Resource Associate II - Baltimore (RAS Practice) - 00IXB

The Resource Associate II Senior Associate will generally be expected to handle resource/scheduling assignments that are more complex, have greater scope and require more extensive relationships with multiple managers on engagements to successfully execute on the engagement scheduling/resource assignment process. This role will focus on matching resource needs with availability while taking into consideration skills required, personal preferences and engagement risk. The individual will work with other Resource Associates and client serving executives to balance workloads and address staffing needs as required. This role will focus on staffing a practice group/level within a single office/location. In addition, the Resource Coordinator may perform duties of the Resource Administrator if a separate role for this activity is not defined in the Areas. Responsibilities Assign appropriate client service personnel to engagements by assessing information presented, reviewing options available and presenting recommendations based on Area policies and client requirements (complexity of engagement, continuity, expertise required, etc.). Challenge hours and personnel scheduled as appropriate to ensure efficient utilization of resources. Promote and monitor the sharing of resources; network with other team members across Areas and service lines to address resource needs and/or conflicts. Resolve conflicts with engagement team members to ensure appropriate solutions are identified in a timely manner considering engagement requirements and developmental goals of staff supported. Build relationships and communicate continuously with client serving personnel to identify personal schedule preferences and/or career development issues. Focus on engagement needs while balancing individual's preferences (i.e. career goals, industry preferences, travel preferences, etc.). Proactively identify and address scheduling issues (i.e.; excessively high/low utilization, morale issues, performance issues, staff/engagement/client issues). Reassign projects as personnel leave/join the firm, or due to client delay/acceleration. Monitor unassigned resources, act as primary point of contact for local unassigned staff; proactively identify assignments. Fill open needs as identified; proactively investigate projects that may be able to release individuals to meet requirements. Regularly communicate regarding headcount activity and any performance issues surfaced by engagement teams. Counsel with levels supported as needed/requested; raise individual issues to appropriate leadership. Work with Campus and Experienced Hire recruiters regarding needs and start dates for interns, staff hires and transfers. Participate in orientation providing details to new hires on the resource management process. Provides input for performance management process. Work with Learning Consultant to ensure all personnel are scheduled for mandatory training. Review actual and projected utilization, anticipate availability and proactively take action to minimize unassigned time while balancing the workload of all client serving individuals supported. Analyze Plan/Account Management and Provisioning Systems (ARMS)/Actual to assist in forecasting hours, tracking utilization and monitoring headcount. Raise issues identified to Resource Management executives. Participate in Area conference calls. May oversee administrative support staff; however, generally will not have supervisory responsibilities. Minimal supervision on a day to day basis, must be able to work independently and be able to set priorities as appropriate. Consults with Resource Management executives only as needed regarding issues/conflicts they can not resolve. Approximately 5 to 10 % overtime generally incurred.To qualify, candidates must have:a bachelor's degree a minimum of 3 years of related work experience strong analytical skills ' detail oriented proficiency in scheduling tools and other Microsoft applications very strong communication skills, both oral and writtenAnalytical and Decision Making SkillsAppropriately prioritize staffing decisions based on engagement risk, specialization requirements, timing constraints, staffing continuity and geographic considerations Identify performance or morale issues with client serving staff supported, address with Human Resources and Resource Management executives as needed Identify over and under utilized personnel, be proactive in identifying additional resources to bring utilization in line with their peers Negotiate with client serving teams to shift time or create individual availability in order to meet staffing priorities for the office/AreaKnowledge and SkillsProficient at negotiation skills and conflict management Strong client service focus ' responsive to requests, maintains a sense of urgency in resolving issues Well versed in firm and Area policies Possess strong problem solving skills Flexible in adapting to constantly changing priorities Possess outstanding teamwork and interpersonal skills Self-starter, able to work independently Ability to coordinate multiple tasks ' strong organizational skills Change AgentMD-Baltimore