Research Database Manager, Product Development & Management

Location Edinburgh

The Role

The Research Database Manager is responsible for the operation, integrity and development of the proprietary database which supports Wood Mackenzie’s research and consulting business. The complex database holds information on global Energy, Metal and Mining activities such as asset ownership and market forecast data. The database is integral to a content management system which publishes to the company’s subscription-only portal.

The Research Database Manager is the authority on the structure, rules and processes which govern the database. Expanding the database to cover new business areas will be a key feature of the role in the medium term. This will be achieved by working with Wood Mackenzie’s research experts and technical architects, coupled with a small team of dedicated Database Analysts.

Main Responsibilities

Owner of the Research Database maintaining data catalogue, data dictionary/definitions and standards

Understanding the data held outside the database identification of issues, risks and opportunities

Project managing database extensions on behalf of the research business, including testing and roll-out

Working with key research teams to identify and prioritise data improvements

Liaising with technology business systems team (Business Analysts, Technology Architects and Developers) to ensure world class database development

Ensuring all data complies with legal regulations (as defined by the Head of Risk Management), making sure the information is protected and backed-up

Setting and achieving quality improvement and data cleansing metrics; management and publication of data quality dashboard

Improving the effectiveness of the data entry procedures (including web-scraping) and database tools (such as integrity checks)

Ensuring data readiness for a major client portal redesign, including strong focus on data consistency and effective use of the content management system

Working closely with the GIS team to ensure maximum data integration

Using data visualisation techniques (Spotfire) for internal clients

Managing workflow and collaborating with database analysts to ensure database commitments meet the changing priorities of the business

Maintaining a training programme for new and developing employees

Knowledge and Experience

This is not a technical (IT) role, but requires expertise in writing MS Access queries against an Oracle database

Experience of working in a data management role, responsible for strategy and decision making

Experience working in a specialist publishing environment important

Experience working in the energy or mining industries an advantage

Experience of content management systems an advantage

Knowledge of GIS and data visualisation techniques valuable

Understanding of compliance issue around data storage

Key Competencies

Analytical skills and expertise with data, metrics and statistical methods

Oracle and Access database knowledge

Creativity in data visualisation

Excellent problem solving skills and proactive approach to instigating change

Good understanding and application of project management processes/procedures

Excellent written communication skills, able to develop and write procedures and policies

Strong organisation and planning skills and the ability to manage workload

The ability to work as part of a virtual team involving multiple locations and time zones

A serious commitment to excellence and meeting the high quality standards expected in our business

Excellent presentation skills to deliver recommendations and findings, and run training courses for staff

Strong people skills to deal effectively with problem solving, ideation sessions and strategy development.
Wood Mackenzie - 9 months ago