Benefits Business Analyst I or II

Colorado-Public-Employees; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

PERA is seeking a Benefits Business Analyst I or II to lead continuous process improvement within the Benefit Operations division. The role partners with benefits staff, drives enterprise BPI efforts, and manages requirements, UAT, and implementation plans to improve benefit administration systems.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years in benefit administration, business analysis, or related fields, with experience in Lean/Six Sigma and change management principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Information Systems, or equivalent.
• Five years of benefit administration, business analysis, project management, product management, QA, and/or continuous process improvement experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with benefit administration systems, including pension administration systems, workflow management programs, and/or contribution reporting platforms.
• Process improvement utilizing frameworks such as Lean, Six Sigma, etc.

Responsibilities

• Partners with identified benefits department staff to drive continuous process improvement by utilizing and implementing process improvement frameworks.
• Leads enterprise-wide business process improvement (BPI) efforts, mentors the development of BPI practitioners, and oversees the adoption of BPI tools and frameworks.
• Contributes to the development and ongoing maintenance of interfaces and infrastructure of the benefit administration systems.
• Engages with stakeholders to assess business needs, recommends process improvements, enhancements and solutions, leads requirements gathering, and documents business requirements.
• Documents business requirements, test plans, training materials, user stories, and implementation plans to support the successful execution of projects.
• Manages user acceptance testing (UAT) prior to change completion and release to benefits department users.
• Acts as a collaborative change champion to support change management initiatives, using the ADKAR model, and implementation for larger projects directly supported by the Change Management Office (CMO).
• Acts as a change agent to integrate ADKAR philosophy in project plans and delivery for smaller projects not directly supported by the CMO.
• Work cross-functionally with Product Management, Project Management, Change Management, Application Development, consultants, and contractors on broader business initiatives.

