ASCEND Program Information:
Southern Company is committed to building the future of energy for the customers who depend on us, the communities we serve and the industry we lead. The ASCEND program will transform how we do business, helping us elevate the customer experience, adapt to industry changes, and implement technology that offers new capabilities with more agility. It will involve implementing multiple applications, including the replacement of our meter data management (MDM) and customer service systems (CSS) with a new, Oracle customer information system (CIS) called customer to meter (C2M). Additionally, it includes implementing an advanced analytics platform, customer experience (CX) and commercial engagement platform (CEP).
The new platform, to be rolled out to Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power, will be implemented in phases. Currently, we are building an ASCEND organization dedicated to helping the electric operating companies realize the vision for a modernized, efficient, digital customer experience to deeply engage with our customers and provide a more personalized experience. ASCEND will be one of the most comprehensive Customer Service and Marketing transformation initiatives in our company’s history.
Click here for more information about the CIS/MDM program and to view FAQs.
The successful candidate will remain an employee of the operating company while reporting to the CIS/MDM Program Team and may report to a SCS or operating company leader for delivery. Positions within the CIS Program will be filled based on the job requirements and the business needs and overall project scope. Candidates should answer all applicable questions thoroughly as this information will be used to select the successful candidates.
While these roles are expected to be hybrid work, approximately 25% travel is anticipated and for this reason, it is preferred that resources are located within the electric service territory. The successful candidate will remain an employee of the operating company while reporting to the CIS/MDM Project Team and may report to a Southern Company Services or operating company leader for delivery.
Job Description – CIS MDM Project Technology SR Application Analyst
This position is responsible for partnering with Southern Company's Power Delivery, Customer Service and Metering Services business units and the Technology Organization for the development and support of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Metering applications and infrastructure. The incumbent assumes responsibility for ensuring timely, reliable, quality solutions and support for the Metering and AMI business customers.
The scope of work includes: providing functional and technical subject matter expertise for Metering and AMI applications; problem analysis and resolution (production support), root cause analysis, implementing vendor solutions; providing input to application life cycle management; providing oversight for the design, development, testing, and implementation of application solutions; staying abreast of emerging computer technologies; and staying abreast of the business processes emerging computer technologies.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
• Single point of customer contact for assigned Metering/AMI applications
• Subject matter expert for applications – business process, data/workflow, and reports
• Owns result/solution end-to-end
• Impact analysis (functional, application risk assessment)
• Manage production deployments, production verification testing and user implementation support
• User acceptance coordination with customer / bug tracking
• Troubleshooting and resolving application quality issues
• Application life cycle management
• Release planning / management
• Compliance and change management controls adherence
• Application vendor interface and support
• Disaster recovery plans/testing
• Occasional travel within the Southern Company footprint is required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to establish and maintain quality relationships with peers and management, vendors, and internal customer groups
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required
• Must be able to manage production support and project related activities simultaneously
• Ability to work effectively with limited direct supervision
• Excellent customer service skills
• Risk assessment/mitigation skills
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a team environment
• Technical writing skills
• Ability to gather and document business and functional requirements
• Ability to estimate project costs and timelines
• Self-starter and demonstrate initiative
Education / Experience:
• B.S., B.A., or B.B.A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Management Information Systems, Business, or another related field, is required
• Demonstrated technical understanding of how application frameworks and other technologies can be leveraged to help meet business needs
• Experience with supporting Linux based systems, creating, and updating shell scripts preferred
• Experience with Java/J2EE, C#/.Net
• Good understanding of REST/SOAP Web Services
• Familiarity with Windows Azure and/or Amazon Web Services
• Experience with Oracle databases, SQL, PL/SQL, and query performance tuning for large datasets
• Knowledge of business functions and operations performed within organizations of the Southern Company supported by this team (Metering and AMI)
• Understands and is knowledgeable of technology solutions that could impact business partners.
• Proven analytical skills, problem solving skills and project management skills
• Experience supporting vendor applications highly preferred
• Possess a solid understanding of technical environments and software methods
• Power Delivery/Customer service experience either directly or in a support role desired
Behavioral Attributes:
• High degree of initiative and personal responsibility “ownership” for assignments
• Takes personal ownership of career development
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with the company culture – Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
• Ability to effectively multi-task and prioritize workload
• Must have a strong desire to be a student of the business
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work with a team, build superior relationships, and collaborate across TO organizations
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.
Job Identification: 16603
Job Category: Information Technology
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
