Job Title:  Programming Manager

Department: Operations

Location:  Flexible (Minneapolis, MN; Princeton, NJ; or Media, PA)

Job Code: JR-PM-OPS

 

Company Summary:

Headquartered in New York, GfK Custom Research North America (www.gfkamerica.com) is part of the GfK Group (www.gfk.com), the world's fifth largest market research company. GfK Custom Research North America combines the global resources of the GfK Group with the local knowledge of North America's leading research and consulting companies delivered by more than 700 employees in the US and Canada. Beyond our sector-specific experts, specialty practice areas and research centers of excellence, we deliver unmatched knowledge designed to help our clients grow their business.

By offering access to several of the world's largest databases combined with a full-range of ad-hoc research services, GfK Custom Research North America delivers proven, state-of-the-art solutions developed from a 360° view of each client's market. These include GfK Roper Reports®, GfK Starch® Ad Readership Studies, GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media public release surveys and more.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

This position is for an Online Programming Manager/Programmer utilizing SPSS Dimensions survey programming tools to execute online surveys for GfK Custom North America. Key responsibilities of this position involve managing the execution process of off shored projects to ensure quality standards are achieved, and projects complete on time and within budget. 

This position is responsible for providing effective and efficient task execution in the areas of questionnaire programming, for all assigned studies to ensure they are executed within study time and budget parameters, as well as company quality standards for all assigned studies.

Can perform duties on all assigned studies with no supervision and guidance from other project team members or management.  Understands study requirements and can execute against those plans and requirements.  Gathers input from others in Operations to generate recommendations for self and for others when study is deviating from set schedules and/or budgets.

The programming tool is Dimensions, which is an  SPSS suite of tools which utilize MRScript to accomplish custom logic and is the tool used to deploy our end-to-end survey solutions.  We will also be considering VB Script and .NET programmers with no Dimensions experience.  A person entering the role is required to become expert in the SPSS Dimension product, particularly Mr Studio. 

The candidate will be responsible for both (a) Managing the technical aspects of online market research execution, mainly projects off shored to various partners in India, as well as (b) assisting with process improvement and automation initiatives. Using the SPSS Dimension platform to program surveys, manage data and associated deliverables, and develop custom features. The position will work closely with Client Service teams and programming teammates.  The key day-to-day activities include: Managing projects that have been off shored to India.  Programming, quality assurance, data manipulation, and project communication/coordination.   Candidate should have, or expect to gain, an overall understanding of market research products and procedures. The role also requires a technically-adept person who is detailed-oriented, process-driven, and able to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.  The person applying for this position should have good communication skills, both verbal and written. 

Work on assigned studies following specifications and established standards to meet the data requirements and reporting needs of the respective study.  Specific study work includes:

·          Manage the full execution process for projects being off shored to India.

·          Program questionnaires using Dimensions software following design, format, and logic as provided. 

·          Able to work with the questionnaire author effectively to address issues and/or make recommendations that will improve the performance of data collection.

·          Provide quality assurance.

·          Provide project communication, and coordination with the Client Service team, and Researchers.

·          Provide trouble shooting on projects.

·          Handle multiple-projects simultaneously.

·          Become expert in the SPSS Dimension product, and work closely with programming teammates.

·          Provide technical support to more junior members of staff.

Additional areas of responsibility include:

·          Serve as in-house MRInterview Dimensions and complementing technology expert.

·          Maximize all MRInterview functionality for better business performance.

·          Support/train and develop existing programmers in MRInterview Dimensions; serve as technical in-house contact person.

·          Educate internal staff and clients on best practices for using the MRInterview Dimensions product.

·          Recommend, develop, and implement new programs to meet client requirements, and create work-flow efficiencies.

Experience & Skill Responsibilities:

·          Advanced working knowledge of Dimensions software utilizing VB Script.  We will also be considering VBScript and .NET programmers with no Dimensions experience. 

·          Advanced working knowledge of the entire operations process and tools currently in use, understand how the components of the system work together, and particular expertise in how data is formatted during data collection

·          Ability to take project specifications and requirements and execute tasks to meet them

·          Effective communication skills

·          Solid organization and time management skills

·          Solid decision making skills

·          Ability to work under pressure and ensure specified deadlines are met

·          Responsibility for self-development with particular emphasis on sample management and data collection techniques

·          Advanced Microsoft Office skills including Access, Excel, Outlook and Word

·          3+ years of working experience in the marketing research industry in a technical function with a highly successful track record

·          Well developed and demonstrated record of successful technical services skills, within MR environment. 

·          Demonstrated understanding of market research data layouts

 

Education:

·          College Degree in an IT related field

 

Application Procedures:

 

We offer a very competitive salary commensurate with your experience and a full benefits package.  Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to hr@... .  Your submission must include Job Code JR-PM-OPS in the subject line of your email and provide salary requirements in order to be considered. 

 

EOE/M/F/V