Mgr, Leak Survey Ops at Southern Company in Atlanta, GA

The purpose of this position is to execute the Leak Survey program for compliance with federal and multi-state pipeline safety rules in 11 state jurisdictions as well as both regulated and non-regulated storage field operations. This position operates in a shared services role. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance for leak survey activities on facilities including, but not limited to: inside meters, distribution systems, transmission pipelines, business districts, vertical main, and storage fields.

Functional Expertise:

Accountable to ensure that leak survey data is updated, maintained in the appropriate applications / systems, and available for audit
Accountable for implementation of winter / frost cast iron leak surveys and/or special surveys (post incident, compliance assurance, etc.)
Accountable to assist/troubleshoot system/software application issues to facilitate contractor performance of leak survey duties
Accountable for providing oversight and work direction to multiple contractors engaged in the performance of gas leak survey, corrosion, and abnormal operating conditions surveys for over 35,000 miles of distribution and transmission pipeline

Business Acumen:

Accountable to administer compliance monitoring of leak survey records to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures
Accountable to prepare annual leak survey plan to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures
Accountable to prepare and track against budget for contracted leak survey
Responsible for preparing supporting documentation and supplying the data necessary for Operations to prepare leak survey budgets
Accountable for tracking leak survey performance and utilizing data analytics skills to track, visualize, and report performance metrics for both contract and internal resources
Accountable to analyze and interpret data to identify and implement process improvements
Accountable to support Regulatory audits and/or inquires for Leak Survey Operations

Engagement:

Accountable to coordinate leak surveys for special projects
Accountable for identification of computer application improvements as required providing subject matter expert input to IT on the Gas Leak Survey application(s) as necessary to implement software enhancement testing and rollout
Responsible for coaching and developing employees within span of control.
Responsible for collaborating and building effective relationships with various stakeholder groups.
Responsible for establishing goals and objectives for the department to ensure compliance activities are met and to drive continual improvement.
Provides leak survey-related support to Integrity Management Departments when determining appropriate Accelerated Actions and Preventive & Mitigative measures.
Responsible for education and engagement with various stakeholders, especially Service Centers, so that they understand and leak survey processes and own leak survey data
Responsible for education and engagement with various stakeholders, especially Resource Management, so that exceptions and other AOCs documented in leak survey are worked in a timely manner

Driving Results:

Accountable to ensure business districts are defined and updated on a timely basis
Accountable to process invoices and accruals on a timely basis.
Accountable for implementation of leak survey-related Accelerated Actions to support Distribution Integrity Management (DIMP) (actions identified by others)
Accountable for implementation of leak survey-related Preventive & Mitigative (P&M) measures to support Transmission Integrity Management (TRIMP) (actions identified by others)
Accountable for driving contractor performance through scorecard, weekly, monthly and quarterly contractor meetings
Accountable to ensure contractor compliance with training, DOT, QA and Audit requirements noted in the SOW/MSA
Accountable to review and analyze survey data to identify leak survey QA gaps

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

Bachelor’s Degree – Preferably in Engineering, Mathematics, Information Systems, or other related Bachelor's degree discipline

Related Work Experience:

Required:

2+ years utility industry experience

Preferred:

Experience working in a regulated environment, preferably utility operations

Experience with contractor management, budget creation/management

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

Ability to identify and work with key stakeholders as necessary

Ability to work independently

Strong written and oral communication skills both upward and downward throughout the organization

MS Office – intermediate to advanced proficiency

MS Excel – advanced proficiency

Strong attention to detail

Ability to read, interpret, and implement codes, standards, and procedures

Ability to identify process improvements and develop appropriate processes and procedures

Directing and developing direct reports

Development of and management to budgets

Contract development experience (RFPs, SOW origination, etc.)

Preferred:

Oracle invoice reconciliation proficiency

Maximo purchasing experience

Geographic Information System (GIS) basic proficiency

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Travel: Occasional (5 – 20%)

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment: The incumbent works in an office environment.