OVERVIEW:  Management Science Associates, Inc. (MSA) is a diversified information management company that for over half a century has given market leaders the competitive edge in data management, analytics and technology.  MSA’s IT/OPS division has been offering client-focused data management, technology and analytic solutions to the Consumer Package Goods industry since the early 1980s.  We are currently seeking a Production Manager to join the IT/OPS Operations Team.  The Operations Team is responsible for the daily operations and delivery of data to our clients.  In addition, the Production Manager oversees work internally between the client service team, QA and IT.  The ideal candidate will have experience leading or managing people and projects, strong analytical skills as well as excellent oral and written communication skills.  Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Work with team leaders to translate client requirements into operational instructions: evaluate business requirements and identify multiple solutions and cost/pricing options to meet defined requirements; work with Client Service and clients to recommend methods to accomplish desired results; inform stakeholders of the implications related to the technical and business decisions.
• Identify risks and implement a systematic problem-solving process to identify root cause, develop a solution, and document and communicate solutions to avoid reoccurrence; develop a methodical and proven method for dissecting a problem, document a plan for resolution and implement solution with metrics to validate success; assist in solving escalated problems or secure the appropriate resources to resolve the problem; establish and implement metrics for all projects.
• Oversee the design and implementation of new and existing processes and procedures applying industry knowledge and technical experience to cut costs, gain efficiencies, minimize risks and reduce time to market with attention towards automation and continuous improvement; make recommendations for technical and process improvements to existing processes and procedures; track and document all process improvements and impact; ensure there is a process, plan and measurement for auditing existing quality plans and procedures and shares with other managers as needed; support and facilitate the implementation of new processes.
• Define and implement standards for operating procedures and documentation; work with team leaders to ensure project work is documented and maintained according to standard operating procedures; audit team documentation to ensure accuracy and aligned with established standards.
• Communicate and coordinates tasks across division(s); interact and participate in client calls and meetings for assigned projects and new initiatives; set up and lead technical meetings and discussions; document and communicate issues and achievements to work groups and division leaders.
• Understand divisional goals and work with senior management to identify strategic goals for assigned areas of responsibilities; plan and oversee the implementation of strategic goals; schedule regular meetings with team members to review update and manage progress of goals; review, update and monitor individual goals.
• Attend ongoing training to achieve personal, professional, and technical improvement; determine the training needs for work group; provide guidance and recommend targeted training programs for staff that will support individual professional development.
• Motivate and empower staff and external resources to achieve goals; meet with project team to discuss project plans, deadlines, issues and new work; responsible for the work of assigned staff; set priorities and balance resources across project and ensure back-up and succession plans are in place; responsible for resource allocation for existing work and new initiatives; meet with direct reports to create individual development plans, training needs and other work related matters; use metrics to evaluate the productivity of work groups

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent experience.  A master's degree in a relevant discipline may substitute for one year of experience

• Minimum eight years relevant experience including demonstrated abilities in project planning, project management and personnel management

• Proven analytic and problem solving skills

• Proven communication skills including the ability to articulate and facilitate technical, business and analytical discussions at all levels

• Well-developed data mining and manipulation skills

• Knowledge and awareness of new tools and techniques in the industry and the ability to implement new techniques within the division

• Strong technical skills and the ability to work on multiple platforms; able to make recommendations for use of those platforms

• Effective time management skills

• Well-developed multi-tasking skills and project management skills

• In-depth knowledge of database structure and data models

• Basic MS Office applications

• Ability to manage resources at all levels across the division and keep in mind the best interest of the division as they work to allocate the correct resources for the job

• Considered an expert on technical discussions and applications and can be called upon in client or internal meetings to lead discussion

• Understanding of client and industry business and its challenges; keeps abreast of new industry trends

• Ability to help employees set and maintain career goals

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related discipline or equivalent experience.  A master's degree in a relevant discipline may substitute for one year of experience

• Minimum eight years relevant experience including demonstrated abilities in project planning, project management and personnel management

• Proven analytic and problem solving skills

• Proven communication skills including the ability to articulate and facilitate technical, business and analytical discussions at all levels

• Well-developed data mining and manipulation skills

• Knowledge and awareness of new tools and techniques in the industry and the ability to implement new techniques within the division

• Strong technical skills and the ability to work on multiple platforms; able to make recommendations for use of those platforms

• Effective time management skills

• Well-developed multi-tasking skills and project management skills

• In-depth knowledge of database structure and data models

• Basic MS Office applications

• Ability to manage resources at all levels across the division and keep in mind the best interest of the division as they work to allocate the correct resources for the job

• Considered an expert on technical discussions and applications and can be called upon in client or internal meetings to lead discussion

• Understanding of client and industry business and its challenges; keeps abreast of new industry trends

• Ability to help employees set and maintain career goals