Manager, Operations Applications Req Id : 17703(

Job Family: Information Technology

Discipline: Software Engineers

Career Level: Manager

Department: Operations Applications (OMS)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Overall Purpose:

The Manager of Operations Systems is a self-motivated process focused individual with strong problem-solving and analytical skills who has an understanding and knowledge of the electric utility industry along with an understanding of NERC CIP requirements. Initial focus for the manager will be Duquesne Light Company’s Outage Management System implementation. Tasks will include leading the technology implementation team efforts for Open Systems International’s (Aspentech) Outage Management system. Post deployment, the manager will provide team leadership for on-going support and enhancement activities. The manager will oversee multiple projects, some of which may be complex in nature.

The Manager of Operations Systems must be able to execute job responsibilities under pressure while maintaining system reliability. Communication with all levels of management through verbal presentations and written reports is key to the success of this position.

Responsibilities of the manager include, but are not limited to:

• Provide governance and review modifications to existing software applications and modules in accordance with written specifications and industry standards when necessary.
• Supervise the preparation and presentation of status updates for team assignments and projects.
• Ownership of budgets, timelines, and commitments.
• Manage the development of software application modules using disciplined software development processes.
• Represent DLC and participate in industry forums and user groups.
• Negotiate vendor contracts with the support of Supply Chain Organization.
• Understand the existing applications from a functional and technical point of view and ensuring the team provides the solution accordingly.
• Internal customer relationship management is required with leadership of Operations and Customer Care Organization to provide business enabling technology that reduces operating costs, enhances safety, and supports their performance improvement initiatives while maintaining NERC CIP compliance and adhering to internal IT processes.
• Make complex modifications to existing software applications and modules in accordance with high level specifications and industry standards using disciplined software development processes.
• Maximize Data Quality: Support the Business Analytics team to determine the company’s current data quality and maturity levels; assist in the development of a data quality strategy for assigned applications; and reinforce the roadmap for measurable data quality improvement.
• Participate in project planning sessions with clients, business analysts, and team members to analyze requirements and provide design recommendations. Define and develop project scope on multiple projects with assistance from the project team. Assess/develop recommendations for buy vs. build decisions.
• Development and leadership of team members, and performing required people management activities
• Develop, manage, and own technology roadmaps for a defined area.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Participate in project planning sessions with team members to analyze Business IT requirements when necessary.
• Prepare and present status updates for various projects to all levels of the organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., IT applications, Operations, IT infrastructure, IT telecom, Customer Service etc.) to develop plans and end-to-end solutions.
• Assist with Request for Price (RFP) and Request for Information (RFI)development in coordination with Supply Chain.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure the testing and implementation of application modules which have been developed or modified, meet the client and business needs.
• Handle Tier II and Tier III support issues (tickets) within area of expertise and guide root cause investigations.
• Management of the product team and ownership of the assigned applications providing full lifecycle support.
• Responsible for supervising on one or more project teams, application development, integration, and modification activities, as well as establishing related maintenance and support processes and procedures.
• Provide ongoing maintenance of applications or tools.

Qualifications Required:

• Seven (7) years related experience
• Equivalent experience/certifications/degrees will be taken into consideration in lieu of specific requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in a computer science, engineering, or related technical field.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Minimum of 5+ years of SCADA, Real Time System or Outage Management System experience.
• Utility Experience
• Two (2) or more years IT management Experience.
• 4+ years of experience working in a CIP controlled environment.
• Experience with Open Systems International Outage and Distribution Management Systems
• Understanding of NERC/CIP requirements.

Skills Utilized in this Position Include:

• Experience with some or all of the following: Evaluating alternative IT Solutions, developing IT roadmaps, project management, ITIL background preferred, vendor management and RFP issuance and evaluation, supporting vendor developed applications.
• Empathetic leader who can collaborate with others in the organization and develop a team that is able to support Duquesne Light Company’s vision.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, creative, and leadership skills with the ability to exhibit sound judgment. Able to express verbal and written information effectively.

Scope

Primary focus is on day to day management of operational execution also develops and exercises business plans, policies, and procedures. Contributes to proactive planning exercises of management team as requested. Trains and develops staff. Plans the work flow. Looks for areas of process improvement and directs available resources to accomplish this. Leads changes and implementations for direct team as pushed down through the organization.

Decision Impact

Resolves problems of a greater complexity than the former. Improves existing processes & systems using conceptualizing, reasoning, & interpretation skills. Solutions require through understanding of business strategies and issues. Defines broad based solutions that would require consideration of wider implications on organization results & resources.