Lead Decision Support Analyst – Python Developer

Company : Highmark Inc. Job Description : JOB SUMMARY As an integral member of the team, this role provides technical leadership to a small team of application developers focused on building and maintaining scalable software applications. The incumbent takes an enterprise-wide architectural view to drive the technical execution of products across the entire software development lifecycle, spanning idea generation, business analysis, technical design, and software development. Utilizing modern design patterns and core programming languages—primarily Python, alongside R—the position turns application design concepts into functional, high-performance software. Additionally, the role collaborates closely with customers, design teams, and data management staff to model data sources, define robust operational and security frameworks, and deliver innovative decision support solutions that empower effective business strategies. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES • Develop and foster internal relationships across the corporation. Provide analytic and consultative support to a broad spectrum of internal customer areas and external business partners. • Mentor colleagues with less experience on both the technical and business aspects of project and consultative work. • Determine how decision support systems will provide information required to make effective business decisions, translate requirements into applications that employ appropriate decision support and reporting tools. Use broad experience and technical knowledge to propose solutions to complex business problems. Take the lead in driving the implementation of the recommended solutions. • Take the lead in defining issues and ideas to be studied as well as the approach (methodological and technical) to be used in addressing studies and projects. Create and/or develop new methods of analysis, database design and performance measurement or, in some cases, adaptation of existing solutions to new areas. • Perform modeling of data sources and flows, work with data management staff to define an operational framework that will define, develop and implement policies and security frameworks to ensure precise and secure deliver of knowledge and information. • Provide assistance and, depending on skill and experience, lead with interpretation of raw data, statistical results or otherwise compiled information, identify follow-up action items and prepare or assist in the preparation of written reports and/or oral presentation of findings to internal and external audiences, customer managers, clinical staff, compliance agencies, group accounts, providers, agent plans, and brokers. • Develop and maintain moderate-to extremely-complex computer programs using 4GL programming languages (such as SAS, R, SQL) and other database technology (DB2, Teradata, and Oracle). • Other duties as assigned or requested. EDUCATION Required • Bachelor's Degree in Computer/Information Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field Substitutions • None Preferred • Master's Degree in Computer/Information Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or related field EXPERIENCE Required • 7 years of relevant, progressive experience in the area of specialization, including experience in leading projects of varying size and complexity (exempted experience requirement effective August 2016) Preferred • Demonstrated proficiency in the development of complex Python applications. • Documented experience with querying complex relational databases with demonstrated proficiency in SQL. • Understanding object oriented software design along with modern design patterns. • Experience with programming in R and/or SAS. • Unix shell scripting experience. • Git repository experience. SKILLS • Strong technical skills in the mainframe, PC and Internet-based technologies to be effective and must be comfortable and proficient using large and complex databases • Strong skills using various third-party office and report generation products such as Microsoft Office, Business Objects, Cognos, and Enterprise Guide. • Strong communication skills. Must be comfortable presenting findings and offering recommendations to senior management Language (Other than English): None Travel Requirement: 0% - 25% PHYSICAL, MENTAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS Position Type Office-based Teaches / trains others regularly Occasionally Travel regularly from the office to various work sites or from site-to-site Occasionally Works primarily out-of-the office selling products/services (sales employees) Never Physical work site required Yes Lifting: up to 10 pounds Constantly Lifting: 10 to 25 pounds Occasionally Lifting: 25 to 50 pounds Never Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. Compliance Requirement : This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies. As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy. Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited