Lead Strategy Analyst

Lead Strategy Analyst

Provides a broad array of strategic and analytical support and leadership to projects and initiatives in the areas of strategy and corporate development. Leads/supports the departments activities around strategic analysis and various strategy processes including scenario analysis and industry analysis. Drives the modeling process for the analysis of strategic acquisition, trade, and divestiture opportunities for U.S. Cellular. Supports the departments efforts around the identification and development of strategic options and strategic flexibility. Gathers and evaluates industry data. Interacts with different functional areas within U.S. Cellular (Engineering, Marketing, Operations, etc.) to gather data and understand internal processes and priorities. Helps the department establish a knowledge base around a broad scope of corporate development strategies. Drives the data gathering process and contributes to the thought processes supporting the broad-based (i.e., non-acquisition related) analysis of various strategic decisions and investments. Conducts research and contributes to the thought processes around innovation enablement at U.S. Cellular. This position requires a seasoned professional who can work independently and can anticipate and resolve issues (i.e., take ownership).

  Assumes leadership duties when manager is unavailable or out of pocket (i.e. vacation, special projects, etcetera).
  Identifies industry trends and interprets their potential impact on USCC strategy and/or valuation forecasting.
  Supports the scenario analysis process including scenario development and monitoring.
  Uses discounted cash flow analysis and other financial techniques to model valuations of wireless spectrum and markets.
  Provides analytic support to various ongoing departmental initiatives including the quarterly radar screen report, enterprise risk management, and economic analysis.
  Remains strategic in thought and provides a big-picture perspective on issues and potential solutions. Assignments include the most technically challenging analytics; requiring research or creation of new approaches.
  Assesses business results and consistently identifies, recommends and drives opportunities to create value.
  Assumes a lead role in team meetings. May be responsible for leading team meetings when manager is unavailable.
  Serves as a mentor by helping teammates see various perspectives, working through issues, finding positive responses to change and demonstrating open communication. Provides leadership to co-team members on key projects.
  Develops a strong knowledge of decision analysis tools and techniques.
  Helps develop and support a knowledge base of non acquisition specific corporate development strategies including joint ventures, strategic alliances, corporate venturing etc.
  Applies principles of situational analysis and competitive strategy to industry analysis (e.g., SWOT analysis, Porters Five Forces, etc.).
  Explicitly assesses and models risk and probability in our analyses.
  Periodic participation in group meetings with the TDS Development Team.
  Develops working relationships and coordinates data and information gathering across functional areas within U.S. Cellular.
  Develops a thorough understanding of USCC operations.
  Demonstrates a high level of ownership of assigned projects and shows independent initiative where appropriate.
  Develops a familiarity with principles of innovation and their potential application at U.S. Cellular.
  Deals with forward-looking analyses often characterized by a high degree of uncertainty in the data.
  Seeks to draw reasonable conclusions from imperfect information.
  Embraces a continuing challenge to absorb and apply new analytical concepts (via external training and independent research).
  Works in an environment where priorities can change frequently.
  Maintains a high level of confidentiality.

  Bachelors degree required; MBA preferred.
  Minimum of 7 to 9 years of broad experience in financial analysis/accounting required. Wireless operations experience a plus.
  Familiarity with strategy concepts and methods is a strong plus.
  Ability to function effectively in cross-functional teams is required.
  Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
  Strong strategic and analytic thinking skills are required.
  Strong Microsoft Excel skills are required.
  Familiarity with financial valuation techniques (i.e., discounted cash flow, etc.) is preferred.
  Business knowledge of the wireless industry is a plus.
  Industry knowledge outside of the wireless environment is a plus.
  Familiarity with decision analysis and/or probabilistic analysis methods is a plus.
  Understanding of U.S. Cellular operations is a strong plus.
  Flexible attitude wit...