Business Analyst - Defence

IBM; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology leader in Manchester is seeking a Senior Business Analyst to drive strategic decision-making and lead business analysis efforts. The role involves defining methodologies, mentoring junior analysts, and acting as a liaison between stakeholders and development teams. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills, decision-making capabilities, and the ability to hold or gain UK government security clearance. Comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities available.

Benefits

Training opportunities

Career development programs

Work-life balance support

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Valid right to work in the UK; must be a resident in the UK and have lived continuously in the UK for the last 10 years.
• Must be able to hold or gain a UK government security clearance.
• No visa sponsorship will be offered.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement business analysis strategies and best practices.
• Lead the analysis and documentation of complex business requirements.
• Mentor junior business analysts and promote continuous growth.

Skills

Business analysis

Stakeholder communication

Decision-making

Problem-solving

Mentoring

Tools

Lucidchart

Visio

JIRA

Job description

We’re on the lookout for a seasoned Senior Business Analyst to spearhead our business analysis efforts and drive strategic decision‐making. As a thought leader, you’ll guide our organization’s transformation and ensure successful project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement business analysis strategies, methodologies, and best practices across multiple projects.
• Lead the analysis and documentation of complex business requirements, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Mentor and guide junior business analysts, fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement.
• Conduct rigorous analysis sessions, upholding business analysis principles and values, and promoting high‑quality project outcomes.
• Serve as a key liaison between stakeholders and development teams, translating business needs into actionable requirements and ensuring successful project outcomes.
• Contribute to the overall business analysis vision and direction within the organization.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and drive organizational change.
• Proven experience in leading business analysis initiatives and projects.

Qualifications

• Valid right to work in the UK; must be a resident in the UK and have lived continuously in the UK for the last 10 years.
• Must be able to hold or gain a UK government security clearance.
• No visa sponsorship will be offered.
• Enjoyment of continuous learning and professional development.

Preferred Technical and Professional Experience

• Experience with business analysis tools (e.g., Lucidchart, Visio, JIRA).
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and Scrum framework.
• Knowledge of software development life cycle (SDLC).
• Experience in data analysis and reporting.

Benefits and Development Opportunities

• Many training opportunities from classroom to e‑learning, mentoring and coaching programs, and the chance to gain industry‑recognized certifications.
• Regular and frequent promotion opportunities to ensure you can drive and develop your career with us.
• Feedback and checkpoints throughout the year.
• Diversity & Inclusion as an essential and authentic component of our culture through our policies, processes, and Employee Champion teams.
• Internal recognition programs for peer‑to‑peer appreciation as well as from managers to employees.
• Tools and policies to support work‑life balance: flexible working approaches, sabbatical programs, paid paternity leave, maternity leave and an innovative maternity returners scheme.
• More traditional benefits, such as 25 days holiday (in addition to public holidays) and an online shopping discount.
• An Employee Assistance Program and a group personal pension plan with an additional 5% of your base salary paid by us monthly.

IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.