Matt Schachtebeck

Sr. Information Architect : SF : Talent Bridge/Temp-to-Perm

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:01:48 EST

To leverage our scale and drive efficiencies as we pursue new e-commerce opportunities around the globe, we are creating a new business unit that will be responsible for driving online growth around the world – both in developed markets where we currently have stores and an online presence and in markets where we don’t.

The objectives of this business unit will include (1) development and execution of a global strategy for e-commerce; (2) establishing of cross-functional and cross-border relationships designed to accelerate and broaden our growth in the global online channel; and (3) the creation of technology platforms and applications that can be used effectively in every market.If you want to work with great, creative people who are smart, driven and at the cutting edge of online user experience, then you want to work at here.

The retailer has grown to over 600 associates and has achieved double- and triple-digit revenue growth every year for the past 6 years. We’ve evolved from a pure dot-com start-up in January 2000 to become the fastest growing division of the world’s biggest company.

GENERAL SUMMARY: A Senior Information Architect is responsible for determining how the interactive user interfaces we build should work. He/She creates the plans that are used by other team members to develop the graphical user interface, content, and functionality. He/She employs user-centered design techniques and works on cross-functional teams.

He/She is responsible for consulting with clients about their business goals, and proposing front-end architectural solutions and strategies that meet both users' and business needs. Organizes site content and functionality by creating site blueprints/wireframes, creates identifiable nomenclature for users, creates navigation systems that support users' needs, analyzes, develops and refines user tasks/processes, and collaborates with the design and development teams to build user interfaces.

He/She designs organization, navigation, search, and controlled vocabulary systems. He/She draws upon user personas and scenarios, prototypes, sitemaps, and wireframes to communicate solutions to designers, developers, and senior managers.

He/She may guide and teach Information Architects and peers; participate in critiques, give effective feedback. He/She is expected to collaborate with User Research and employ research methods including content and task analysis, usability testing, and stakeholder interviews to identify problems and opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Concept (15%)
• Proposed and lead project definition activities when project scope requires.
• Work with other project team members to define methods to be used, including competitive audits and secondary research.
• Work with Creative Management and Business to suggest research areas outside of projects.
2. Design (30%)
• Create process flows, site maps, wireframes, screen prototypes that will advance the company's merchandising, business, marketing, or branding objectives.
• Present chosen design to project and business teams for review.
• Work with engineering leads to determine efficacy of given solution.
3. Specification (40%)
• Produce highly accurate wireframe documentation and other specifications required to implement design.
• Work with Product manager and team to define documentation scope.
• Review project PRD to ensure correct translation of design.
4. Creative QA (10%)
• Provide QA feedback to and consultation with HTML, Engineering, and PM teams prior to launch.
• Ensure that pages match wireframe spec.
• QA frequently extends beyond projects -- a Senior IA is often looking for areas of the site that need improvement, and is able to drive implementation of changes and solutions.
• Aware of competitor best practices.
5. Management (5%)
• May guide and teach Information Architects; learn to manage.
• Participate in formal and informal design critiques, give effective feedback to peers.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1) Competencies: Skills, knowledge, & abilities
Functional Competencies:
• Conduct and participate in concept generation activities including the development of: user profiles, user scenarios, organizational models, task models and feature lists
• Conduct and participate in project definition activities including: business requirement gathering, site assessment, competitive analysis, secondary research, etc.
• Create process flows, site maps, wireframes, screen prototypes and functional specifications
• Possess strong business and technical acumen; be able to quickly learn new businesses and understand technologies
• Take leadership role in directing the user experience while working very collaboratively with all members of the project team
• Make solid recommendations on the priorities of product and feature development
• Understand the importance of flexibility and the balance of speed and quality
Interpersonal Competencies:
• Very good project management skills: able to work on multiple projects, reprioritize as needed, and consistently deliver on time.
• Anticipate potential project problems and create solutions or contingency plans.
• Flexible, highly organized, and able to recommend priorities for projects.
• Demonstrate willingness to teach and contribute to the team.
• Understand the value of other Creative and cross-functional disciplines and how they work with IA.
• Take a proactive approach to creative and cross-functional communication.
• Actively seek out feedback from manager and peers; improve own performance based on that feedback.
• Develop an understanding of how to give effective feedback.
• Can resolve conflicts constructively with some input from manager.
Leadership Competencies:
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity and maturity. Constructive approach to challenges.
• Understand the three core values: Respect for the Individual, Service to our Customers, Strive for Excellence.
• Able to persuade/influence team members, sell ideas effectively, get results, and follow through.
• Ownership of mid-sized projects with new or complex functionality, with input and feedback from manager.
• Present ideas effectively, and is a strong communicator in a variety of presentation situations.
• Demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness.

