[Sigia-l] JOB: Director of IA, SBI.framfab London

[Andrea Gallagher]

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.



Andrea Gallagher
+44 (0)20 7071 6395 tel
+44 (0)7904 023 738 mobile 
sbi.framfab
Elizabeth House
39 York Road
London
SE1 7NQ
www.sbiframfab.com