Senior Business Analyst

Lancashire; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Lancashire's Learning and Information Services department is seeking a Senior Business Analyst to lead discovery, analysis and development of strategic change opportunities across the University.

You will partner with senior stakeholders, architects and service leaders to translate needs into clear proposals, business cases and investment recommendations, shaping demand and prioritising portfolios to deliver measurable value.

Qualifications

• Experience leading analysis on complex, high-impact projects.
• Strong knowledge of BA techniques, process improvement, and demand management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the discovery, analysis and development of strategic change opportunities across the University.
• Translate complex business needs into clear proposals, business cases and investment recommendations.
• Shape demand, support portfolio prioritisation and ensure initiatives deliver tangible benefits.

Skills

Business analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Workshop facilitation

Requirements elicitation

Portfolio management

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

When you work for the University of Lancashire, you’ll be part of a thriving community of talent that’s united in a common commitment to transform lives. We do this by delivering an outstanding educational experience and creating prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Whatever your role, you’ll be playing a vital part in helping us achieve our vision.

About the role:

Learning and Information Services (LIS) plays a critical role in enabling the University's strategic ambitions through technology, digital transformation, and business change. The Architecture and Strategy team works closely with academic and professional service colleagues to identify opportunities for improvement, shape future investments, and ensure change initiatives deliver measurable value.

As a Senior Business Analyst, you will lead the discovery, analysis, and development of strategic change opportunities across the University. Working with senior stakeholders, architects, project teams, and service leaders, you will translate complex business needs into clear proposals, business cases, and investment recommendations. You will play a key role in shaping demand, supporting portfolio prioritisation, and ensuring initiatives are aligned with the University's strategic objectives while delivering tangible benefits and value.

About you:

You will be an experienced and highly skilled Business Analyst with a track record of leading analysis activities on complex, high-impact projects and transformation initiatives. You will have strong knowledge of business analysis techniques, process improvement methodologies, requirements elicitation, benefits management, and demand or portfolio management practices.

You will possess excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills. You will be comfortable facilitating workshops, developing business cases, evaluating options, and presenting evidence-based recommendations to senior decision-makers.

An undergraduate degree in a relevant area or equivalent experiential learning is essential for this role.

Use of AI in applications:

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience and the written elements of your application should accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience.

What we can offer you:

We have a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform which includes a 24/7 online GP.

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives.

About us:

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.