Manager, Aerial Operations Center

Job Title: Aerial Operations Center (AOC) Manager

Location: Dekalb-Peachtree Airport | Southern Company Hangar (KPDK)

Job Summary: 

The Aerial Operations Center (AOC) Manager will oversee the day-to-day aerial operations of Southern Company. This role is responsible for managing the company's airspace, overseeing aerial contractors, managing remotely autonomous dock operations, scheduling UAS field operations, and handling contract administration. The AOC Manager will engage daily with stakeholders across the system and support restoration efforts during storms and emergency situations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety & Risk Management: Support the safety program, risk management, and operational excellence across all aerial operations.
• Airspace Management: Manage the company's airspace management program for nationwide operations, including monitoring the regulatory landscape and requirements.
• Dispatch Support: Oversee and manage the dispatch of aerial contractors, UAS pilots, UAS operations, and manned aircraft operations.
• Contractor Administration & Oversight: Oversee aerial contractors, ensure compliance with company standards, and liaise with the Supply Chain Organization and Business Units on aerial contract management.
• Autonomous Operations: Manage remote-autonomous UAS dock operations.
• Contract Administration: Manage aerial contracts and service agreements.
• Engagement & Collaboration: Engage and collaborate with stakeholders and leadership across the system to ensure effective operations.
• Emergency Support: Support restoration efforts during storms and emergency situations.
• Team Leadership: Oversee AOC staff, including coordinators, AOC UAS Pilots, and contract administrators. Ensure appropriate staffing levels to meet service demands and timeframes.
• Communication: Prepare executive-level briefings and communicate effectively across all system stakeholders.
• Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics and reporting to monitor and enhance aerial operations efficiency, process improvement, and system performance.
• Emergency Coordination: Coordinate with air traffic control (ATC), FAA, and relevant emergency agencies to ensure safe and efficient airspace usage for company operations.
• Software Management: Maintain all required software programs, subscriptions, and interfaces necessary for AOC operations.
• Budget Management: Prepare, present, report, and manage budget processes related to aerial operations, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing and payment.
• Facility Management: Manage AOC operational areas and spaces.
• Leadership Support: Assume any duties as directed by leadership and support department administrative responsibilities and budget planning.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree, or higher, in Business Administration, Aviation, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerial operations, airspace management, or a relevant field required. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) experience, preferred.
• Leadership: Proven experience in managing teams within matrix-driven organizations.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of airspace regulations and safety management programs (preferred).
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Pressure Handling: Ability to work effectively under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Certifications:  FAA Part 107, Part 61 pilot rating, or FAA dispatch license a plus
• Hours: Must be willing to work non-traditional hours on an as needed basis

Skills:

• Leadership and Team Development
• Organizational and Multitasking Abilities
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Knowledge of Airspace Management and Aerial Operations
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
• Proficiency in Data Analytics and Reporting Tools
• Familiarity with ATC Procedures and Coordination
• Technical Proficiency in Maintaining Software Programs and Interfaces
• Experience in Managing Billing Processes and Financial Transactions

 

 

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider servi