DESCRIPTION

Job Summary – Edge DERMS Project Manager

This position will be responsible for activities related to Georgia Power Company’s evaluation, selection, procurement, and implementation of an Edge Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS). This position will assist with project planning and execution, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement and communications, and budget management. The successful candidate must ensure this complex and high exposure project is completed on time and within budget, while ensuring stakeholder satisfaction, managing expectations, and delivering high quality results.

Georgia Power’s Edge DERMS solution will be specialized in customer-centric and behind-the-meter DER technologies and programs. The Edge DERMS platform will be fully integrated with the Company’s GE Vernova GridOS DERMS to expand and enhance the types of DER programs, use cases, and grid services available to Georgia Power. The solution will serve as an aggregator of aggregators, simplifying and reducing cloud-based integrations to the on-premise Grid DERMS. In addition to typical Edge DERMS functionality (e.g., managing BTM customer programs, customer enrollments, device registration, dispatching controls/schedules, localized optimization, etc.), the Company expects to co-develop more advanced functionality with the vendor that will simplify the customer experience and improve the Company’s ability to leverage BTM DER for grid services.

Leadership of this project will require cross-functional collaboration with leadership, operations technology support groups, TO, cybersecurity, system operations, and various subject matter experts (SMEs). This position will also work closely with other project managers, accounting, supply chain, and organizations responsible for distributed energy resource (DER) customer programs. Co-developing advanced software functionality will require working closely with internal stakeholders, the Edge DERMS vendor and various subject matter experts.

This position will also provide leadership, oversight and supervision of direct reports responsible for Edge DERMS implementation, data modeling, technical support and the co-development of operational workflows; as well as DER field gateway communications.

In addition to leading Edge DERMS strategy and implementation, this position will also assist with related parallel workstreams, such as organizational change management (OCM), development of DER business processes and operational workflows, and DER field gateway integration. The position will also assist with detailed design, project planning, and implementation of the next phase(s) of the GridOS DERMS and Edge DERMS projects. 

Major Job Responsibilities 

• Lead scoping, evaluation, selection, procurement and implementation of an Edge DERMS
• Lead project detailed planning and design efforts
• Lead designing, planning, co-development and implementation of new advanced software functionalities
• Lead OCM, business process development, and training
• Provide strategic leadership over development of DER field gateway needed for communications and controls of DER
• Provide communications to OPCO leadership and internal stakeholders
• Support VaDER Distribution and Bulk Leadership Teams
• Provide oversight and work direction to direct reports responsible for Edge DERMS hardware, software, data modeling, operational workflows, and DER field gateway development and implementation.
• Work extensively with key DER stakeholders including system operations, fleet operations, interconnections planning, reliability, R&D, renewables, TO, security, legal, regulatory, and marketing, to ensure successful integration. 
• Work with key stakeholders across Southern Company to share knowledge and best practices relating to Edge DERMS
• Gather feedback from internal stakeholders, customers, and regulatory, to continue to optimize the Company’s Edge DERMS. 
• Exhibit technical creativity, foresight, and a healthy willingness to challenge the status quo
• Demonstrate advanced technical problem-solving skills and the ability to address and solve complex engineering issues associated with grid reliability and optimization
• Collaborate and ensure strong partnerships across the SO enterprise.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain Management on contract requirements and negotiations related to agreements with external suppliers
• Ability to manage a large capital and O&M budget
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience, Skills, and Abilities 

• 5+ years of utility experience is preferred. 
• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science or a related field is preferred, with an advanced degree a plus. 
• Relevant industry certifications, such as PMP or PM certifications, are a plus.  
• PE Certification is a plus
• Strong knowledge and experience with DERs, DERMS, Edge DERMS, Demand Response, Demand Side Management, Energy Efficiency programs is highly preferred. 
• Strong knowledge and experience with SCADA and ADMS systems is highly preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of on-premise and cloud based electric utility technologies is highly preferred
• Proven leadership of technical organizations is preferred.
• Experience with systems integration and implementation. 
• Strong knowledge of electrical distribution systems and system operations is required. 
• Knowledge and experience of Bulk Power Operations and Fleet Operations is a plus
• Knowledge and experience of Renewables, DER, DR/DSM programs is a plus
• Knowledge and experience with DER forecasting, economic dispatching and/or grid optimization is a plus
• Thorough knowledge of Georgia Power and Southern Company construction practices, guidelines, and procedures is preferred.  
• Able to build positive relationships and work well with diverse groups, tailoring communication methods appropriately for customers, peers, and management.  
• Proven record of communicating effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.  
• Strong communication and presentation skills to internal and external audiences.  
• Proven leadership and commitment to Safety Excellence.  
• Proven experience in developing and improving an inclusive work environment for all employees.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging multiple leadership competencies including but not limited to Business Acumen, Business Execution, Communication, and Organizational Savvy.
• Ability to lead team efforts, identify critical paths, and resolve conflict while effectively managing projects involving multiple work groups and departments
• Ability to resolve conflict between individuals and functional areas.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels, including executives, managers, supervisors, individual contributors, business leaders, and customers.
• Ability to review and understand financial analysis, manage capital budgets, and ensure accurate budget projections. 
• Ability to manage multiple project schedules, work plans, and budgets
• Knowledge of contract administration

 Behavioral Attributes:

• Demonstrates Our Values (Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, Superior Performance).
• Models ethical conduct in all situations.
• Ability to cultivate a collaborative team environment for successful project delivery.
• Skilled in conflict resolution across individuals and functional areas.
• Enjoys working with a large, diverse team to accomplish projects as a unified group.
• Ability to lead through influence
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative
• Detail-oriented with problem-solving skills
• Works well in a team environment (both in person and virtual)
• Focus on process improvement, training, and mentoring others
• Adaptable to change