Southern Company

Manager, UNITE Program

Southern Company$125K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in IT, Business Administration, or a related field
  • 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in IT
  • Ability to facilitate executive-level discussions and influence diverse stakeholders
  • Experience managing collaborative initiatives or consortiums
  • Strong understanding of IT operations, service delivery, and performance metrics
  • Demonstrated ability to translate benchmarking data into actionable recommendations
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the strategic plan for the consortium
  • Provide visionary leadership to support the consortium's mission
  • Engage with member executives to understand their challenges
  • Facilitate collaboration and networking among member IT departments
  • Oversee the consortium's budget and financial sustainability
  • Direct research initiatives to identify key benchmarking areas
  • Provide guidance to members on implementing best practices

Benefits

  • In-office presence for networking and collaboration at GPC Headquarters
  • Opportunity to engage with C-suite executives and drive industry innovation
  • Access to a repository of resources and tools for IT best practices
  • Chance to influence IT industry standards and practices through leadership
  • Environment fostering continuous improvement and innovation
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Manager, UNITE Program for an Information Technology Best Practice and Benchmarking Consortium is a senior leadership role responsible for:
  • Defining the Mission, Strategy, Organization, Operation and Culture of the Consortium
  • Aligning and leading the consortium towards achieving its mission of improving IT practices through collaboration, benchmarking, research, and shared learning.
  • Anticipating industry shifts (e.g., AI, digital transformation, cybersecurity) and proactively positioning the consortium as a thought leader


This position requires an in-office presence four (4) days per week at Georgia Power Company (GPC) Headquarters, Atlanta, GA 30308 location.

UNITE Overview:

UNITE is an elective, member supported and funded operational enterprise, whose lead participants are C suite information technology leaders. UNITE provides facilitated connections among its members to address complex business and technology challenges. UNITE provides a forum for members to connect and share knowledge and insights on innovative, best practice solutions for technology and business challenges.

Position Summary:

The Manager, UNITE Program will lead a consortium of not more than twenty-five utility IT departments, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation. The role involves overseeing and managing key business operations, ensuring UNITE's overall growth, financial viability, and performance. The role requires high-level decision-making, strategic planning, and leadership, with a focus on driving UNITE initiatives and collaborating with the leadership team to achieve long-term goals.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IT, proven leadership skills, and a passion for driving excellence in IT service delivery through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Key Responsibilities:
  1. Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and execute the consortium's strategic plan in alignment with member and industry objectives.
  • Provide visionary leadership to promote the consortium's mission and values.
  • Engage with member executives to understand their challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the consortium's activities are relevant and impactful.
  1. Consortium Management:
  • Facilitate collaboration and networking among member IT departments.
  • Coordinate and deliver content in regular meetings, workshops, and conferences to share insights, trends, relevant outside perspectives and best practices.
  • Oversee the consortium's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and effective resource allocation.
  1. Research and Benchmarking:
  • Direct the consortium's research initiatives, identifying key areas for benchmarking and performance improvement.
  • Ensure the collection, analysis, and dissemination of benchmarking data and best practices
  • Work with industry experts, various research firms and academic partners to maintain a cutting-edge understanding of IT trends and innovations.
  • synthesizing the information from the benchmarks and surveys to provide the 'so what' of the data to drive action for the member companies
  1. Member Support and Engagement:
  • Provide guidance and support to member IT departments in implementing best practices and benchmarks.
  • Develop and maintain a repository of resources, case studies, and tools for members; introducing technology for ease of information use and access.
  • Encourage and challenge consortium members to connect, enabling knowledge sharing.


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in information technology, Business Administration, or a related field. 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in IT, with a track record of successful strategic planning and execution.
  • Proven ability to facilitate executive-level discussions, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and influence decision-making without direct authority.
  • Ability to engage with and influence C-level executives and IT leaders.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing collaborative initiatives or consortiums.
  • Demonstrate managerial courage-confidently facilitate discussions, challenge assumptions, and ensure all voices are heard, even in the presence of strong personalities.
  • Strong understanding of IT operations, service delivery, and performance metrics.
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity and make decisions with incomplete information
  • Translate benchmarking and survey data into clear, actionable recommendations that drive measurable improvements for member organizations.
  • Willingness to travel as needed to engage with consortium members and attend relevant events.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience in a non-profit or membership-driven organization.
  • Advanced certifications in IT management, such as ITIL or PMP.
  • Experience in public speaking and thought leadership within the IT community.


About the Team

Southern Company Services

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Southern Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Southern Company, a leader in energy innovation and a champion of sustainable practices. As one of the most respected companies in the energy sector, Southern Company offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise not only professional growth but also a commitment to diversity and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At Southern Company, we are not just about power generation; we are about empowering our team to innovate and lead the industry. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, using your skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Southern Company has a place for you. Our wide range of employment options ensures that every team member can find a path that best suits their career ambitions and skills.

Innovate and Lead

Southern Company is at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and management.

Grow and Develop

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted diversity training, leadership workshops, and continuous professional development. Career growth at Southern Company is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.

Be Part of Our Culture

Southern Company’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and believe that it drives innovation. Our team is our family, and we support each other in achieving personal and professional goals.

Benefits That Go Beyond

Choosing a career at Southern Company means enjoying a range of benefits designed to enrich your life and support your lifestyle. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Ready to power up your career? Explore the job opportunities at Southern Company today. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven individuals. Enhance your skills, join a community of innovators, and work towards a sustainable future.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Southern Company by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to advance your career.

Networking and Career Advancement

At Southern Company, networking and internal mobility are key components of career advancement. Connect with leaders, engage in cross-departmental projects, and take your professional journey to new heights.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Visit our career site for tips on crafting your resume, preparing for interviews, and making a lasting impression.

Join Southern Company—where careers glow brighter!

SEARCH SOUTHERN COMPANY JOBS Stay ahead of the curve in your career with Southern Company, where innovation meets tradition and every employee is empowered to excel.
Learn more about Southern Company
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$77.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion

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