Manager, UNITE Program

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 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: 21066

Job Category: Information Technology

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services