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Analytics managers are business professionals who use their technical skills, industry understanding and knowledge of customers to prepare and present information for decision making. They spend most of their time extracting and translating raw data into meaningful information. Most analytics managers earn a salary of approximately $91,000 per year, according to PayScale.
Business Analysis and Performance
Analytics managers lead the development and implementation of comprehensive analytical solutions that deliver timely and accurate data for decision makers. To accomplish this, they assist senior management in the planning and execution of business intelligence initiatives that support the company’s data needs and analytics objectives. They provide support and leadership to business areas that need analytics solutions by sharing and modeling best practices related to storyboarding, dashboard design and visualization construction.
When it comes to assessing business performance, they lead business units in the development of productivity trees and key performance indicators that track and measure key metrics. They also oversee the implementation of new key performance metrics in existing business systems through collaboratively creating intuitive analytics solutions. Analytics managers regularly assess the accuracy and effectiveness of business metrics to ensure that they drive performance and desired business outcomes.
Project and Relationship Management
Analytics managers have the duties of project managers. They determine what needs to be done, who is doing it and when it must be accomplished. These planning duties take place throughout the lifecycle of the project. When dealing with analytics and business intelligence projects, they must develop project scopes, schedules and policies and procedures that will support the achievement of objectives. Analytics managers organize the project team’s structure by defining roles, responsibilities and services to be provided by external partners.
Analytics managers build effective relationships with senior executives, management and staff to guarantee that deployed solutions are accurate, timely and meet expected outcomes. They maintain positive relationships with technology personnel, such as IT managers and chief information officers, in order to stay up to date on best practices and policies. Finally, they supervise cross-functional teams of individuals from the business and IT areas.
Core Competencies
Analytics managers need a strong background in analytical visualizations, executive dashboards and advanced quantitative skills that includes data mining, modeling and management. They should be proactive problem solvers with strong motivations to impact positive results, build collaborative teams and surpass business objectives. They will use their strategic planning and change management skills to institute effective practices and policies. Advanced interpersonal and communication abilities, such as facilitation and presentation skills, are a plus.
Analytics managers need solid leadership skills with the ability to foster relationships and communication across departments and between teams. Their innovative leadership should serve as catalysts of change within the organization to ensure continual, successful utilization of analytics solutions. Advanced knowledge of industry standard visualization tools, such as Nimbus and Spotfire, are recommended. Being able to coach and motivate others through identifying opportunities, recommending solutions and implementing improvement is highly desired by employers.
Related Resource: Paralegal
Analytics managers should be tech savvy, results driven and passionate about learning new things and questioning existing processes and policies.