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