IT Program Manager

Job Description:

IT Program Manager - Responsible for overseeing programs and large projects within a department or business unit. Assess and advise on improving process and methodologies of current project management implications throughout the project timeline; including development of strategies, readiness assessment, development of training and communications. Works with project managers to identify redundancies and duplications of efforts across projects within a program and eliminate them. Acts as a mentor to project managers. Able to motivate project managers to build cooperative work teams. Able to identify, develop, and direct team members’ strengths, technological resources, and organizational processes to build teams. Advanced in the use of project management software/ concepts. Comprehensive knowledge of the business unit’s functions. Strong communication skills to work with senior management to deliver requirements. Strong analytical, problem solving, quality management, and organizational skills. Comprehensive understanding of project management theory and team dynamics. Proven ability to effectively collaborate with others, initiate action and adapt to change. Proven ability to make tough decisions and accept challenging assignments. Demonstrated ability to accurately estimate costs and develop and implement project plans within budgetary guidelines. 4-year degree. PMP certification.

 

JOB SUMMARY:  

Incumbents for this position are those who possess high technical expertise, advanced knowledge in a particular application, technology field, high demand specialty or highly complex business area. This position is a senior-level principal position within the TS&PD Organization with overall responsibility for the management of a highly complex or enterprise-wide program consisting of multiple projects. Responsible for managing all aspects of the design, development, and implementation of the program. Provides daily work direction and mentors a team of project managers and/or other project management staff for a program with 2–6 projects. Ensures integration of the various projects in the program and adjusts project scope, timing, and budgets as needed, based on the needs of the business. Interfaces directly with all levels of leadership to manage and communicate program strategy, governance structure, status, and any changes to the program. Responsible for delivering all projects contained in the program on time, within budget, and in alignment with the defined scope and business requirements. Responsible for tracking key program and project milestones and recommending adjustments to the responsible project managers. 

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills) 

• Bachelor's degree in related field highly desirable 
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Program Management Professional (PgPM) certification preferred
• Possess high technical expertise, advanced knowledge in software development, ERP applications, or demand specialty that is critical in managing a highly complex or enterprise-wide Program 
• A minimum of 7 years of experience managing multiple high complexity projects in a matrix resource environment, working with diverse project sponsors across multiple business units 
• Experience influencing and managing project teams without formal direct reporting relationships 
• Comprehensive knowledge of PMI based project management competency areas and methodologies and experience applying these methods to manage successful projects 
• Analytical skills are required to effectively manage activities related to budgeting, forecasting, monitoring, process management, risk management, quality control, and reporting 
• Proven ability and determination to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines 
• Strong oral and written communication skills and experience, leveraging these skills to interact with all levels of management 
• Effective interpersonal skills required to develop and maintain system-wide and external relationships 
• High-level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project 
• Experience leading project within the Gas Utility industry preferred

 

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Lead and provide work direction to a team of project managers and business leaders to determine program scope, devise and maintain a workable plan, and to develop and deploy the solution in accordance with the needs of the program. 
• Serve as a communication clearing house for all formal program status reporting 
• Assess dependencies amongst the projects in the program and monitor the progress of projects to ensure continuous alignment with program objectives 
• Develop and maintain all program deliverables throughout the program lifecycle and review the deliverables of the project managers on the program 
• Identify program risk, develop a risk management plan and actively manage risk throughout the program lifecycle 
• Identify and communicate the collective resource requirements of the program and work with responsible managers on the development and maintenance of a resource plan 
• Manage interaction between the customer, vendors, and the internal project team members to ensure that appropriate relationships exist to produce positive program and project outcomes 
• Develop and manage the governance structure and change control process for the program. 
• Responsible for the status reporting, program estimating, monthly cost accounting and vendor invoice processing 
• Develops and/or monitors vendor deliverables in compliance with binding statements of work 

 

ROLE SPECIFIC SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Experience with driving/managing enterprise application implementations or software development projects.
• Experience leading large cross-functional teams made of vendor and full time resources.
• High-level of proficiency in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, and Project
• High-level of proficiency using Microsoft SharePoint

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

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.