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Director of IA, SBI Framfab
May 21 04
Source: SigIA List
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
The London office of Framfab (SBI Framfab) are looking for candidates to lead our Information Architecture team. Please see below for details of the role and application process.
ABOUT SBI FRAMFAB:
SBI Framfab design and implement web-based systems and digital marketing programmes. Our solutions are informed by a deep understanding of the people who use them. Keen insight and visionary thinking are needed to create applications where interaction with technology replaces interaction with people.
Our design process is anchored in user research to uncover actionable insights into user behaviour. By marrying this insight with creative inspiration, we are able to design experiences that work the way users expect them to work.
Our multi-disciplinary teams help clients to:
Attract, convert, and retain customers - We design compelling digital marketing campaigns that build brand awareness and loyalty among consumers.
Our sophisticated web applications extend companies' ability to reach and service both consumers and business customers. Leverage self-service and collaboration solutions - Our intranet and extranet solutions for employees, partners, and suppliers increase efficiency and productivity by combining innovative technologies with user-driven design. Make better business decisions - Our executive dashboards present real-time business information from disparate systems in a single, intuitive interface to help drive business processes and strategies.
With a total of some 1,300 employees, Framfab and SBI Group (USA) are one of the world's leading players in communications for digital media and interactive solutions with the ability to serve global customers in Europe and the United States. Framfab is the leading European specialist in digital media solutions, with operations in England, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. See www.sbigroup.com and www.framfab.com.
The London office (SBI Framfab) employs approximately 70 colleagues and is based in Waterloo, London, opposite the Shell Building and the London Eye in York Road, London.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE ROLE:
The Director of Information Architecture will have expertise in applying user-centred design methodology, a firm grasp of design principles and an understanding of human cognition in order to build satisfying systems that help people accomplish tasks quickly and efficiently. The Director of IA is a senior role within the company, responsible for leading the Information Architecture Group and representing them to both clients and management.
They will use their expertise in the IA discipline to guide clients and mentor teams towards the best solution. The Director of IA will take a leading role in business development, representing the User Experience offering to existing and potential clients.
The Information Architecture discipline also includes SBI Framfab's user research, user testing and interactive design offerings and the Director of IA must have experience in these disciplines. They will report to the Director of User Experience and will work closely not only with the Creative team, but also with Business Development, Client and Project Management and development teams to manage scope and expectations to build award-winning solutions.
DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:
a) Motivate and inspire excellence in work. Provide leading edge vision and leadership to the Information Architecture group; and push the quality of deliverables, developing best practices, procedures and processes.
b) Work closely with the Director of User Experience and Creative Director to build a cohesive User Experience department; and encourage fusion with other departments and offices throughout SBI and Framfab.
c) Create and communicate group direction and strategies to the Management team.
d) Ensure mentoring, coaching and development of staff (both formally and
informally) is executed successfully; identifies appropriate and forward-thinking training for the group.
e) Conduct biannual performance reviews with Information Architecture employees and proactively identify training needs for group.
f) Provide guidance and consulting for project teams in relation to Information Architecture.
g) Take an overview across all accounts while leading one to two projects themselves in a billable capacity.
h) Act as User Experience Lead on projects working with the technology and business leads. Be the advocate for the user in the interface design, working closely with the design and content team.
i) Take an active role in business development including brainstorms, high-level IA tasks, writing proposals and presenting to prospective clients.
j) Act as point of escalation for Information Architecture employees for difficult issues related to projects and/or personnel.
k) Lead recruitment efforts for the discipline; set criteria and skill sets for hiring; develop job descriptions for the group. Develop and maintain a freelance network for Information Architecture.
l) Maintain awareness of current and future technologies relating to internet-based businesses. Point of authority and/or source of knowledge for the company. Contribute to the thought leadership of the discipline.
m) Build and maintain relationships with industry organisations, associations and educational institutions.
n) Manage the work of other Information Architects and ensure that needs analyses and user testing is completed efficiently and effectively.
o) Aggressively identify project risks and mitigate those risks through effective guidance, teaming and leadership.
p) Effectively delegate work and allocate staff to projects based on skill requirements.
q) Ensure consistency in discipline management and internal communication of key initiatives and messages.
r) Interpret, develop and effectively communicate meaning in critical management data (utilisation, pipeline, budget).
s) Place client satisfaction at the highest priority. Respect and maintain client confidentiality. Possess and cultivate a positive attitude toward the client.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
The successful candidate will have:
a) BSc degree. Not necessarily IA based - for example Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, Design.
b) Masters degree would be an advantage, for example Computer Science with a focus on HCI or Ergonomics. Library Information Studies with focus on IA.
Interactive design with a focus on functional systems (not an art based degree). Or any Masters in interactive systems.
c) 7+ years project experience and 5+ years Internet experience. At least 4 years experience in consultancy managing projects and leading teams of IA's across multiple projects.
d) Deep understanding of Information Architecture/Usability; possess the ability to recognise high-quality user-centred interface design. Broad understanding of all other roles (e.g. Design, Strategy and Technology).
e) A reputation in the IA field. Will have given talks at conferences and seminars on related topics and published white papers.
f) Proven experience in forming and providing leadership with a team composed of multiple functional groups that fosters and rewards collaboration, mutual support and achievement of a common goal.
g) Proven leadership in managing groups of individuals-and ensuring their development and coaching.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
The successful candidate will have:
a) Interest and experience in developing processes and procedures; and will identify weaknesses and evolve procedures and processes to fit business needs.
b) Outstanding organisational skills with a strategic business focus. Highly commercially focused.
c) Proven presentation skills, particularly to clients at senior management levels.
d) Proven ability to work in a fast paced, high-pressure atmosphere.
e) Strong time-management skills.
f) Strong interpersonal and communication skills with teams and clients.
g) Ability to brainstorm effectively and think conceptually.
h) Exceptional understanding and dedication to the interactive medium on personal and professional levels.
i) Strong team management skills.
j) Proficiency in page layout and diagramming software (Visio, Illustrator) and Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Project, Excel).
k) The ability to manage and develop others.
TRAVEL:
Travel is to be expected as a majority of our clients are based in mainland Europe.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
The job is based in London, UK. We will not be able to sponsor UK work permits, pay for interview travel, or provide relocation.
To apply, please send your CV to noza at sbiframfab.com by 4 June, 2004. No agencies, please.