama-Metro Birmingham/Eastern AL-Birmingham

Job Type: Standard

Travel (Up to): Yes, 25 % of the Time

Work Location(s):

Georgia Power Headquarters - 241 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE (241ATLANTA)

241 Ralph McGill Blvd. NE

Atlanta, 30308

MPC Corporate Headquarters - 2992 West Beach Blvd (2992GULFPORT)

2992 West Beach Blvd

Gulfport, 39501

APC Corporate Headquarters - 600 North 18th Street (600BIRMINGHAM)

600 North 18th Street

Birmingham, 35203

Req ID: SCS2011466