Lead Decision Support Analyst
Highmark · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $151,000 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Analyze data requirements for business decisions.
- Develop and implement decision support systems.
- Lead complex analytical projects.
- Mentor junior analysts and collaborate cross-functionally.
- Utilize advanced programming and database technologies.
About the role
About Highmark Inc.
Highmark Inc. is a leading healthcare company dedicated to improving the health and well-being of its members.
Job Summary
The Lead Decision Support Analyst plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between business needs and data solutions. This position involves close collaboration with customers and design teams to prioritize data and information requirements. The analyst will provide expert analysis in the development and support of projects, determining how decision support systems can best provide the information needed for effective business decisions. The role requires translating business requirements into functional applications that leverage appropriate decision support and reporting tools, and recommending innovative approaches to analytical investigations. Responsibilities also include modeling data sources and flows, working with data management staff to define operational frameworks, and implementing policies and security frameworks for precise and secure knowledge delivery.
Essential Responsibilities
- Develop and foster strong internal relationships across the corporation.
- Provide analytic and consultative support to a broad spectrum of internal customer areas and external business partners.
- Mentor colleagues with less experience in both technical and business aspects of project and consultative work.
- Determine how decision support systems will provide information required for effective business decisions and translate requirements into applications using appropriate decision support and reporting tools.
- Propose solutions to complex business problems using broad experience and technical knowledge, and lead the implementation of recommended solutions.
- Define issues and ideas to be studied, along with the methodological and technical approach for addressing studies and projects.
- Create and/or develop new methods of analysis, database design, and performance measurement, or adapt existing solutions to new areas.
- Perform modeling of data sources and flows, and work with data management staff to define an operational framework for implementing policies and security frameworks.
- Provide assistance, or lead depending on skill and experience, in interpreting raw data, statistical results, or compiled information; identify follow-up action items; and prepare written reports or oral presentations of findings to various internal and external audiences.
- Develop and maintain moderate-to extremely-complex computer programs using 4GL programming languages (such as SAS, R, SQL) and other database technologies (DB2, Teradata, and Oracle).
Education
- Required: Bachelor's Degree in Computer/Information Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree in Computer/Information Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field.
Experience
- Required: 7 years of relevant, progressive experience in the area of specialization, including experience leading projects of varying size and complexity.
- Preferred: Experience and demonstrated proficiency as a Decision Support Analyst or equivalent training and experience in a business or clinical environment with direct responsibility for applying technology.
Skills
- Strong technical skills in mainframe, PC, and Internet-based technologies.
- Proficiency using large and complex databases.
- Strong skills using various third-party office and report generation products such as Microsoft Office, Business Objects, Cognos, and Enterprise Guide.
- Strong communication skills, including comfort presenting findings and offering recommendations to senior management.
Work Environment
- Position Type: Office-based
- Travel: 0% - 25%
Key skills/competency
- Decision Support Systems
- Data Analysis
- Project Leadership
- Data Modeling
- SAS
- SQL
- R
- Business Objects
- Cognos
- Reporting Tools
Skills & topics
- Lead Decision Support Analyst
- Data Analysis
- Decision Support Systems
- SAS
- SQL
- R
- Business Objects
- Reporting Tools
- Data Modeling
- Project Leadership
- Healthcare Analytics
- Business Intelligence
- Data Management
- Consultative Support
- Mentoring
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 7+ years of relevant experience, project leadership, and proficiency in SAS, R, and SQL.
- Showcase your analytical skills: Emphasize your ability to translate business needs into technical solutions and model data sources.
- Demonstrate leadership potential: Provide examples of mentoring colleagues and leading complex projects to successful completion.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with large databases, 4GL languages, and reporting tools like Business Objects or Cognos.
- Understand Highmark's mission: Research Highmark's commitment to healthcare and how decision support contributes to their goals.
Technical preparation
Master advanced SAS, R, and SQL programming.,Practice data modeling and database design.,Develop presentation skills for senior management.,Familiarize with Business Objects and Cognos.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex problem you solved.,How do you mentor junior team members?,How do you foster cross-functional relationships?,How do you translate business needs to technical solutions?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills required for the Lead Decision Support Analyst role at Highmark?
- The Lead Decision Support Analyst role at Highmark requires strong technical skills in mainframe, PC, and Internet-based technologies, with proficiency in large and complex databases. Essential programming languages include SAS, R, and SQL, along with experience in database technologies like DB2, Teradata, and Oracle. Familiarity with reporting tools such as Business Objects and Cognos is also highly valued.
- What level of experience is expected for the Lead Decision Support Analyst position at Highmark?
- Highmark typically requires 7 years of relevant, progressive experience for the Lead Decision Support Analyst role. This experience should include a proven track record of leading projects of varying size and complexity. A Master's degree in a related field can be beneficial, and prior experience as a Decision Support Analyst is preferred.
- How does Highmark utilize decision support systems, and what is the analyst's role in this?
- Highmark utilizes decision support systems to provide essential information for effective business decisions. The Lead Decision Support Analyst is responsible for determining how these systems will deliver required information, translating business needs into functional applications, and recommending innovative analytical approaches. They also play a key role in data modeling and ensuring the secure delivery of knowledge.
- What are the expected communication and collaboration responsibilities for this role?
- The Lead Decision Support Analyst is expected to develop and foster strong internal relationships across Highmark. This involves providing analytic and consultative support to internal customers and external business partners. The role also includes mentoring junior colleagues and presenting findings and recommendations to senior management and various stakeholders.
- Does the Lead Decision Support Analyst role at Highmark involve mentoring or team leadership?
- Yes, the Lead Decision Support Analyst role at Highmark explicitly includes mentoring colleagues with less experience on both the technical and business aspects of their work. While not a direct management role, it involves a leadership component in guiding and sharing expertise with team members.
- What is the educational background preferred for a Lead Decision Support Analyst at Highmark?
- A Bachelor's Degree in Computer/Information Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field is required. Highmark also prefers candidates with a Master's Degree in one of these fields, indicating a strong emphasis on advanced analytical and technical education.
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