2) Experience:
• 3+ years web-based information architecture or interaction design experience including the design of the overall architecture of one or more web sites and moderate to advanced transactional design experience.
• Experience in client services and negotiating business decisions
• Experience in user research observation and translating user research into design decisions
• Internet usability/user interface best practices
• Information process flow definition and improvement background
• Exceptional information presentation (graphic and written) experience
• Web design experience including: HTML, the capabilities of Web browsers across multiple platforms, and new technologies a plus
• Expert proficiency with Visio required. Experience with the following is helpful: Word, Illustrator, Photoshop, PowerPoint and various HTML editors
• Experience with Axure as a prototyping tool is helpful

3) Minimum educational level:
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Computer Interaction, Information Science and/or design disciplines (industrial, graphic, instructional, architecture) , other relevant field, or equivalent work experience

Designer - Handbag : SF : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:03:50 EST

Description/Comment:

Must haves:
3-5 years experience designing handbags and leather goods; scarves/wovens experience

Summary: Develop and design manufactured products.

Education/Experience: Bachelor degree in design. 2-4 years experience required.

Skills and Competencies: Creativity, verbal and written communication skills and problem solving ability. Basic ability to utilize various forms of media, including print, electronic and film. Basic knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings and models. Previous experience using the computer to create layouts and generate new images - preferred. Experience with Adobe imaging software (i.e., Illustrator, Photoshop), computer aided design (CAD) software and graphics software. Major Job Duties and Responsibilities: Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment. Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends. Coordinate the look and function of product lines. Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products. Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts. Design graphic material for use as illustration or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers.

Senior Marketing Manager : NY : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:04:26 EST

Title: Senior Manager Global Brand Partnerships
Reports to: Sr. Director Customer Engagement

General Summary: Responsible for leading brand partnerships function for the retail Brand Globally

The Role:

- Responsible for leading global corporate brand partnerships function for the retail Brand
- Responsible for identifying partnerships for the retailer
- Responsible for defining a global partnership strategy and collaboration strategy in support of long-term marketing and brand goals
- Responsible for developing a partnership evaluation framework as well specific criteria to help judge partnership opportunities
- Responsible for executing all partnership deals
- Partner with Brand Strategy team on measurement and case study development

Requirements:

- 8+ years experience in marketing strategy and / or brand management
- Experience developing partnership initiatives within music, film, branded content and publishing etc
- Experience negotiating partnership deals
- Experience working with fashion brands and retail brands is a plus

Production Artist - Senior : New York : Temporary

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:12:01 EST

DIGITAL PRODUCTION ARTIST

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Global Packaging Department is responsible for developing and executing all on-garment labels and packaging for the brand. The Digital Production Artist is responsible for the production of on-time, error-free, and properly constructed mechanicals. Key requirements for this role include expert knowledge of current design software, a strong working knowledge of various printing platforms and prepress techniques, the ability to solve problems and communicate effectively with business partners, as well as a strong sense of design to support conceptual development.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Create on-time, error-free, and properly constructed artwork and mechanicals
Maintain personal daily and weekly production schedule
Actively participate in creative / production handoff meetings
Maintain responsibility for projects from creative hand-off through final delivery
Adhere to mechanical quality standards and proofing / sign-off procedures to ensure error-free deliverables
Participate in the review of internal and external proofs
Maintain the integrity of the creative concept throughout the production process
Create mechanical mock-ups for proofing purposes
Adhere to naming and back-up procedures to ensure proper archiving of digital assets
Deliver final artwork to business partners and / or suppliers (via cd, ftp, extranet, email, etc.)
Continually manage, and work to improve, the quality of department deliverables
Gather and record information from business partners and suppliers that facilitates efficient studio workflow through Digital Production (ie. legal, print specifications, etc.)

SPECIFIC SKILLS
Uncompromising attention to detail and maintenance of the highest degree of quality
Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (CS5.5)
Working knowledge of printing platforms (Lithography, Flexography, Screen Print, etc.)
Organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and manage time
Design sensibility, coupled with the desire and skill to be strong creative partners
Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills
Ability to apply past learning to present situations
Constant drive to gain additional knowledge to improve skill set

CORE COMPETENCIES
Approachability
Listening Skills
Technical Skills
Time Management

EXPERIENCE
Minimum 4-6 years of hands-on digital production experience, college degree
Experience with apparel packaging or CPG and creating layouts with multiple languages
Pre Press / Printing experience is desirable

Web Developer/Designer - Javascript : South SF : Temporary

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:00:08 EST

Job Description

* Work with the e-commerce and A/B testing teams to integrate and test the module in the e-commerce web site
* Work closely with the Labs engineering team to integrate the front end module with the TYS recommendations API (json)
* Integrate with the e-commerce click tracking system

Skills

* Required
* 3 years of experience in styling (HTML/CSS)
* 3-5 years of experience coding with Javascript

* Desired
* Prior experience with integrating with Omniture and other click tracking systems
* Nice to Have
* E-Commerce experience

We are looking for somebody a bit experienced with attention to detail that will write quality and easily maintainable code so the knowledge transfer will be easy and any future enhancements will be pain free and not time consuming.

