Lead Business Analyst

Scottish Friendly Assurance; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mutual life insurance office in Glasgow is seeking a Lead Business Analyst to oversee a team and drive strategic change. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business analysis within the financial services sector, with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills. Responsibilities include resource allocation, development of documentation and analysis of complex business problems. A supportive hybrid working model is offered, along with competitive benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

10% employer pension contribution

24/7 GP access

Recognition awards

Hybrid working model

Access to cycle-to-work schemes

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior or lead Business Analyst role, ideally within financial services.
• Demonstrated experience in line management or team leadership.
• Strong understanding of business analysis methodologies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Line manage a team of Business Analysts, ensuring high-quality analysis.
• Allocate resources effectively across projects.
• Lead the analysis of complex business problems.
• Oversee the development of requirements documentation.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

Business analysis methodologies

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Visio

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

Overview

Do you want to be part of something more than just a financial services business? Do you believe everyone, regardless of wealth, should have the opportunity to save and look after their loved ones? Do you want to be part of something that has been here for 160 years and help it be here for 160 more?

Scottish Friendly have an exciting opportunity to join our team. Based in Glasgow City Centre, we are one of the most progressive mutual life insurance offices in the UK. We have a strong, clear culture which has grown since 1862 with our customers and colleagues of today and the future being at the heart of that growth.

As a Lead Business Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic change across the organisation. You will lead a team of Business Analysts, providing direction, coaching, and support to ensure high-quality analysis and delivery. In addition to overseeing complex projects and initiatives, you will act as a key liaison between business stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and regulatory requirements. Your leadership will drive continuous improvement, innovation, and the development of best practices across the Business Analysis function.

Responsibilities

• Line manage a team of Business Analysts, including performance management, mentoring, and professional development.
• Allocate resources effectively across projects, ensuring optimal team performance and delivery.
• Champion the Business Analysis discipline across the organisation, promoting standards, tools, and methodologies.
• Lead the analysis of complex business problems and opportunities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Oversee the development of business cases, requirements documentation, and solution design for high-impact initiatives.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to shape project scopes, priorities, and success criteria.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.
• Facilitate workshops, interviews, and other engagement methods to elicit and validate requirements.
• Ensure all analysis outputs meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve documentation produced by team members, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
• Identify and implement improvements to business processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, tools, and techniques to enhance the Business Analysis function.
• Provide regular reporting to senior leadership on project progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Use data and insights to inform decision-making and drive performance improvements.

Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience in a senior or lead Business Analyst role, ideally within financial services or insurance.
• Demonstrated experience in line management or team leadership, with a focus on coaching and development.
• Strong understanding of business analysis methodologies (e.g., BABOK, Agile, Waterfall).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven mindset.
• Experience in regulatory change, systems implementation, and process improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and business analysis tools (e.g., Visio, JIRA, Confluence).
• Knowledge of pensions, life, or protection products is highly desirable.

With assets under management of over £4.2bn and more than 853,000 members we have lots to look after and lots more to do. If you want to be part of the team and you think this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

We support life inside and outside work, offering:

• Recognition awards: Win exciting prizes, including one weeks' annual leave plus £3,000 spending money.
• Refer-a-friend scheme: Earn rewards for bringing talented friends to our team.
• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 with service) plus 8 bank holidays, and options to buy or sell extra days.
• Supporting the future: 10% employer pension contribution, 4 x group life cover.
• Getting around: Access to cycle-to-work schemes, Electric Vehicle scheme* and travel loans.
• Wellbeing: 24/7 GP access, EAP, Private Healthcare, and free legal/financial advice at a variety of savings at top high street and online retailers.
• Hybrid model with up to three remote days per week, totalling 35 hours per week Monday to Friday.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel valued, respected and represented. If you require any accommodations during the application process, please don't hesitate to let us know.