Job Title: Aerial Operations Center (AOC) Manager
Location: Dekalb-Peachtree Airport | Southern Company Hangar (KPDK)
Job Summary:
The Aerial Operations Center (AOC) Manager will oversee the day-to-day aerial operations of Southern Company. This role is responsible for managing the company's airspace, overseeing aerial contractors, managing remotely autonomous dock operations, scheduling UAS field operations, and handling contract administration. The AOC Manager will engage daily with stakeholders across the system and support restoration efforts during storms and emergency situations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Safety & Risk Management: Support the safety program, risk management, and operational excellence across all aerial operations.
- Airspace Management: Manage the company's airspace management program for nationwide operations, including monitoring the regulatory landscape and requirements.
- Dispatch Support: Oversee and manage the dispatch of aerial contractors, UAS pilots, UAS operations, and manned aircraft operations.
- Contractor Administration & Oversight: Oversee aerial contractors, ensure compliance with company standards, and liaise with the Supply Chain Organization and Business Units on aerial contract management.
- Autonomous Operations: Manage remote-autonomous UAS dock operations.
- Contract Administration: Manage aerial contracts and service agreements.
- Engagement & Collaboration: Engage and collaborate with stakeholders and leadership across the system to ensure effective operations.
- Emergency Support: Support restoration efforts during storms and emergency situations.
- Team Leadership: Oversee AOC staff, including coordinators, AOC UAS Pilots, and contract administrators. Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet service demands and timeframes.
- Communication: Prepare executive-level briefings and communicate effectively across all system stakeholders.
- Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics and reporting to monitor and enhance aerial operations efficiency, process improvement, and system performance.
- Emergency Coordination: Coordinate with air traffic control (ATC), FAA, and relevant emergency agencies to ensure safe and efficient airspace usage for company operations.
- Software Management: Maintain all required software programs, subscriptions, and interfaces necessary for AOC operations.
- Budget Management: Prepare, present, report, and manage budget processes related to aerial operations, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing and payment.
- Facility Management: Manage AOC operational areas and spaces.
- Leadership Support: Assume any duties as directed by leadership and support department administrative responsibilities and budget planning.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree, or higher, in Business Administration, Aviation, or a related field (preferred).
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerial operations, airspace management, or a relevant field required. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experience, preferred.
- Leadership: Proven experience in managing teams within matrix-driven organizations.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of airspace regulations and safety management programs (preferred).
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Pressure Handling: Ability to work effectively under pressure and in emergency situations.
- Certifications: FAA Part 107, Part 61 pilot rating, or FAA dispatch license a plus
- Hours: Must be willing to work non-traditional hours on an as needed basis
Skills:
- Leadership and Team Development
- Organizational and Multitasking Abilities
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Knowledge of Airspace Management and Aerial Operations
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
- Proficiency in Data Analytics and Reporting Tools
- Familiarity with ATC Procedures and Coordination
- Technical Proficiency in Maintaining Software Programs and Interfaces
- Experience in Managing Billing Processes and Financial Transactions
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial 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 infrastructure company 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 our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero 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 and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. 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.
Job Identification: 12029
Job Category: Aviation
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
