Job Description: Information Technology Manager

Transcription

1 Job Description: Information Technology Manager Objective/Purpose: 1. To deliver, at a reasonable cost, a state-of-the-art information system that will enable employees to work more effectively and efficiently while providing high quality customer service. 2. To provide help desk and training assistance to employees to effectively use all installed technologies. 3. To develop controls to assure data is accurate and up to date. 4. To facilitate the installation of, create, or update installed mission critical systems, modules and interfaces supporting Heartland REMC s business needs. 5. Provide direction and support to maintain a high level of support for installed technologies. 6. To help develop and maintain a safe, secure and supportive working environment for all personnel in the department. Reports Directly to: Chief Executive Officer Educational Requirements: A Bachelor Degree in information technology is preferred. An Associate Degree in information technology is acceptable if combined with a minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience. Experience: Practical application of information technology skills in a professional setting for a minimum of ten (10) years is required. Should possess a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience. Experience directing information technology in an electric cooperative setting is preferred. Must possess a thorough understanding and working knowledge of all aspects of information technology, including but not limited to; infrastructure hardware and software, networking, cyber security, utility specific software applications and protocols such as GIS, OMS, CIS, IVR, AVL, AMI and Multispeak

2 are a plus. Must have the ability to work outside the normal work hours when necessary. Some overnight travel may be required to other electric cooperatives, Wabash Valley Power Association, Indiana Electric Cooperatives, national meetings and seminars. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: A. Planning and Controls 1. Annual Work Plan and Budget Work with other department managers and supervisors and alongside IT staff to ensure their technology requests are properly assessed and budgeted for. Upon completion it is presented to the CEO for approval. Once approved, monitors his/her department s progress and compares actual expenditures to budget figures and takes corrective action if necessary. Reports these results to the CEO. 2. Procedures Is responsible for the development of written procedures for the information technology department, in conjunction with other departments, to assure a smooth workflow. Also, sees that they are revised as necessary to meet changing operating needs. 3. Policies and Guidelines Recommended policies to the CEO or other department managers. Monitors such policies and guidelines to make sure they are being carried out, that they are effective and to determine any revisions that may be required. 4. Study and Research Maintains a high-level awareness of state-of-the-art technology and electric utility systems solutions. Determines the direction of information technology needs and updates these needs as necessary. 5. Strategic Planning Develops a comprehensive departmental strategy and makes recommendations to the CEO who will make appropriate recommendations to the board of directors. Once approved, implements programs, compares results to goals and take corrective action when necessary.

3 6. Supervision Monitors volume and quality of work being accomplished by subordinates through monthly reporting, personal observations, etc. a. Sees that work assignments are planned on a priority basis and in such a way as to control expenses. b. Observes and evaluates department personnel to see that they perform in accordance with the Cooperative s rules and other procedures. Takes corrective action if necessary. B. Organizing 1. Organizational Structure a. Continually reviews the department s organizational structure, makes recommendations to the CEO for improvements and implements approved changes. 2. Job Descriptions a. Prepares and updates own job description and specifications and reviews annually with the CEO. b. Reviews and approves job descriptions and specifications for all employees in the department. Position descriptions and specifications for new positions require the approval of the CEO. c. Sees that all jobdescriptions and specifications are kept up-to-date for employees under his/her supervision. 3. Staffing a. After the CEO approves filling a position, interviews and selects candidates for positions reporting directly to him/her, subject to the approval of the president and CEO. b. Terminates departmental personnel in consultation with the CEO.

4 c. Determines who is to be promoted if the opportunity exists within the department, subject to the approval of the CEO. 4. Wage and Salary Administration a. Determines wage/salary adjustments for personnel within the department in consultation with the CEO. 5. Performance Appraisals a. Appraises performance of personnel reporting directly to him/her and reviews such appraisals with the CEO. b. Counsels such employees on their performance, provides positive feedback when warranted and encourages continued growth and development. 6. Training a. Sees that the personnel reporting directly to him/her are trained to meet the requirements of their positions. 7. Morale and Motivation a. Develops plans for effective use of consultative supervision and encourages maximum participation of personnel in programs, plans and activities which affect them or for which they are responsible. b. Develops, generates and maintains team spirit and enthusiasm throughout the department by appropriate delegation of authority and responsibility, recognition of accomplishment, coaching, counseling, feedback on performance and advancement according to merit, interest and ability. C. Operations 1. Supervision

5 a. Makes certain that all personnel reporting directly to him/her understand and accept the responsibilities and authorities described in their job descriptions. b. Delegates such responsibilities and authorities to those reporting to him/her with full recognition that he/she retains overall accountability. c. Such delegation to personnel reporting to him/her means that they are permitted to perform, on their own initiative and without prior approval, all the activities so described in their job descriptions within stated limits. 2. Personally performs the following activities unique to this position: a. Continually reviews and makes recommendations to the CEO as necessary to assure the proper utilization of new software, work methods, equipment, etc. for this department. b. Works with all direct reports to coordinate the work activities of the department and ensure that all work is being completed in a safe, efficient and effective manner. c. Have a working knowledge of all job duties and responsibilities, and perform them on an as-needed basis. d. Ensures that system data utilized to make business decisions is readily available and backed up routinely. Strive for a 99% uptime of mission critical applications. e. Ensure effective and secure communications between personal computers, servers, mainframes, and data collection decives. Serve as liaison with third-party vendors and LAN consultants. f. Perform system risk analysis, and make appropriate recommendations to CEO (i.e. security measures, virus protection, etc.)