Digital Marketing Director : San Francisco : Talent Bridge/Temp-to-Perm

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:30:07 EST

This client is seeing tremendous growth (90 stores opening up in the next year) and the launch of their new Micro site - giving them more in-house creative flexibility - has taken their eCommerce to a new level. They need someone to take over marketing the brand and take it to the next level. Looking for someone that has had experience at larger companies.

Responsibilities include:
• Oversees execution of marketing strategy for overall brand.
• Develops strategies for various marketing vehicles/channels including store experience, website experience, SEO, Social Media, Direct Response, Mobile, CRM, and PR.
• Ensures integration of vehicles for overall brand while maximizing results of each vehicle.
• Leads development of individual campaigns in annual brand calendar in partnership with cross functional business partners.
• Manages outside agency partners in maximizing potential and execution of various vehicles.
• Provides innovative and creative ideas to help build and grow the business
• Oversees planning and management of the marketing budget.
• Stays on top of latest trends and consumer insights
• Champions the brand and the CR consumer in the company
• Supervises and leads development of internal team members
• Builds strong relationships with cross functional partners including collaboration with field teams
• Partners with Creative Director and Visual Merchandising Director to develop strong brand experience that achieves results
• Lead team in creative and innovative thinking for marketing programs
• Partner with merchant teams throughout the product pipeline to create compelling and effective campaigns
• Lead and participate in department projects as needed, including store work-throughs, field presentations, and corporate special events

Qualifications
• 12 - 15 years consumer marketing experience in the fashion arena
• Strong strategic and planning skills
• Ability to balance analytical with creative skills to achieve the perfect left/right brain balance
• Strong leadership skills and ability to inspire and build a team
• Ability to communicate and represent a POV to partners, leadership team and to direct reports/team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and follow through
• Excellent organizational skills
• Works well in a team environment and adapts to company culture
• Some travel required

Product Development Assistant : Alameda, CA : Temporary

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 18:30:07 EST

Duties: Mid to experienced patternmaking skills, lead fit sessions, attend fit sessions, write fit comments, develop tech packs & strong written/verbal communication skills, collaboration with business partners.

UX/Web Visual Designer : SF : Temporary

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:30:04 EST

Do you want to help reinvent the next generation of ecommerce and have an impact on hundreds of millions of users?

The Social Platform team is looking for an all- around rock star Visual Designer to join them. In the Social Platform team we believe that social interactions between shoppers will be central to the shopping process. Sharing and following information around products on e-commerce sites as well as using existing social networks will help shoppers make better decisions.

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of outstanding conceptual design, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design skills. Solid front-end development skills in HTML, CSS and jQuery are a plus. A strong portfolio that demonstrates creative problem solving solutions and an ability to deliver simple, elegant, engaging, and empowering user experiences is required.

The opportunity
• Help reinvent the next generation of ecommerce through information sharing by leveraging social networks
• Work with a world-class team of engineers and product visionaries to create beautiful, eye-catching, and usable experiences
• Combine new ideas and feedback to continually reinvent the concept of “best user experience” for products and experiences
• Be excited about making an immediate impact on a global scale
Desired Skills & Experience

Skills & Qualifications
• 3+ years of industry experience with consumer-facing web sites, applying user-centered design principles
• Solid academic background in human-computer interaction or related field
• Ability to apply user-centered design methods to translate user needs, business requirements, and technical constraints into an engaging user experience
• Experience with the entire product design cycle, from wireframes, to mockups, to prototypes, to final CSS/HTML
• Strong, clean, innovative, visual design sense
• Excellent leadership, communication and teamwork skills
• An online portfolio to view is required
Company Description

When was the last time you impacted the lives of over one billion people?
If you’re working with this retailer, the answer is: today.

As the idea incubator for the world’s largest global retailer, we don’t just build products, we create experiences. Every day is an opportunity to reshape the landscape of ecommerce while having a lasting impact on the industry.

Our team draws on a broad range of disciplines to create an environment where you can redefine the state of the art. The team brings together dozens of engineers, scientists and product experts to execute a cutting edge vision. We’re driven by a dedication to serving our customers around the world. @WalmartLabs taps into the talents of online retail visionaries to design, prototype and build technology-fueled products that bridge the gap between what’s next and what’s best.

If you’re fluent in the language of innovation,this is a place to become a leading change agent across the mobile, social and community industries.