Application Analyst

The New York Times Shared Services Center is a unique part of one of the world?s premier media companies. Located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, the SSC is a centralized facility for streamlining many of the Company?s functions.  The four main areas of responsibility are:  Benefits, Financial Services, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts, and Information Technology Services.

 Purpose

 

Work as a member of the IT Solutions team and assists with the development, installation, maintenance, and/or modification of programs, business application programs, or advanced programs for special projects on multi-tiered network computing architectures.  The Application Analyst assists in the development of recommendations for the successful development and implementation of tools required by users/customers.  Maintains a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art technology, software, and/or systems relative to business computing.

 Responsibilities
Assists in the development of project application specifications, application upgrades, and implementation programs, and advises on alternative system/application implementation approaches.

? Ensures that overall the architecture is consistent with current needs for NYTCo.  Develop policies and procedures to support customizations that support the configuration and automation of the applications.

? Coordinates support for a variety of project-related activities requiring expertise in specific technical areas.

? Responsible for understanding and analyzing application product features and comparing/contrasting features to system requirements.
Analyzes and make recommendations about current and future user requirements, procedures, problems and develops innovative, cost-effective technology-based solutions to improve and support business unit operations.
Fields and responds to application queries from the Computer Support Desk, as appropriate.
Responsible for analyzing and solving software/hardware support issues and communicating solutions to user.
Identifies and applies appropriate best practices for software and hardware implementation and administration.
Monitors vendor forums and support sites to identify available patches/fixes and implements those relevant to the NYTCo. Shared Services Center environment.

 



II. Key Result Areas (Outputs & Deliverables)

 

? Develops and maintains matrix of patch and upgrade options and guidance for identified software applications.

? Prepares plans and coordinates execution of software unit and integration testing.  Participate in the development of benchmark and user acceptance test plans.  Perform unit and integration testing as required.

? Completes technical fit gap analysis for application upgrades or enhancements.  Defines applications requirements and prepares technical specifications and recommendations

? Assists in the development of department documentation standards, e.g., application documentation, test plans, programming conventions and naming standards, etc. and is expected to follow the standards to deliver results.

? Communicates solutions to the customer with Visio diagrams, plan documents, and written recommendations.  Makes presentations as required.

 

 III. Customer/Business Partners

 

? Corporate/Business Unit Customers

? SSC Directors, Managers and Staff

? Software Vendors

? IT Consultants

 

 IV. Critical Technical Competencies