Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officer

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for development and execution of the Utility Technology Roadmap as well as the management of the core technology, information and communications platforms for Starkville Utilities and to serve as the technical lead for the implementation, operation and upgrades of said platforms.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supervise, direct and evaluate assigned staff and workload, processing employee concerns and problems, directing and inspecting work, counseling, disciplining and encouraging employee growth; and conducting training activities.
• Analyze, evaluate, install, design, maintain and support computer network design, operating systems and business requirements; consult with department personnel; and identify suitable areas for strategic network improvement and upgrades.
• Understand the business priorities, supports strategic & innovative thinking through clear articulation of technology capabilities.
• Align the technology initiatives and plans with the business priorities and ensures that technology resources are deployed appropriately to fulfill.
• Deliver reliable services to the operation while improving quality and efficiency through external comparison while maintaining an unrelenting focus on continuous improvement in a cost-effective manner.
• Oversee broad range of technologies (IT, SCADA Systems, AMI, GIS, Fiber and Business Process software applications), including the assessment, demonstration, development and implementation of said components associated with the Utilities operating model.
• Develop and manage long term capital planning through a prioritization process based on risk-based business cases.
• Develop and manage annual operating budget for technology to ensure consistency with overall strategic objectives and plans.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Team to ensure tactical plans, projects and strategies are integrated and aligned.
• Facilitate the study of new technologies and their applicability to Starkville Utilities as well as futuristic customer expectations.
• Analyze future opportunities and threats; assess long-term business uncertainty and risk; and make recommendations to executive management to best position the Utilities Department for continued success.
• Develop and recommend plans for continuous improvement of condition monitoring and inspection techniques for management of technology related equipment.
• Promote change in culture and business systems that will ensure achievement of strategic goals within the organization.
• Serve as department point of contact and project manager of all Utilities technology related consultants, vendors, contractors and other agencies/parties.
• Establish and maintain documentation standards and practices for technical infrastructure.
• Communicate with leaders, co-workers, users, vendors, and external parties to discuss work in progress, exchange information, resolve problems, coordinate equipment needs, provide operational support, and project management.
• Troubleshoot, develop plan of action, assign, supervise, and resolves complex technical problems impacting Utilities’ operations.
• Manage vendors and service contracts for technology maintenance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE of, SKILLS AND ABILITIES to:

• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of electric utility and energy industry and technologies relevant to the utility industry.
• Knowledge of approaches to strategic and technology planning.
• Knowledge of SCADA Systems, AMI, GIS, and Fiber.
• Knowledge of the application of enterprise architecture to guide organizations towards achieving strategic vision.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of best practices related to change management.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local laws, and ordinances that apply to utility operations.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedure.
• Skill and ability in customer service and communicating with customers.
• Skill and ability in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill and ability in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting applicable data.
• Skill and ability in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to stay apprised of relevant technologies to integrate into the long-term strategic vision of the City/Utilities Department.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions/changes in priorities.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to work well within a team environment and independently.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business Administration, Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science or other degree related to the job, plus seven (7) years’ experience related to electric utility, of which two (2) years were in a managerial capacity and two (2) years of information technology related operations or planning.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master's Degree may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
• Three (3) years of prior relevant experience in Advanced Metering Infrastructure Systems (AMI) in a water and/or electric utility, or related field.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, & OTHER CAPABILITIES:

The job is performed primarily indoors in an office setting. Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, see, and effectively communicate with others for extended periods of time. May be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. Must be able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously; work with numerous interruptions; and adjust to changing priorities. Must demonstrate good use of judgment and demonstrate the ability to properly deal with confidential matters. Must use good interpersonal skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Experience:

• AWS: 3 years (Preferred)
• IT management: 5 years (Preferred)
• Technology management: 5 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Starkville, MS 39759 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Starkville, MS 39759: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person