Principal Application Specialist (Cognos/DataMart Developer)

The University of Cambridge ranks consistently amongst the foremost Universities in the world, and we recognise it is our people who have built our reputation. We will only maintain our leading position in the academic world by continuing to attract, develop, support, and retain the highest calibre of talented people. 

The Finance department at the University enhances their E-Business reports with IBM Cognos Analytics reports. The reporting is provided by the University Information Systems department. The report analyst role is to support this reporting function, along with some interfaces to other bespoke systems. The role entails building and supporting bespoke Oracle DataMarts. The design of the DataMarts uses dimensional modelling, largely using ETL. Oracle PL/SQL is the predominant tool in building the DataMarts, but there is some ODI use, primarily for scheduling builds. 

What you will be doing:

• Design, develop and unit test improvements to the Extract, Transform and Load (ETL) processes.
• Check overnight ETL, investigate and fix any failures.
• Monitor performance and other operational aspects of the ETL and work with DBAs to resolve any issues or suggest enhancements.
• Collaborate with the relevant systems helpdesks, investigate any incidents that are reported, resolve and advise users where appropriate.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to review requirements, develop specifications and design effective solutions.
• Producing new DataMarts.
• Testing (including regression, integration, performance)
• Supporting existing DataMarts (enhancing, monitoring, tuning, debugging)
• Support for IBM Cognos Analytics report writers.
• Introducing new IBM Cognos Analytics features.
• Supporting software upgrades.

What you will bring:

• Experience of ODI version 12.2.1.3 or above.
• In-depth knowledge of Oracle PL/SQL. In particular, the ability to analyse and quickly correct DataMart build issues.
• A good understanding of DataMart design.
• Able to create and maintain IBM Cognos Framework Manager models/packages.

It would be great if you had: 

• Knowledge of the Oracle EBS Financials 12.2
• Experience using APEX
• Ability to learn new skills independently and proactively and are constantly striving to raise technical excellence.
• Debug complex problems effectively, including in new unexplored applications.
• Drive and commitment to see activities through to completion meeting deadlines matching pace to the urgency of the situation.
• Ensure that business requirements and processes are fully understood and clearly documented.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Please quote reference VC41600 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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