Overview
The Operations Modeling and Simulation Specialist develops and runs complex, proprietary business simulation tools to help our retail clients diagnose, design, and innovate for efficiencies and strategic growth opportunities. The Specialist uncovers the intricacies of how our clients’ systems work in the real world, creates robust virtual simulations of these processes, and executes ongoing modeling efforts to guide the strategic decisions of our clients.
Principal Accountabilities
Principle accountabilities include, but are not limited to:
Simulation Design & Development
- Supports Halverson Group team and client teams in identifying strategies, platforms, and appropriate vendors for new and next generation business models
- Identifies and applies most effective modeling methodologies to address clients’ business questions (e.g., Activity Based, Agent Based, or other stand alone decision support tools)
- Designs prototypes of end-user business simulation tools (identifies relevant inputs, user interface, algorithms, decision logic, and report formats)
- Conducts Quality Assurance tests and debugging
- Quickly develops mastery of existing, proprietary business models being used with current clients (model purpose, architecture, and how to run scenarios as an expert user)
Consulting
- Works with client teams and Halverson Group Project Leads to scope approach and fees for simulation-based research studies
- Iteratively runs simulations and interprets results
- Works collaboratively with the Project Lead and Design Director to develop clear, compelling reports of simulation results and insights
- Together with the Project Lead, presents analytic findings and recommendations to the client virtually or in-person
- Creates thorough technical manuals and end user manuals for new and existing business models
- Creates training and certification materials and delivers these materials and programs in order to develop end users of tools in client organizations
- Serves as a Subject Matter Expert to end users in clients organizations on an ongoing basis
Business Process Mapping & Analysis
- Conducts working sessions with client subject matter experts and reviews existing documentation to understand relevant business processes (including: activities, equipment, costs, profits) for new models or new functionality in existing models
- Designs and conducts observational, field research in clients’ stores and restaurants to understand the detailed processes through which products and services are produced and delivered
- Creates accurate and thorough business process maps
- Designs and conducts time and motion studies to capture accurate data on the time required for relevant employee tasks and equipment processes involved in delivering products or service
- Conducts descriptive analyses of data provided by the client or collected in the field to support model development (e.g., understand the central tendency and variability in all employee tasks and equipment processes, understand customer demand patterns, etc.)
Position Requirements
- M.A. in Operations Research, Decision Sciences, or related field
- 3 – 5 years of applied modeling experience
- Hands-on data management and data analysis experience, including database building and data mining
- Experience with varied qualitative and/or quantitative research methods to understand business processes
- Experience in Retail, QSR, Fast Casual restaurant industries preferred
- Expertise in Microsoft Excel, working knowledge of VBA is a plus
- Experience with data simulation software packages (e.g., Arena, ProModel, Simul8, Simio, AnyLogic)
- While this position does not frequently travel, periodic travel may be required based on project needs
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Oak Park, IL. Relocations packages are not offered for this position.
About Halverson Group
Halverson Group is a research, analytics, and strategy firm specializing in keeping customers on the Path to Purchase. Our solutions help many of the world’s most celebrated retailers reexamine, rethink, and redesign their channels and touch points to stimulate traffic, maximize sales, and cultivate deep customer loyalty.
