Technical Writer

Job Summary:

As Technical Writer, you will be responsible for writing and editing user documentation, including online help and printed manuals for small to medium solutions. In this role, you will be required to apply the principles and practices of designing, creation and presentation of textual information, supported where necessary by graphical content for interactive and digital uses.

Key Accountabilities:

Knowledge management

• Maintains a knowledge management database by leveraging knowledge of a specialism in order to capture and classify content, taking expert advice when required.

Information content authoring

• Develops an understanding of content development and authoring activities, such as information gathering, creating draft content, identifying appropriate illustrations, and proper treatment of copyright and considering the publication medium(s).
• Works with colleagues and clients to understand audience needs and to assimilate source material.
• Creates draft materials that present information clearly, concisely and accurately in appropriate plain language, which meets the requirements of the audience(s) as clearly, simply and quickly as possible.
• Applies guidelines and standards to moderate content from others, escalating where appropriate.

Methods & tools

• Provides support on the use of existing method and tools.
• Configures methods and tools within a known context.
• Creates and updates the documentation of methods and tools.

Change management

• Documents changes based on requests for change.
• Applies change control procedures.

Other

• Carries out any other reasonable duties as requested.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; with ability to present at all levels
• A flexible attitude with respect to work assignments and new learning
• Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks with enthusiasm and prioritize workload with attention to detail
• Must have the ability to work methodically in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment
• Demonstratable ability to apply critical thinking to problems and tasks
• Shows initiative and self-confidence, is adaptable and is able to cope with changing and evolving priorities
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements
• Proactively participates in skills improvement training and encourages their teams to participate
• A self-starter and able to work under own initiative
• Proficient in creating graphics, diagrams, and screen captures to support and clarify procedures and concepts
• Awareness of the value and perception of your activities on your peers and wider team
• Ability to operate collaboratively within a global team environment
• Takes ownership and responsibility

Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience of working in and knowledge of the life sciences sector
• Solid professional experience in the same or very similar role
• Demonstrable experience as a documentation specialist in the software industry
• Experience in scaled agile delivery. Certification (e.g. SAFe) desirable
• Knowledge of concepts and practices related to single sourcing and content management
• Familiar with XML and HTML editors (e.g., MadCap Flare, RoboHelp), Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or similar authoring tools
• Familiar with DITA, SDL, and XMetal a plus

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Communications, English, Engineering Writing or equivalent Scientific field, or related industry training and experience
• English: Fluent