Job description

Summary of Job ResponsibilitiesThis position is responsible for driving continuous process improvement within the Benefit Services Division, including the administration of PERA’s defined benefit (DB), defined contribution (DC), 401(k), and 457 plans. The role advances PERA’s strategic goals and reinforces PERA’s dedication to high-value, low-cost service to members, employers, retirees, and plan participants. Additionally, this position is responsible for providing functional support of the benefit systems infrastructure and translating business needs into actionable solutions that enhance and modify current and future benefit administration systems, user interfaces, and business intelligence data utilization within the division.Ideal Candidate StatementThe ideal candidate is an experienced business analyst with a proven track record leading User Acceptance Testing (UAT), driving continuous process improvement, and implementing repeatable, sustainable operational processes. They bring strong analytical skills and experience developing process metrics, KPIs, and reporting that measure performance and support data-driven decision making. This individual excels at documenting requirements, workflows, and business processes while effectively collaborating with both technical teams and business stakeholders to deliver meaningful, measurable improvementsEssential Duties and ResponsibilitiesEmployees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.Partners with identified benefits department staff to drive continuous process improvement by utilizing and implementing process improvement frameworksLeads enterprise-wide business process improvement (BPI) efforts, mentors the development of BPI practitioners, and oversees the adoption of BPI tools and frameworksContributes to the development and ongoing maintenance of interfaces and infrastructure of the benefit administration systemsEngages with stakeholders to assess business needs, recommends process improvements, enhancements and solutions, leads requirements gathering, and documents business requirementsDocuments business requirements, test plans, training materials, user stories, and implementation plans to support the successful execution of projectsManages user acceptance testing (UAT) prior to change completion and release to benefits department usersActs as a collaborative change champion to support change management initiatives, using the ADKAR model, and implementation for larger projects directly supported by the Change Management Office (CMO)Acts as a change agent to integrate ADKAR philosophy in project plans and delivery for smaller projects not directly supported by the CMOWork cross-functionally with Product Management, Project Management, Change Management, Application Development, consultants, and contractors on broader business initiativesIdentifies technical and administrative risks and structures solutions to eliminate or effectively mitigate themIdentifies trends and inefficiencies and recommends improvementsCommunicates effectively with all stakeholders, including technical and benefits staffActively seeks out and participates in training and other educational opportunities for ongoing professional developmentUnderstand PERA benefits plans and terminologyEnsures process documentation is updated regularlySupports and pursues achievement of established objectivesMaintains regular and prompt attendance in the workplaceCarries out other duties as assignedSee Leveling Guide for additional essential functionsJob QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Information Systems, or equivalentFive years of benefit administration, business analysis, project management, product management, quality assurance (QA), and/or continuous process improvement experience; or equivalent combination of education and experienceExperience in one or more of the following areas:Working with benefit administration systems; including pension administration systems, workflow management programs, and/or contribution reporting platformsProcess improvement; utilizing frameworks such as Lean, Six Sigma, etc.Creating and/or maintaining process maps, user stories, business requirement documents, testing plans, or other appropriate documentationExperience working with both non-technical end users and technical development staffExperience with Microsoft Office applicationsExperience with Microsoft Visio or similar process mapping tools preferredExperience with Microsoft Power BI or similar data visualization tools preferredDetail-oriented and quality-focusedEffective interpersonal skills including customer service, training, and conflict management skillsEffective problem resolution, negotiation, and influencing skillsEffective oral, written, and presentation communication skillsEffective time management and organization skillsSee Leveling Guide for additional qualificationsWorking ConditionsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 poundsAll employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industryAbility to sit for prolonged periods of timeAbility to operate standard PC equipmentAbility to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedulesHybrid Work OptionOpportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.LEVELING GUIDEBenefits Business Analyst II and Senior Benefits Business Analyst requirements include those of the preceding level or levels.Benefits Business Analyst IBenefits Business Analyst IIScope and Complexity of WorkPerforms the essential functions listed under the guidance of more senior Benefits Business Analysts and the Benefit Operations ManagerLearns and supports change management principlesRuns standard reportsUnderstands basic PERA benefits plans and terminologyIdentify trends and inefficiencies and recommends improvementsEnsures process documentation is regularly updatedLeads continuous process improvement within the divisionManages and documents business requirements, test plans, training plans, and user stories in support of projectsManages and/or performs user acceptance testing (UAT) of changes prior to completion and release to benefits department usersCommunicates complex information effectively and efficiently with all stakeholders, including technical staff, benefits department staff, and organizational leadership Applies change management in small to mid-size initiativesDevelops dashboards to monitor KPI’s and project progress or process efficienciesEducationA combination of education and experience equivalent to 5 years of benefit administration, business analysis, project management, product management, quality assurance, and/or continuous process improvement.A combination of education and experience equivalent to 7 years of benefit administration, business analysis, project management, product management, quality assurance, and/or continuous process improvement.Required EducationBachelor's DegreeBachelor's DegreeLeadershipVisibly supports BSD and PERA in pursuit of established objectivesShares Best PracticesParticipates in training and mentoring of developing Benefits Business Analysts.Leads project teams to support team and divisional goals and objectives.Leads and mentors Business Process Improvement (BPI) practitionersKnowledgeExperience in one of the following areas:Working with benefit administration systems, including pension administration systems, workflow management programs, and/or contribution reporting platformsProcess improvement utilizing frameworks such as Lean, Six Sigma, etc.Creating and/or maintaining process maps, user stories, business requirement documents, testing plans, or other appropriate documentationDemonstrated experience in one of the following areas:Driving positive customer outcomes by application of value stream maps, voice of the customer, or other customer-centric frameworks in continuous process improvement strategiesCreating and/or maintaining process maps, user stories, business requirement documents, testing plans, or other appropriate documentationSkillsStrong commitment to quality and attention to detailEffective interpersonal skills; including customer service, training, and conflict management skillsEffective problem resolution, negotiation, and influencing skillsEffective oral, written, and presentation communication skillsEffective time management and organization skillsStrong interpersonal skills; including customer service, training, and conflict management skillsStrong problem resolution, negotiation, and influencing skillsStrong oral, written, and presentation communication skillsStrong time management and organization skillsExperience with Microsoft Visio or similar diagramming/visualization softwareAbility to identify and frame business problems, coordinate with stakeholders, and develop actionable solutions that align with broader organizational goalsPreferred QualificationsExposure to Lean Six Sigma principlesGreen Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma continuous improvementProsci or equivalent change management certificationINTERESTED CANDIDATESComplete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload. Please review the following questions. You will be asked for a response to these as part of your application:What do you feel makes someone a successful business analyst? Could you please point to an example in your work where you were “successful” based on your criteria?Tell us about a time you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment.With this position, we are prioritizing demonstrated experience in process improvement. Please provide us with some detail of your background in this area, including highlighting any belts or designations you currently hold.Job Description DisclaimerThis job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading. You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.Why Work at PERAColorado PERA offers more than a traditional pension career. We are a mission-driven organization with a growing focus on technology and modernization. Employees have the opportunity to do meaningful work with a real impact on over 700,000 members. From enhancing digital tools and member experiences to supporting major enterprise initiatives, employees are part of meaningful, future-focused work that blends public service with innovation. We take pride in our inclusive culture, career development opportunities, and our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback. PERA is a place to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.A Culture That CaresAt PERA, leveraging employee strengths and supporting strong engagement are the foundations of our culture. Employees are encouraged to grow through development opportunities and internal career movement, while also being part of an organization where people feel respected, informed, and included. Collaboration is encouraged across teams, allowing employees to learn from one another and contribute in ways that maximize their unique skills. We strive to foster an environment where employees can do their best work and feel supported by the people around themAn Employer that Invests in YouPERA invests in our employees in ways that matter; from comprehensive benefits and generous paid time-off to thoughtful everyday amenities that enhance the office experience. Employees are encouraged to continue learning through training, mentoring, and development at every stage of their careers. We champion a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow.Join UsIf you’re energized by meaningful work, motivated by an organization that evolves with a changing world and looking for an employer that invests in you, then consider joining PERA’s team. Learn more about careers at PERA at copera.org/careers.Position Title: Benefits Business Analyst I or IIDivision: Benefit OperationsReports to: Benefits Operations ManagerJob Status: Full Time / ExemptSalary: $75,000.00 - $102.000.00 annual, commensurate with experiencePosting Dates: 09/18/2026 to 10/04/2026