Graduate Business Analyst

OCU; Preston; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy transition contractor is looking for a motivated Junior Business Analyst based in Preston. In this role, you will support the discovery and definition of business processes, work closely with senior analysts, and assist with documentation and stakeholder collaboration. Ideal for someone at the beginning of their analysis career who enjoys problem-solving and learning. The opportunity includes engaging in digital transformation initiatives and contributing to operational improvements while developing key skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong written communication and structured thinking.
• Interest in requirements, process analysis, and digital transformation.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Support requirement gathering through documentation and user stories.
• Create structured process diagrams and assist with mapping.
• Attend workshops and communicate with stakeholders.

Skills

Strong written communication

Interest in requirements analysis

Good organisational skills

Willingness to learn BA tools

Tools

Miro

Visio

ClickUp/Jira

Excel

Job description

Graduate Business Analyst

We're seeking a motivated and inquisitive Junior Business Analyst to support the discovery, definition, and improvement of business processes and digital capabilities across OCU. This is an ideal role for someone early in their analysis career who enjoys problem‑solving, engaging with users, and turning information into structured documentation. You will work under the guidance of senior Business Analysts, supporting requirement gathering, process mapping, workshop activities, and user story creation for the OCU One platform and wider transformation initiatives. As part of the Digital Transformation function, you will help ensure that solution design is grounded in real user needs and operational context. You'll develop a deep understanding of how OCU operates, learning how digital capabilities can streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and support the organisation's journey to an international‑facing enterprise. As your confidence and skills grow, you will take on more complex analysis tasks, helping shape solutions that deliver meaningful improvements to our operational teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Requirements Gathering & Documentation
   • Produce initial user stories, acceptance criteria, and notes under guidance from senior BAs.
   • Capture detailed meeting notes and ensure accurate documentation of requirements.
   • Support clarification sessions and refinement meetings with stakeholders and engineering.
   • Maintain documentation versions and ensure alignment with BA standards.
   • Identify simple requirement gaps and escalate early.
2. Process Mapping & Analysis
   • Create structured process diagrams (current state) using Miro/Visio.
   • Assist in identifying inefficiencies, missing steps, or unclear business rules.
   • Support future‑state brainstorming and mapping exercises with stakeholders.
   • Maintain clear, versioned documentation across multiple artefacts.
   • Compare process variations across teams and highlight inconsistencies.
3. Stakeholder Collaboration
   • Support workshops by preparing agendas, documentation, and prompts.
   • Build early relationships with users, SMEs, Product Managers, and technical teams.
   • Ask clarifying questions to ensure accurate requirements capture.
   • Ensure stakeholders are kept informed about progress and next steps.
   • Escalate misalignments or misunderstandings immediately.
4. Planning & Delivery Alignment
   • Plan and prioritise daily tasks with help from senior BAs.
   • Ensure analysis activities align with sprint goals or workshop objectives.
   • Prepare and share pre‑reading or documentation to support delivery teams.
   • Track dependencies or risks and raise them proactively.
   • Ensure BA artefacts meet Definition of Ready/Done where appropriate.
5. Continuous Learning & Improvement
   • Actively pursue training on BA tools, modelling standards, and techniques.
   • Participate in retros and propose simple process/documentation improvements.
   • Learn from senior BAs by shadowing key workshops or sessions.
   • Build familiarity with OCU One modules, processes, and operational areas.
   • Demonstrate consistent application of feedback.

Skills and Experience

Essential Skills

• Strong written communication and structured thinking.
• Interest in requirements, process analysis, and digital transformation.
• Ability to capture clear notes and document workflows.
• Positive attitude toward learning, coaching, and feedback.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn BA tools (Miro, Visio, ClickUp/Jira).

Desirable Skills

• Exposure to Agile delivery environments.
• Basic data analysis skills (Excel, dashboards, simple SQL).
• Familiarity with BPMN or other modelling notations.
• Experience supporting change or technology projects.
• Understanding of field operations, utilities, or service workflows.

What We Value

We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values: We care about safety. We lead with integrity. We strive to be better every day. We make a positive impact. We deliver to grow. We are one company united.

Our Aim & Vision at OCU

To be the UK's leading energy transition and utilities contractor. We are committed to leading the way in utilities and energy transition contracting, our mission is to innovate and deliver sustainability. At OCU, our passion for addressing complex challenges brings new standards of growth in our people and capabilities. OCU is an equal opportunities employer.

Division: Early Careers | Locations: Preston | Employment Status: PAYE/Staff | Employment Type: Graduate