Technology Planning Analyst, Specialist

Job Title: Technology Planning Analyst, Specialist

Location: Energy Center, Birmingham, Al (onsite 4 days a week, one day remote)

The Technology Planning Analyst Specialist 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 Commercial Operations, Resource Planning, and Technical Shared Services.  At its core, this position guides our strategic technology direction and ensures that our technology investments are optimal, adhere to standards, and are aligned with the business and the Technology Organization’s (TO) strategic objectives.  Consideration must be given to all technology delivery components, including resources, hardware, software, and outside services. Responsibilities include defining and justifying investments that enable achievement of short and long-term business objectives. The position fosters strategic partnerships, elicits business requirements, documents business processes and business cases.  The position creates and maintains technology roadmaps, produces professional presentation materials, and facilitates governance and budget processes.  The position coordinates vetting new technology with security, contracts, legal and business owners to mitigate risks. 

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.  Travel is less than 10%. 

This position is a senior level planning analyst (level 7 or 6) depending on qualifications and experience. 

Strategic Relationships

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with Commercial Operations, Resource Planning, and Technical Shared Services to apply knowledge of the business and appropriate technology for streamlining business processes, drive revenue growth, improve customer satisfaction, and increase 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. 

Governance Processes

• Anticipate and communicate the business unit's technology needs to the technology organization to set priorities that maximize 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 Commercial Operations and Technical Shared Services Technology governance meetings.

New Technology Requests

• 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. 
• Oversight and maintenance of project pipeline related information in the enterprise project tracking tool and technology roadmaps.   

•      BS or BA degree in Technology, Business or related field is required. 

•      10+ years of experience in business analysis, business relationship management, technology support

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

• Strong organizational skills.