Computing Services Director

Job Summary: 

This position provides vision, strategic direction, leadership, and management for an organization that is responsible for the design, build, provisioning, lifecycle management, and support of Southern Company's computing systems, platforms and associated services.  The technologies in scope for this role include computing platforms (Linux and Windows), virtualization, mainframe systems, storage, integration platforms, web and middle-ware platforms and related infrastructure and compute security and compliance.  Working in conjunction with Infrastructure Services, application, end user services, TO security leadership teams and third-party technology partners, this leader is responsible for delivering highly reliable, quality computing solutions and services that meet the enterprise’s business needs, architectural and performance standard, while appropriately managing risks.  This position gives leadership and direction to a staff of 5 infrastructure managers, 2 infrastructure architects and 80+ computing engineers/analysts geographically dispersed across the country along with managing >$30M O&M and >$20M Capital budgets annually.

Job Requirements

• Establish strategic business objectives, strategies, and plans in support of Infrastructure Services and the Technology Organization’s (TO) strategic and operational objectives in support of our business partners.
• Direct and manage a highly skilled group of leaders in the execution of business plans, technology strategies, standards, and best practices to ensure effective operation of the computing infrastructure. 
• Ensure the enterprise has the capability to support new technologies and maintain high levels of performance, reliability, and security.
• Coordinate plans for hardware, platform 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 Southern Company and an understanding of the impact of TO decisions to these organizations.
• A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of computing technologies and how those technologies can best be used to deliver market competitive products and services within Southern Company.

1. Knowledge of Southern Company’s strategic plan, regulatory and political environment, as well as the Company’s policies, procedures and practices.
2. Attract, hire, develop and manage a highly effective, diverse workforce of leaders skilled in required disciplines who understand their job exists to deliver business value and meeting customer needs.
3. Establishes him/herself as a thought leader and integral part of the Infrastructure Services leadership team.
4. Manage the organization as a business with emphasis on effective planning, budgeting, cost control, financial performance, communication and high-quality service delivery that meet customer needs in a changing business environment.
5. Create an environment that fosters accountability, innovation and engagement at all levels.
6. Ensure all computing infrastructure projects are adequately staffed and executed.  Ensure all projects result in a smooth transition from engineering to daily operations.
7. Ensure a system-wide perspective is considered in all activities.
8. Provide performance feedback, leadership, and developmental opportunities for existing staff members.
9. Establish and maintain excellent working relationships/partnerships with the leadership team throughout the TO organization, as well as external strategic vendors and suppliers.

Education/Experience

• Degree required; BS/BA in Computer Science, Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field is desired. Advanced degree a plus.
• A minimum of 10 years related experience in a broad range of enterprise systems, infrastructure services, computing, and related areas of IT with at least 5 years of experience managing multiple, medium-to-large-sized cross-functional teams and complex multimillion dollar budgets. Management of IT infrastructure is preferred. 
• Experience establishing and defining comprehensive technology strategies and roadmaps that meet the strategic and operational objectives of the business.

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.
• Outstanding credibility and demonstrated ability to build strong relationships within the company and industry, as well as with vendors/suppliers. 
• Team player with a collaborative approach to drive solutions for the good of Southern Company.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior-level management and key stakeholders and lead through others.
• 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.
• Ability to understand technology issues, with an emphasis in computing technologies, OS and integration platforms, storage and importance of security and compliance.