Business Analyst

Arriva Group; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading train operator is looking for a Business Analyst to join the Commercial Strategy team. The role involves developing revenue budgets and performance reports, contributing to key performance indicators and identifying revenue growth areas. Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant numeric or business management field and exhibit strong analytical skills. Excellent communication abilities and a positive, dynamic attitude are essential. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the business and the UK's rail network.

Qualifications

• Quantitative degree required related to business management.
• Strong analytical skills to apply to business context.
• Ability to communicate excellently and work effectively in teams.

Responsibilities

• Create and report on KPIs for revenue and journeys.
• Propose actions based on ongoing analysis.
• Maintain expert knowledge of business routes and markets.
• Develop business initiatives aligned with forecasts.
• Support revenue management with growth analytics.

Skills

Highly numerate

Strong analytical background

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work alone or in a team

Dynamic and positive attitude

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Capacity to summarise complex matters

Education

Degree in a numeric or business management related subject

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

CrossCountry, operate more of the countries Rail Network than any other train company. With Cardiff, including Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, Southampton, and Edinburgh. Owned by Arriva, CrossCountry is the most extensive rail network in Britain, and the business plays a vital role in connecting tens of thousands of people to work, leisure and education every day. The one Arriva rail purpose is to connect people to opportunities by providing a reliable and friendly train service. So, there is no better time to join us!

We are looking to recruit a Business Analyst, to assist the Senior Forecasting and Business Analysis Manager with the development and reporting of the CrossCountry revenue budget and performance for the short-, medium- and long-term business plans using the CrossCountry revenue and crowding models and revenue management systems. The successful candidate will join our Commercial Strategy team, which is responsible for pricing, retail, ancillary revenue, revenue management, business analysis and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the creation and reporting of a detailed set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will allow for daily, weekly, 4 weekly, quarterly and annual management and measurement of revenue and journeys.
• To propose actions to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities as a result of on-going analysis and reporting.
• Develop and maintain expert knowledge of the business through each of the CrossCountry routes and markets in terms of the volume and value that they represent of the total franchise. This includes carrying out regular competitor analysis.
• Assist the Senior Forecasting and Business Analysis Manager in developing a thorough understanding of the specifics of each route such as the type of service offered, the share of capacity utilised, the mix of fares sold, as well as the customer profile and the competitor environment.
• Assist with the development of business initiatives and to ensure product, marketing and demand forecasts meet these opportunities.
• Assist the Revenue Management team with identifying areas where revenue growth could be constrained and work with members of the Commercial team to help produce business cases to justify investment to achieve objectives.
• Provide revenue analysis to support initiatives that will help achieve and exceed the CrossCountry business plan.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications & Training

• Educated to degree level in a numeric or business management related subject
• Must be highly numerate and have a strong analytical background
• Able to apply analytical skills to the business environment
• Excellent communicator and ability to work alone or as part of a team
• Dynamic and positive individual with the enthusiasm for getting to grips with complex issues
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Advanced understanding of Microsoft Office products including Excel, analytical and statistical techniques
• Capacity to understand the big picture and summarise complex matters in a clear and concise matter

Desirable

• Good understanding of revenue management and pricing techniques, demand forecasting models and revenue systems
• Knowledge of databases
• Strategic planning and reporting experience
• Detailed knowledge of the CrossCountry business and the wider rail industry
• Comfortable to present data analysis in front of internal and external stakeholders

Closing date for applications: 2nd February 2026

We acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.

Did you know you can set up alerts for new job opportunities? Simply navigate to 'My Job Alerts' in the Jobs Hub to get started.