Business Analyst

Alison; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Business Analyst to drive data-driven solutions and enhance organizational efficiency. This role involves evaluating business performance, collaborating with various departments, and implementing strategies that optimize processes and reduce costs. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and a solid educational background in business or related fields. As a Business Analyst, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the organization through innovative solutions and effective stakeholder engagement. If you are passionate about using data to influence business growth, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for success.
• A bachelor's degree in a related field is typically required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate organizational performance and suggest data-driven improvements.
• Work with stakeholders to implement effective business strategies.

Skills

Data Analysis

Problem-Solving

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Technical Understanding

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business

BTEC National Diploma in Computing

Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis

Tools

Interviews

Surveys

Data Modelling

Document Analysis

Job description

Widely hailed as "agents of change," Business Analysts wield data to weave compelling and factual narratives, inducing organisations to yield data-driven solutions in favour of cost-effective and sustainable business growth.

What do Business Analysts do?

A Business Analyst would typically need to:

1. Evaluate the performance of an organisation and suggest data-driven solutions to improve their processes and systems.
2. Understand the business structure, the nitty-gritty of business operations and collaboration between the various departments to streamline the process.
3. Develop the best practices for data collection and conduct research; Interview managers and analyse documentation to determine operational objectives.
4. Observe company practices and procedures to identify bottlenecks; study system capabilities and identify tools required for the smooth functioning of system processes.
5. Analyse resultant data, using data modelling practices, to pinpoint improvement opportunities and innovative tools to make them more effective.
6. Establish the feasibility of meeting set expectations in terms of time, effort, and cost.
7. Work with stakeholders to devise and implement strategies that will help the organisation achieve the intended outcomes.
8. Develop time-bound solution-oriented changes and business strategies that will optimise processes, reduce costs, and identify fresh business opportunities.
9. Confirm the need for a project; establish project teams; set and get requisite approval of appropriate timelines and budgets for the project.
10. Liaise with all stakeholders to make sure projects are completed on time, within budget, and per organisational requirements; make suitable recommendations when necessary.
11. Assess current processes and recommend optimal measures to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction.
12. Work with IT professionals to identify the organisational technology needs, figure out viable software solutions, and implement them into the business plan adeptly after gaining approval from senior management.
13. Provide expertise in the mapping, documentation, and maintenance of well-run business processes; monitor the introduction of new technologies.
14. Work with external stakeholders to understand and interpret feedback on the service, function, or product provided.
15. Persuade stakeholders of the inherent benefits of implementing new strategies or systems while addressing any uncertainties and concerns.
16. Test systems to identify any bugs or glitches; run workshops and develop manuals to provide training to staff for new IT systems.
17. Undertake regular audits to evaluate the impact of modifications made, assuming full responsibility for managing and reporting on each audit.
18. Produce written documentation to support their work, report their findings, and present to select audiences when required.

Business Analysts generally work in comfortable and dynamic office environments, spending a lot of time on computers or engaging with stakeholders and other departments within the organisation. Travel is usually a requirement for conferences, training sessions, and client meetings.

Business Analysts ideally accumulate a judicious combination of relevant academic qualifications and work experience through formative internships, part-time gigs, and volunteer work opportunities that offer a taste of the career and improve one's prospects of getting a permanent job.

Business Analysts benefit from acquiring relevant academic qualifications that aid a comprehensive understanding of business principles and the emergence of strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills. Typically a bachelor's degree or a BTEC National Diploma in a business-, computing-, economics-, or numeracy-related subject will provide a good grounding in Information Technology (IT). Employers may also lean toward applicants with a technical software development, engineering, or programming background.

Graduates in business information systems, business computing systems, and data analytics will also learn the skills to analyse business needs and study markets. A foundation certificate in business analysis from a chartered institution may help you land an entry-level position in this highly competitive profession.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, your professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Certification demonstrates a Business Analysts's competency in a skill set, typically through work experience, training and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Current Scenario

The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year, location, employment turnover, occupational growth, occupation size, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.

Over the last five years, nearly 90% of organisations have set up an 'analytics' function, and every role under this has been on the rise. Business Analysts will also witness decent job growth in the coming years with the rise of technologies and an increased dependency on efficient processes and systems.

Tools of the Trade

Interviews, surveys, workshops, observation, prototyping, data analysis, document analysis, and benchmarking are some of the standard tools used by Business Analysts to gather pertinent information from authentic sources, break it down to understand the business needs and recommend solutions to help the organisation attain its objectives.

Technically sound Business Analysts with a genuine interest in diverse perspectives and the ability to get to the root of issues plaguing the business through creative investigation skills drive efficient business growth.