Technical Author

ROLE TITLE: Principal Technical Author – SGML Specialist

Main Responsibilites:
To write technical documentation in Standard Generalised Mark-up Language (SGML), Extensible Mark Up Language (XML), and traditional formats for the Company’s products, in accordance with individual contractual requirements, to enable safe and effective operation and repair of the equipment. The role covers the whole product lifecycle through design, development and in-service support.

Accountabilities:
1. Project/Technical Management
• Work with Project Managers to define programmes of work and resources needed to meet project, programme and technical objectives.
• Management of the team with focus in meeting the performance and time targets
• Make proposals to use the best in-house/sub-contract skills to reduce risk and cost for projects.
• Routine and effective reporting and forecasting of project performance to Team Leader and Project Manager.
• Configuration management and control of technical documentation
• Ensure effective and swift resolution of technical issues and deliver defined support and other contractual commitments to Customers
• Supply technical understanding and support in areas of own expertise, promoting a culture of best practice sharing and knowledge exploitation, and contributing to relevant overall Technical Publication activities

2. Acquiring Business
Support the winning of new contracts and contract amendments by providing data inputs in line with company bid/tendering process

3. People Management
Provide leadership to team (up to 4 reports). Direct, lead, coach, and motivate staff to ensure the accountabilities of the unit are delivered and to enable them to maximise their potential.

4. Relationship with Projects
Work directly with Project manager organising resources, costs, targets and time.

5. Relationship with Suppliers
Work with partner sub contract supplier to provide appropriate labour to deal with peaks in project work and to maximize project cost savings

6. Risk Management
Manage the activities in order to reduce and/or mitigate the project risks during the project life cycle, maximising the release of risk contingency to margin.

Challenges:
• Needs to build strong working relationships with Design Engineers and ILS teams to ensure technical data is available when required and that validation of publications is achieved.

• Ability to influence others and build and maintain relationship with the customer to ensure the deliverable fully meets Customer expectations.

• Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously

Skills/Knowledge Requirements:
• In depth, proven experience in the production of technical documentation with a detailed knowledge of MoD publication standards ASD S1000D/AESP/ AvP70/NES40.
• Qualified to HND/HNC or equivalent level in an engineering related subject or ex forces senior technician.
• Knowledge of SGML editing software (Framemaker and Epic Editor)
• Highly experienced with considerable in-depth knowledge user of CSDB (ARBORTEXT), Super user, control and task stations user profiles.
• Considerable experience of the production Interactive Electronic Technical Publications using Trilogi Build IETP software for large defence projects.
• Recognized expert in the field and be source of advice from peers and sub contractors on Technical Publications policy in regard to ASD1000D, DEF STAN 00-60 and 00-600, SGML and XML use in Technical Publications.
• Technical expert knowledge of SGML and XML and software tools and packages in regard to their application in Technical Documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the customer and company representatives at all levels.
• Experience in resource management and leadership.
• Expected to take responsibility for important decision making.
• Experience of mentoring, coaching and motivating staff in the best practice of in best practice of SGML and XML in the production of Technical Publications.
• Ability to manage and set priorities in order to meet Company and customer company expectations.
• Demonstrate Writing Ability on complex and original work. Able to support more than one project at a time.
• Understanding of Advanced Technologies in regard to Hard Copy and Interactive Electronic Technical Publications.
• Ability to Influence and interact with other areas and functions