Business Systems Specialist (Contract)

Ryan Specialty; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ryan Specialty is seeking a Business Systems Specialist (Contractor) to lead complex initiatives in Premium Accounting. You will act as a subject matter expert for processes, systems, and data flows, delivering end-to-end analysis and solutions with a high degree of autonomy.

You will leverage AI tools to enhance analysis, documentation, and testing, while mentoring analysts and collaborating with business and technology leaders to drive scalable improvements across systems and processes.

Qualifications

• 7–9 years of experience in business systems analysis or related field.
• Experience leading complex, multi-system or cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong exposure to financial, accounting, insurance, or transaction-based systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis and definition of complex business and system requirements for cross-functional initiatives.
• Translate business needs into functional designs, user stories, acceptance criteria, process flows, and data requirements.
• Own requirements and design artifacts throughout the SDLC, ensuring traceability and alignment.
• Lead UAT strategy and execution for complex initiatives, including test planning and defect triage.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior analysts; develop high-quality documentation and training materials.

Skills

Business analysis

Functional design

SDLC ownership

Data analysis

AI proficiency

Stakeholder influence

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

CBAP/CCBA/PMI-PMP certification preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Business Systems Specialist (Contractor) is a senior individual contributor responsible for leading complex business systems initiatives that support Premium Accounting operations. This role serves as a subject matter expert for business processes, systems, and data flows, and is accountable for end to end analysis, solution definition, and delivery outcomes for high impact initiatives. The Business Systems Specialist operates with a high degree of autonomy, partners closely with business and technology leaders, and applies advanced analytical and artificial intelligence tools to improve scalability, efficiency, and insight across systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the analysis and definition of complex business and system requirements for cross‑functional initiatives, integrations, and enhancements impacting Premium Accounting.
• Translate business needs into comprehensive functional designs, user stories, acceptance criteria, process flows, and data requirements that support scalable and sustainable solutions.
• Own requirements and functional design artifacts throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ensuring traceability, clarity, and alignment from discovery through implementation and stabilization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business and technology partners on system capabilities, constraints, trade‑offs, and solution options.
• Analyze system performance, data flows, and operational workflows to identify root causes, risks, and opportunities for automation, standardization, and efficiency improvement.
• Lead User Acceptance Testing (UAT) strategy and execution for complex initiatives, including test planning, coordination, defect triage, and validation of outcomes.
• Leverage artificial intelligence tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot and approved GenAI platforms) to enhance analysis, accelerate documentation, support testing, identify patterns, and surface insights.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and system capabilities relevant to business systems analysis, providing informed recommendations aligned to business objectives.
• Establish and promote best practices for business systems analysis, documentation, and testing within the team or functional area.
• Mentor and provide informal guidance to Business Systems Analysts and Senior Analysts through review of work products and knowledge sharing.
• Develop and maintain high‑quality documentation, training materials, and knowledge resources to support adoption, operational readiness, and ongoing support.

Core Skills & Proficiencies

• Advanced business and systems analysis
• Functional solution design and documentation
• SDLC ownership and UAT leadership
• Data analysis and process optimization
• Stakeholder influence without authority
• Applied AI proficiency for analysis, documentation, testing support, and insight generation
• Strong judgment, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capability

Experience

• Typically 7–9 years of experience in business systems analysis, business analysis, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi‑system or cross‑functional initiatives.
• Strong exposure to financial, accounting, insurance, or transaction‑based operational systems preferred.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Business, Information Systems, Information Technology, or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA), Project Management Professional (PMP), or other relevant certifications strongly preferred.

Ryan Specialty is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce throughout the organization. Our vision is an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees are valued for and evaluated on their performance and contributions. Differences in race, creed, color, religious beliefs, physical or mental capabilities, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation and many other characteristics bring together varied perspectives and add value to the service we provide our clients, trading partners, and communities. This policy extends to all aspects of our employment practices, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, discipline, firing, promoting, transferring, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, and other terms, conditions, and benefits of employment.

How We Support Our Teammates

Ryan Specialty seeks to offer our employees a comprehensive and best‑in‑class benefits package that helps them — and their family members — achieve their physical, financial, and emotional well‑being goals. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, sick and personal days, Ryan offers paid parental leave, mental health services and more.

The target salary range for this position is - annually.

The wage range for this role considers many factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, and market demands. The pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Full‑time roles are eligible for bonuses and benefits. For additional information on Ryan Specialty Total Rewards, visit our website https://benefits.ryansg.com/.

We provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable law. Please contact us to request an accommodation at [e-mail].

The above is intended to describe this job's general requirements. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.