SUMMARY: The Business Analyst (BA) researches and analyzes technical knowledge for software products, projects and services using problem solving, analytical, and communication skills to identify and translate business needs into functional specifications. Evaluation of current state, desired state and assessment of gaps is needed to determine the best methods to complete scope and define requirements for development. This agile researcher works with stakeholders, developers, business leaders and users to understand how data-driven changes to process, products, services, software and hardware can improve efficiencies and add value.
PROFILE:
- Researches, reviews and analyzes the effectiveness and efficiency of existing processes and develops strategies for enhancing or further leveraging these processes. Collaborates with stakeholders to modify and/or tailor existing analysis to meet specific needs.
- Evaluation of current state, desired state and assessment of gaps to determine the best methods to complete scope and define requirements for development.
- Works with the business lead(s) to gather initial intake on requests to include identifying business needs, objectives, and improvement opportunities to identify current business processes/practices that may hinder the success and delivery of value.
- Performs the initial vision and estimation of the product or project, identifies resource requirements, documents business requirements, and identifies and quantifies the impact to the business.
- Identifies stakeholders/departments impacted cost, goals/benefits and calculates ROI/CBA.
- Works constructively with Project Managers, Team Leads/Sponsors, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), designers, software developers, quality assurance specialists, domain management and respective IT Business Partners.
- Facilitates problem identification/solving and decision-making.
- Initiates and participates in any meetings needed to ensure the plan is meeting objectives in the charter.
- Actively participates in project activities, such as business case development and requirements elicitation. Assists with the completion of the Project Charter and performs Project Risk Assessment.
- Works with the project sponsor/business SME to evaluate the existing environment in order to identify the gaps that impede the business to reach the desired results.
- Develops action plans to solve problems and take advantage of improvement opportunities.
- Manages “Completion” and “Follow-up” phases of projects to ensure and document proper handoffs of ongoing responsibilities. Confirms project objectives were met, confirms/revises expected benefits/ROI, and identifies the specific date for follow-up on projected benefits.
Required Skills
- Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills including technical writing skills.
- Working knowledge of basic project management process and disciplines.
- Understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle and Agile Scrum software development methodologies.
- Strong analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to extensively analyze business processes and workflows.
- Strong diagraming and wireframing ability.
- Creative design sense and understanding of aesthetics.
- Ability to recognize and identify project risk(s).
- Strong business/client engagement skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage project tasks within assigned projects to successful completion.
- Must be able to work with people in such a manner so as to build high morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
- Must be patience and empathetic, working with different character types and personalities to gather quality information.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, and also be able to build a team.
- Proficient in MS Office products (Excel, Word, Project, and Visio or related process mapping tools) as well visualization software (Adobe Creative Suite or web-based solutions).
- Solid interpersonal skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Detail oriented, analytical and inquisitive, with the ability to work independently and with others.
Required Experience
- Reports directly to the Manager, Digital Delivery.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or related technical field; or an advanced degree; or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of associated experience.
- Strong experience in user testing and project management. Agile development methodology experience a plus.
- Experience in analyzing data to draw business-relevant conclusions and communication using data visualization techniques and tools.