Business Strategic Innovation Analyst

Southern Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Company Gas is seeking a Business Strategic Innovation Analyst to drive innovative solutions across Customer Operations, Safety, and Training. You will connect data, technology, and people insights to deliver practical improvements and end-to-end transformations.

Responsibilities include analyzing data, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring alignment between processes and technology. Collaboration with stakeholders and adoption of new tools will be core to the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Business, Data Analytics, Information Technology, or related field.
• 3–5 years of data analytics, business analysis, or process improvement experience.
• Ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data, stakeholder feedback, and business insights to connect process, technology, and people impacts into practical recommendations.
• Support development and execution of strategic initiatives, enhancements, and innovation projects.
• Ensure alignment between business processes and technology solutions and track performance metrics.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and facilitate ideation and problem-solving sessions with partners.
• Conduct research, analysis, and testing to evaluate needs and propose innovative solutions.
• Support change management activities to prepare employees for new processes and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency and improvements.

Skills

Data analytics

Process improvement

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Design thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Analytics, Information Technology, or related field

Tools

Python

SQL

Databricks

Microsoft Copilot

Job description

The Business Strategic Innovation Analyst is responsible for providing analytical, project management, research, and testing support for the Customer Operations, Safety, and Training organization. This role helps drive innovative solutions that support core business functions by leveraging data, technology, and process improvement methodologies.

The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of complex business environments and will work to improve business processes, optimize system capabilities, and support organizational objectives. This position focuses on end-to-end business transformation initiatives, functioning as both a technical and analytical resource while partnering across all levels of the organization to identify, develop, and implement innovative business solutions.

Key Responsibilities

The Business Strategic Innovation Analyst will support the delivery of innovative solutions and business intelligence that advance strategic objectives and operational excellence across the Customer Operations, Safety, and Training organization. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Analyze data, stakeholder feedback, and business insights to connect process, technology, and people impacts into practical, actionable recommendations.
• Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives, business enhancements, and innovation projects.
• Ensure alignment between business processes and technology solutions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and facilitate ideation, problem-solving, and design‑thinking sessions with business partners.
• Conduct research, analysis, and testing to evaluate business needs and recommend innovative solutions.
• Support change management activities that prepare employees and stakeholders to successfully adopt new processes, technologies, and ways of working.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive business process improvements and operational efficiency.
• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of business intelligence tools, analytical solutions, and performance metrics.
• Partner with leadership and stakeholders to identify opportunities that enhance customer experience, employee experience, and business operations.
• Support innovation initiatives that leverage emerging technologies to improve service delivery and organizational effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Data Analytics, Information Technology, or a related field.

Experience

• Three to five years of experience in data analytics, business analysis, process improvement, or a related field.
• Three to five years of demonstrated professional experience with written and verbal communications, including the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of utility industry business practices, particularly within Customer Experience, Field Operations, or Technology functions preferred.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with leaders at multiple organizational levels.
• Ability to understand customer needs and leverage existing and emerging technologies to develop innovative business solutions.
• Experience supporting strategies that improve employee and customer experiences across multiple channels, including phone, web, mobile, social media, text messaging, email, chat, and other digital platforms.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in highly collaborative, cross-functional environments and translate complex information into actionable solutions.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and presentation tools.
• Knowledge of Change Management and Design Thinking methodologies preferred.
• Experience with artificial intelligence‑related tools and technologies such as Python, Structured Query Language (SQL), Microsoft Copilot, Databricks, or similar platforms preferred.
• Familiarity with business systems such as Customer Information System (CIS), Customer Service System (CSS), Customer Management Application (CMA), Customer Care and Billing (CCB), or related enterprise applications preferred.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com .

Southern Company (NYSE: SO ) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry‑leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com .

Southern Company invests in the well‑being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well‑being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf . Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Company: AGL Services Company

Job Schedule: Full time

Pay Range: $77,258.00 - $121,405.90 USD null: Base salary varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, and at the time of this posting, this is the reasonable salary range for this role.