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Database Manager
Pearson
Harlow, , United Kingdom
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Description
At Pearson, we’re committed to a world that’s always learning and to our talented team who makes it all possible. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best, whether it’s one child in our own backyard or an education community across the globe. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to always be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology — and each other to surpass these boundaries — we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global, large and small.
Purpose of the role:
• To be a Database Manager for the English Language Assessment programmes with the primary responsibility for developing and managing item development systems to support test and item development in line with test specifications
• Ensure that the item bank is regularly replenished with new items as needed to meet market requirements
• Act as the point of contact for all item bank and test construction related requirements across Test Development including new test development and training
• Help manage the work of test administrators
Key Accountabilities:
Quality Management:
• Manage the Item Bank for Assessment products, including reporting, resourcing and specifying business requirements. Identify and manage issues and risks to ensure that item development and test constructions processes are carried out smoothly and within the prescribed framework and timetable
• Support seeding and item calibration processes as necessary
• Update and report on key management information to the Test Development Director and other members of the management team, ensuring all data is up- to-date and correct
• Create, manage, document and revise process and policies in relation to Item management and replenishment
• Ensure good working practices are in place across the Test Development team to create high standards of quality and security
• Confer with test development specialists and psychometricians responsible for testing products to manage item development workflows and ensure that the Item Bank is maximally attuned to development work for the products including new item types. Ensure plans and documents related to this are kept up-to- date.
• Ensure that the final sign off of all items is in accordance with the designated specification before items are submitted for inclusion in the item bank
• Escalate issues and risks to Management team in relation to item management and security
Customer service:
• Ensuring a high standard of customer service
• Contributing to customer support
• Communicating effectively and sensitively with colleagues and customers around the world, from a variety of cultures
• Liaising with staff members within Language Testing responsible for production, administration and business development to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow
• Manage relationships with, and be the primary point of contact with suppliers and contractors who build and maintain the Item Bank
• Liaise with the wider Pearson business in relation to Item Bank management and development
• Manage other staff and contractors.
• Help manage a team of Assessment co-ordinators, ensuring they are trained and developed appropriately to fulfil their objectives
• Develop and deliver training as required for other staff and externals including AAs
IT skills:
• Training on and use advanced IT packages; eg SQL query analysis, NERO sound editor, CERTS database, IIE editor
Other aspects:
• Empathising with the aspirations behind the international market for English Language qualifications is essential
• Ability to understand and apply the assessment techniques in use in current UK specifications to other qualifications for example the application of all possible lines of evidence to secure appropriate award thresholds
• Research and report on aspects of item banking to a wider audience including conferences related to best practice in testing
• Working independently and as part of a team
Key Challenges:
• Ensure quality and security standards are always met
• Improving processes and finding efficiencies
• Working innovatively within defined processes
• International nature of business
• Working to tight deadlines
• Working with different stakeholders
• Managing projects which are running concurrently
Qualifications
Essential Skills:
• International experience and/or culturally aware is an advantage
• Understanding of ELT teaching or markets
Knowledge of a second language
Experience:
Essential
• Educated to Graduate or equivalent level
• Experience in database management
• Experience of implementing processes and procedures
Desirable
• Knowledge of test or item development
• Experience of learning a second language
Competencies:
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written
• Excellent customer service ethic and proven ability to manage external stakeholders
• Proven ability to get things done
• Real team player and able to build good working relationships
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong IT skills
• Must relish change and be able to consistently innovate
• Proven administrative skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Experience of working in a team
• Flexible; willing to cover for other people and meet challenging deadlines
Personal Style and Behavior:
● Leadership – Being able to co-operate with an extended team without any formal authority. Building enough credibility and respect so that others are motivated to let you be in charge of a product line's future.
● Ability to influence – use both logic and emotion to win over wide ranges of audiences to your point of view as you are implementing the product vision and strategy that you believe in.
● Relationship building – build effective relationships with internal colleagues and external partners
● Communication, networking and influencing skills – work effectively with colleagues in business units across Pearson and to manage effectively in a matrix structure.
● Managing ambiguity – ability to work confidently and effectively in complex, changing and ambiguous situations.
● Decision-making skills – ability to work independently in driving and making key strategic and practical decisions.
● Commitment to Excellence – This includes excellence in the work you do and the deliverables (presentations, market requirements, business cases, etc.) you produce as well as the details of the product itself.