Director - Site Technology and Exp-LKE
PPL · Louisville
Company Summary StatementAs one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy — provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.
Overview
NOTE: This role is hybrid requiring 3 days a week on-site at our Louisville, KY office. #INDPPL LI-Hy
The Head of LKE Technology is responsible for developing, implementing, and oversight of all technology initiatives within LKE that meet customer needs and maximizing the return on product investments. This role focuses on driving technology to improve operational efficiency, customer and colleague experience, and innovation in the energy/utilities space. The individual will be responsible for ensuring successful deployment of new technologies, and enhancing cybersecurity and data governance within the organization. This role leads and guides cross-functional teams, facilitates Agile teams through various stages, and serves as a coach and mentor. This role also supports the Product Owner and Product Manager in defining vision, roadmaps, and planning. The leader will be accountable for end-user support in KY, including executive support and the full workstation lifecycle including leading the Workplace Modernization program for their respective site.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for LKE (KY based), building strong, long-lasting relationships
- Understand LKE goals, challenges, and technology portfolio to provide guidance and solutions
- Collaborate with IT teams (Digital, Customer, Field Ops, Grid & Pipeline, Enterprise, Infrastructure & Tech Ops) to advocate for LKE needs and influence product enhancements
- Develop and present regular program and portfolio reviews and performance reports
- Oversee technology deliverables and ensure milestones are achieved within the agreed timeline and budget
- Guide cross-functional teams in the implementation of applicable tools and practices that contribute to maximizing value
- Facilitate initiatives and Agile teams through Inception, Execution, and Transition against delivery lifecycles
- Serve as a coach and mentor for Agile teams within the Enterprise portfolio
- Support larger initiatives through scaling and execution of scaled Agile frameworks
- Inspire others to adopt new processes and improvements based on lessons learned across the portfolio
- Assist Agile team in understanding the value of automation and recommend process efficiency improvements (DevOps)
- Aligns technology architecture with business strategy
- Provides strategic technical direction across Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and teams
- Collaborates with Lean Portfolio Management
- Guides and supports Architectural Runway strategy
- Promotes modern technical and DevOps practices
- Synchronizes architecture functions across ARTs and teams
- Define and implement a digital technology strategy that aligns with the company’s business goals and supports future growth
- Lead digital transformation initiatives across businesses to modernize legacy systems, optimize processes, and enhance operational efficiencies
- Collaborate with senior executives to prioritize digital initiatives and leverage technology to achieve sustainability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction goals
- Serve as a senior escalation leader during Priority 1 and Priority 2 incidents.
- Coordinate executive communications during major outages and recovery events.
- Lead stakeholder communication bridges and recovery management activities.
- Drive accountability for root cause analysis, problem management, and corrective action implementation.
- Support restoration of critical business services and operational platforms during technology disruptions.
Executive Stakeholder Management
- Brief CIO staff, VP leadership, operational leadership, and executive steering committees.
- Develop executive communication materials, migration updates, risk assessments, and technology readiness reviews.
- Facilitate alignment between IT and business organizations.
- Manage senior stakeholder expectations for highly visible enterprise programs.
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Complies with all policies and standards
Qualifications
Required Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field; Master’s degree preferred but not required or equivalent professional experience.
Required Experience:
- 10+ in technology or operations roles, with a significant portion focused on utility systems and technologies, including SCADA, GIS, AMI, and advanced analytic tools
- Demonstrated experience in senior leadership roles such as Director of Technology, or similar
- Demonstrated experience fostering a collaborative environment between IT and Business Leads
- Experience managing large, diverse teams and leading complex projects
- Proven ability to develop and execute technology strategies that enhance customer engagement and drive business growth
- Understanding of Agile principles and methods
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies
Ability to align IT transformation initiatives with the overall business strategy
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree or relevant certifications (eg, PMP, Agile, Scrum) would be a plus