Reference Data Technician

We go beyond the obvious, using intelligence, passion and creativity to inspire new thinking and shape the world we live in. To start a career that is out of the ordinary, please apply... Job Details We are looking for a Reference Data Technician to work as part of our BARB Reference Data Team. The team is responsible for the capture and management of reference data and encoding for all the TV channels required for the essential running of the BARB Service. The BARB service primary focus is the measurement of the number of people watching television in the UK, on behalf of the television companies and the advertising industry. This measurement task is contracted out by BARB to research companies who perform this function for them. There are currently 6,000 homes on the BARB panel from which viewing data is collected on a daily basis. The suitable candidate will be responsible for the daily Reference management and to ensure the provision of 24x7 audio reference collection of 600+ channels on corresponding transmission networks along with a replicated secondary site. This role will encompass round the clock monitoring of Television channels within the reference sites. It requires excellent analytical skills and the ability to gain an understanding of the business, which implements the needs of the referencing infrastructure. Due to nature of the role and the service, the candidate will be required to work on a shift rota basis included weekends. Nobody knows consumers better than Kantar. Providing insight and inspiration to help clients flourish in an extraordinary world, we bring together 9 of the world's leading research, data and insight brands. Our global team of 30,000 people in more 100 countries delivers specialist insight, business strategies and consultancy support. KEY OUTCOMES * Monitor and maintain 125 + Reference Data Collection Servers and operational A/V systems, ensuring availability over a 24/7 x 365 period for correct industry reporting * Complete daily reference site checks throughout the day in a timely manner, as agreed with the Reference Data Team Leader * Monitor the Broadcast Reference Sites using various verification tools, prioritising and the resolution of all faults that occur on shift * Responsible for the setup of channel additions or removals within the referencing infrastructure at all reference sites. The operative is directly responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of the audio signatures that are generated * Carry out end to end audio validation tests on newly set up references to ensure the data collected is correct at all reference sites * Responsible for monitoring various reports, having a good eye for detail to capture inaccuracies with the reference data collection * Take ownership and escalate production issues/failures and follow up with the appropriate team members / other teams until issues are fully resolved * Attend to SI Transponder changes immediately to avoid / minimise the loss of reference data collection and delete the evening SI Batch production run * Regular travel to other sites will be required for fault resolution * Provide daily checks on the reference site UPS and Air conditioning units & RF redundancy systems and escalate any issues to the Reference Data Team leader * Assist the team with cabling work along with exploring new technologies related to reference data capture * Compose overall report of all the reference related activities carried out during the day for various teams within the business, reporting critical issues to the Reference Data Team Leader CAPABILITIES * Good Problem-solving skills * Willing to learn new TV technologies within a head-end system * Self-starter and uses various resources to learn (forum, confluence and requesting meetings and training from peers) * Highlight and escalate issues on timely manner * Timely documentation of issues and its associated fix * Able to work on a shift rota basis and cover weekends & out of hour Sky Software downloads * Can quickly adapt to unplanned changes in priorities * Must be available at short notices around the clock and work on your own initiative * Basic Linux skills for file navigation * Working knowledge of Excel and Word packages * Experience with TV transmission methods DVB-T, DVB-T2, DVB-S, DVB-S2, DVB-C & DVB-C2 * Skills with RF to IP conversion - Assisting with adding new ideas with new technologies JOIN US At Kantar we have an integrated way of rewarding our people based around a simple, clear and consistent set of principles. Our approach helps to ensure we are market competitive and also to support a pay for performance culture, where your reward and career progression opportunities are linked to what you deliver. We go beyond the obvious, using intelligence, passion and creativity to inspire new thinking and shape the world we live in. Apply for a career that's out of the ordinary and join us. At Kantar, the diversity of our employees provides a richer envir