6 g. Administer computer documentation as requested by CEO. Maintain third-party service contract agreements. h. Provide project management support for the organization and associated budget recommendations. Provide support training to employees and directors for company sponsored initiatives. i. Schedule data backup of files. Facilitates off-site storage of backup data. j. Provides assistance to all employees as necessary to resolve any computer issues that may arise. k. Oversees the implementation and maintenance of the Cooperative information systems infrastructure. l. Ensures interoperability between all information systems. m. Prepares demonstrations, presentations, and provides written documentation on all installed systems plus other technology work being done by Heartland REMC personnel. 3. Personally performs the following activities common to all department managers: a. Approves vacation leaves for personnel reporting to him/her. b. Approves sick leave for departmental personnel reporting to him/her. Monitors attendance records to identify problem situations and takes corrective actions as necessary. c. Submits monthly reports to the CEO to serve as a record of the department s achievements and to identify problems to be resolved. d. Requires that all office and transportation equipment be maintained and operated in a neat, safe and orderly manner. e. Represents the Cooperative at selected meetings and events.

7 f. Ensures that member/customer complaints involving the department are fully investigated and promptly resolved. g. Approves travel expenses/check requests/expense reports for department personnel reporting to him/her consistent with approved procedures. h. Represents the department in policy decisions and management of the department by serving as a member of the president and CEO s staff. i. All other duties as assigned. II. RELATIONSHIPS A. Internal 1. With the CEO To consult with, accept direction from, obtain necessary approvals, exchange information and obtain guidance. 2. With Other Department Managers To share information on various matters as needed. 3. With other Information Technology Personnel To assure a seamless interface between all installed systems. Jointly resolve all interface issues between these systems. Mutually develop backup capabilities so that the system integration can be maintained by all personnel within the information technology organization. To ensure cross training occurs as necessary between departmental members. 4. With all Cooperative Personnel To keep all employees informed of the activities of the IT department. Help foster a positive work environment through teamwork, respect and courtesy. B. External

8 1. With software system vendors To seek advice, information, assistance, and equipment necessary to provide fully functional installed systems. 2. With Other Utilities Communicate and cooperate with information technology staff at other utilities to fully understand best practices for these systems. To share and gain knowledge of best practices of how Heartland REMC is using our information systems to improve efficiencies within the organization. 3. With other corporations or agencies in the community utilizing similar technologies Communicate and coordinate to achieve technology synergies. 4. With Members To provide accurate information and assistance as needed in a professional, prompt and courteous manner. Skills Required: Customer Service Skills: Sees self as a customer service representative displaying a friendly, caring attitude. Practices positive communication including the ability to listen to the customer's concern and expectations. Is known for honesty, promptness in responding to the customer, and following-up on a customer's request. Takes responsibility for getting answers and/or directing the questions to the right people. Practices safety in order to protect self, employees, and customers. At all times, builds the customer's confidence by providing reliable service as well as or better than other utilities. Cooperative Business Skills: Learns and communicates an understanding of the cooperative business including its history, structure, governance, and values. Demonstrates the value of community involvement by the cooperative and personally. Knows the basic difference between a cooperative and an investor-owned utility (IOU). Stays informed about various services offered to the member and knows the marketing strategies in relation to Touchstone Energy. Knows how capital credits distinguishes the cooperative from the IOU and remains current about the cooperative's rate structure. Must own and maintain a valid Indiana driver s license. Team Work Skills: Demonstrates an ability to be a team player who is willing to learn, change, compromise, and teach others. Seeks to acquire new job skills and knowledge needed for a changing business environment. Takes on challenges and problems, and will risk doing things differently to meet business challenges. Displays a willingness to help each other to deliver superior service.

9 Supervisory Skills: Fulfills supervisory responsibilities including but not limited to planning, scheduling, delegating, appraising, coaching, counseling, and teaching. Sets clear expectations and shows ability to change expectations as needed. Seeks solutions to problems and will listen and follow-up. Displays a willingness to try new approaches and supports fellow employee initiatives. Supports team work throughout the business. Physical and Environmental Conditions: Normal restricted smoking, office environment. Required to talk to customers, employees, auditor, bankers. Required to sit at a desk and use hands and fingers to handle the telephone, computer, and write. Vision abilities require the skill to review reports, telephone numbers, vendor information, insurance, contracts, analytical and statistical reports. The noise level is usually moderate. Must have a valid driver s license. Occasionally required to lift items up to 30 pounds. Compensation: Weekly. FLSA Status: Exempt. Benefits: Per Heartland REMC s Policies. Hours: Per Heartland REMC s Policies. All activities should be performed in unison with Heartland REMC s corporate mission. Reasonable other related business duties may be assigned by the immediate supervisor and management as required. Reasonable modifications may be made to this job description to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry and our consumers