Analyst

We’re based in Detroit. We scale from local to global, with offices in New York, San Francisco, London, Sao Paulo, Shanghai and 30 other cities. We are 1,500 people strong, adept at managing complex, global challenges. We can also be 15 people strong, equally effective when working on smaller assignments facing big challenges.

The Data Planner is responsible for ensuring that the data flows supporting direct marketing programs are efficient, accurate and timely. The Data Planner serves as a subject matter expert, understanding and communicating the source and function of all data elements within the direct mail fulfillment process and within any online supporting programs. Specific tasks include designing and advising on the design of data structures, testing new functionality, manipulation, conversion and generation of data files, design and production of production and test data files, design and generation of reports, and design and execution of quality assurance processes. The Data Planner works under the direction of the Data Lab manager, interacts with clients and internal management, and coordinates and communicates frequently with third party data providers and consumers as well as other team members.

* Operations * Design and execution of data processing tasks, including identification of requirements and data sources, collection of source data, data manipulation and transmission to third parties * Verification of data accuracy in production data tables, support data files and fulfillment data streams, using established predefined automated processes, visual inspection and ad-hoc analysis. Design and implementation of repeatable processes for data quality assurance. * Design, production, verification and distribution of predefined periodic reports * Execution of testing processes, including reviewing proofs, generating seed lists and generation of test files * Construction and maintenance of data sets that are sources for execution logic and “preload” values in production databases * Production Support * Investigation of production issues possibly arising from incorrect data, or faulty data-driven business logic as identified by Account, Client, Print Center and Call Center, and recommendation of corrective actions, procedures and process enhancements * Reporting on details of program operations, data flows and processes, as well as current status of dealer enrollment, fulfillment and participation to Account, Client, and Call Center * Maintenance of business rule documentation for print, email and web sites, including maintenance of imaging instructions, data file and data stream format and layout specifications * Performance of ad-hoc queries, analyses and generation of ad-hoc reports as requested by Account and Clients * New Development / Program Enhancements * Recommendation of data structures and data flows for extension and modification of existing and new programs * Liaison with engineering including formulation of business logic specifications, data-centric modification and enhancement testing, and identifying data- and business-logic related issues in production systems * Development of report templates and report prototypes to act as specifications for engineering * Creation of test files and test scenarios for testing business logic and proofing fulfillment * Work- and data-flow analysis and recommendation of measures to improve process efficiency, consistency, integrity and flexibility and to improve quality of product

**Technical Skills** * Must be knowledgeable of basic business oriented programming skills (including any of the following): * SQL, Access, Fox Pro, FileMaker, Visual Basic, etc. **Professional Experience** * Ability to interpret client and account team needs into business requirements, rules, etc. * Ability to define and write business requirements, business rules and technical specifications that support reporting, analysis, and process automation aspects of marketing programs * Oversee and manage operation and technical team members in execution of day to day deliverables * Ability to understand existing programs and processes in order to identify and design enhancements and efficiencies to reporting, analysis and data processes. * Experience working directly with client and account teams, which requires excellent written and oral communication skills * Experience managing complex programs and projects * Ability to coordinate multiple resources, inputs, and vendors in order to meet client expectations and deliverables * QA experience (verify data and fulfillment files, data-driven proofs, web-collected data, etc.) **Primary Requirements / Skills Set** * Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience * Two or more years experience with each of the following * Microsoft Excel including VBA macro creation and/or automation of Excel using external programs * SQL with relational databases including experience with Microsoft SQL Server and MS Access * Business application development including requirements gathering, discovery and writing of specifications * Data integrity and Quality Assurance * Strong technical and non-technical communication skills * Obsessive attention to detail * Demonstrated ability to thrive in a non-linear multi-tasking environment * Demonstrated ability to work under close supervision and direction when acquiring new skills and knowledge * Demonstrated ability to work independently when working in areas of experience and expertise, having an ability to prioritize, take ownership and responsibility, and display good time management skills * Experience with direct marketing or campaign management is desirable