Description :
Job Title: Program Manager
Job Category: IT Operations
Product: Games
Date Posted: 08/12/2008
Job Code: 240000
Location: WA - Redmond
Travel Required:
Want to be part of the most exciting and rapidly expanding segment of the entertainment industry? Interested in joining the industry leader known for pioneering the adaptation of usability and psychological testing to the entertainment software field? The Games User Research team is seeking a Lab Services PM to oversee the operation and maintenance of User Research labs that support the development of Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade, Windows games, and more).
Ideal candidates will have an awareness of user research/usability engineering, research lab environments, and the context of how user research fits in the development cycle. Attention to detail with an organized, process-focused approach is required. Candidates must also have passion for creating and applying the best process and procedures to ensure the highest quality execution for a world class research facility.
Core Responsibilities
Lead and facilitate design, planning, and approvals for new lab build-outs and/or lab upgrades.
Manage implementation of new labs & upgrades with minimal disruption to User Research testing needs.
Manage relationships between different Microsoft groups, including the User Experience Central group, and act as primary point person to IEB Games IT team.
Plan, develop, implement and manage lab support processes and infrastructure.
All lab and testing preparation and clean up; including (but not limited to) daily set-up of PC's & consoles, build propping for evening User Research testing, video recording, and data collection.
Lab hardware maintenance; including PC imaging, installation of console XDK's, drivers, patches, etc.
Must provide customer support for User Research and partners, including providing critical equipment failure analysis and response, troubleshooting, and escalation.
Planning and configuration of the labs to accommodate testing needs.
Maintain lab server shares, permissions and critical updates
Manage schedule for non-User Research usage of labs during 'off-testing' hours.
Budget planning and management of expenditures for lab equipment infrastructure and services. Also includes building an inventory-tracking system for all lab hardware.
Keep abreast of new technology solutions both internal/external to MS to improve service level, reduce costs, and keep pace with User Research testing needs.
Manage multiple initiatives and projects related to User Research initiatives.
Manage vendor/contingent staffing team (including Moderator scheduling, hiring, contracts, expenses, and additional contingent staff needs).
Manage gratuity (including stock ordering, stock storage, gratuity expenditures).
Requirements/Qualifications
Associates or Bachelor's degree in computer related field or equivalent work experience.
3-5 years of IT operations experience.
2+ years of Project/Program Management
1-2 years of management experience (continent staff or full-time).
Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information and procedures, both verbally and through written document.
Proven success of coordinating work across teams.
Strong understanding of internet and gaming technologies.
Knowledge and experience with server operations, databases, and networks.
Knowledge of SQL (preferred, not required).