Senior Associate, Business Operations Analysis

Sallie Mae Bank; New Castle (DE); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salaries

Bonus incentives

Generous PTO and holidays

401k with employer match

Health insurance

Flexible hybrid working arrangements

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Sallie Mae is seeking a Senior Associate, Business Operations Analysis to drive operational performance through data analytics and process improvements. You will partner with the Manager of Business Operations and cross-functional teams to analyze performance, identify trends, and support strategic decision-making across the organization.

You will develop dashboards, reports, and KPIs, applying automation and AI where applicable to streamline operations and reduce manual effort.

Qualifications

• Strong SQL, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational data and metrics to identify trends and opportunities
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards, reports, and KPIs
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement data-driven process improvements
• Support forecasting, capacity planning, and reporting activities
• Create and maintain SOPs and process documentation
• Prepare analyses and presentations for leadership

Skills

SQL

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management software

Job description

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big. Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way. We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other. This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work. Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more. We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking "why not?" when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills. Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.

What You’ll Contribute

The Senior Associate, Business Operations Analysis will support the Business Operations team by leveraging data, analytics, and process improvement methodologies to drive operational effectiveness. This role will partner closely with the Manager of Business Operations and cross-functional stakeholders to analyze business performance, identify trends and opportunities, improve processes, and support strategic decision-making across the organization.

What You’ll Do

• Analyze operational data and business metrics to identify trends, risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize SQL and other analytical tools to extract, validate, and interpret data, translating findings into actionable business insights.
• Develop and maintain operational dashboards, reports, and performance metrics to support business decision-making.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to evaluate business processes and recommend data-driven solutions that improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Assist in the development and implementation of operational strategies, process enhancements, and workflow optimization initiatives.
• Explore and apply automation, AI, and technology solutions to streamline operations and reduce manual effort.
• Support root cause analysis and problem-solving efforts related to operational challenges and performance gaps.
• Contribute to forecasting, capacity planning, and operational reporting activities as needed.
• Create and maintain operational documentation, process maps, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and reporting methodologies.
• Prepare presentations and analytical summaries that communicate key findings, recommendations, and business impacts to leadership.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job; it is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this role.

What You Have Minimum

• Strong SQL, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and analyze data to identify operational trends and opportunities
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in using business software and tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite and project management software
• Knowledge of operational processes and best practices
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong team player with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow
• Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field

Preferred

• 3+ years of experience in Data Analytics, Business Administration, or a related field

The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination by employers, in compensation and employment opportunities, against qualified individuals with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the “essential functions” of a job. A function may be essential for any of several reasons, including: the job exists to perform that function, the employee holding the job was hired for his/her expertise in performing the function, or only a limited number of employees are available to perform that function.

Feeling your best helps you do your best: Our benefits take care of the whole you—so you can build your work around your life (not the other way around!).

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more
• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs
• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware)
• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives
• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs
• Career development and training opportunities

Sallie Mae is proud to be an equal opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, gender identity, disability, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Click here to view the U.S. Pay Transparency Policy, here for federal job applicant notices, and here to view the California Employee Privacy Notice. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please call [phone] and choose option 9. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

When you join Sallie Mae, you become a champion for all students. We’re on a mission to power confidence as students begin their unique journey. To help them plan their higher education, successfully finish, and prepare for life after school. To help them Start smart. Learn big. Students need guidance navigating this important time in their life. They need someone who acknowledges that their education path is unique. They need a partner willing to evolve and not only meet but surpass their expectations. We’re changing. Because students need a better way. We’re looking for people who are excited to drive this transformation. To break barriers and think of new ways to adapt, help, and create better experiences for students—and for each other. This is where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives matter. It’s where you’re empowered to bring your authentic self to work. Feeling your best allows you to do your best. Our benefits take care of the whole you—from physical and mental to financial and professional. You’ll get opportunities to further your education and career, support for you and your family (including your pets!), paid time off to volunteer for the things that matter to you, and more. We’re obsessed with impact and making a real difference. For us, that means putting relationships first, asking "why not?" when tackling challenges, and continuously learning new skills. Come do more than join something, change something. For students, for future generations, for the future of education.