Lead Business Analyst

Cactus Search; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Cactus Search in the United Kingdom is seeking a Lead Business Analyst to guide a high-performing team and drive meaningful transformation across the business.

You’ll mentor analysts, oversee the Business Analyst Apprenticeship Programme, partner with stakeholders to shape solutions, and ensure measurable benefits and clear communication throughout delivery.

Occasional flexibility for out-of-hours work may be required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience as a Business Analyst.
• Experience leading teams and managing a BA function.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience driving change across people, processes and technology.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Business Analysts.
• Oversee the Business Analyst Apprenticeship Programme.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify problems and shape solutions.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Architects and Test/UAT teams.
• Manage project planning, resourcing and financial forecasting with the PMO.
• Influence through expertise, insight and collaboration.
• Ensure evidence-based analysis and clear communication of needs.
• Drive value throughout the project lifecycle with a focus on outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Change management

Strategic thinking

Analytical mindset

Communication

Education

BCS accreditation

Job description

Lead Business Analyst

Are you a strategic thinker who loves solving complex business challenges and leading teams to success? We’re looking for a Lead Business Analyst to join our Core team — someone who can combine leadership, insight, and delivery expertise to drive meaningful transformation across the business.

The Opportunity

As the Lead Business Analyst, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our business solutions deliver real value. You’ll lead and develop a talented team of Business Analysts, guiding them through best practice and helping them achieve their full potential.

You’ll act as a trusted consultant across the business — influencing stakeholders, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring our change initiatives are designed with clarity, purpose, and measurable outcomes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Business Analysts, setting clear objectives and supporting ongoing professional growth.
• Oversee the Business Analyst Apprenticeship Programme, coaching apprentices through their 18-month journey.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify business problems, shape effective solutions, and define clear benefits.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Architects and Test/UAT teams to design and deliver business solutions that work.
• Manage project planning, resourcing, and financial forecasting alongside the PMO.
• Act as a visible and credible leader — influencing through expertise, insight and collaboration.
• Ensure that business needs are met through evidence-based analysis, robust documentation and clear communication.
• Drive value throughout the project lifecycle, maintaining focus on outcomes and results.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years’ experience as a Business Analyst, ideally with experience leading others.
• A strategic and analytical mindset, capable of balancing big-picture thinking with attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, able to influence at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage change across people, process, technology and governance.
• Highly organised, self-motivated and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable:

• BCS accreditation
• Experience within regulated or complex business environments
• Strong IT, data and business process knowledge
• Further education or experience in project management
• Experience in people leadership

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team where ideas are valued, people are supported, and change is embraced. This is your chance to make a real difference — leading from the front and shaping how we deliver transformation across the organisation.

Occasional flexibility for out-of-hours work may be required.