Role Purpose:
Reporting to the Business Systems Manager as part of the Programmes team, the Business Analyst is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve business processes, systems and ways of working across Chess. Working closely with stakeholders from engineering, operations and programmes and supporting functions, the role will gather and analyse business requirements, support change initiatives and help deliver solutions that improve efficiency, quality and business performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Engage with stakeholders to understand business challenges, objectives and requirements
- Analyse current business processes and identify opportunities for improvement
- Gather, documentation and validate business and functional requirements
- Interrogate business Systems to produce dashboards and reports
- Produce process maps, business cases and supporting documentation
- Work collaboratively with engineering, operations, finance, IT and other departments to design effective solutions
- Support business change projects from concept through to implementation
- Facilitate workshops, meetings and stakeholder reviews
- Monitor project progress, risks and dependencies, escalating issues where appropriate
- Assist with user acceptance testing (UAT) of internal systems, training and implementation activities
- Develop reports and analyse data to provide meaningful business insights and support decision-making
- Promote continuous improvement and encourage best practice across the business
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a Business Analyst or similar analytical role
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience gathering and documenting business requirements
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to interpret and analyse data to support recommendations
- Experience mapping business processes and identifying improvements
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint
Desirable
- Experience within an engineering, manufacturing or defence environment
- Knowledge of project management methodologies
- Professional Business Analysis qualification (e.g. BCS, IIBA) is desirable but not essential
- Experience with ERP, MRP or other enterprise business systems
- Understanding of Lean, Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience using process mapping and business analysis tools such as Visio, Power BI or Jira
Personal Attributes
- Be naturally curious and driven to understand how the business operates
- Build strong relationships across all levels of the organisation
- Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Take a proactive approach to identifying and delivering improvements
- Be adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment
- Demonstrate attention to detail while maintaining a focus on the wider business objectives
- Demonstrates our company values of Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Courage
Work life balance:
- 37.5 hour working week
- Lunchtime finishes on a Friday
- Hybrid / flexible working arrangements
- 28 days annual leave
- Christmas closure
- Holiday purchasing scheme
Benefits:
- Group pension plan – matched contributions up to 5%
- Income protection scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme gives you and your family access to 4 key services including remote GP service, second opinion, mental health pathway service and physiotherapy consultations
- Health cash plan
- Life assurance policy, including bereavement counselling and probate helpline
- Company shares incentive plan and save as you earn scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Wellbeing initiatives, including access to wellbeing app and the addition of mental health support for all employees. Plus, regular activities across our sites to support and promote wellbeing
- Regular sports and social activities
- Gym membership discounts
- Reward platform (high street discounts, employee benefits, health, and wellbeing offerings).
- Recruitment referral bonus scheme
- Excellent learning & development opportunities
Security Clearance Requirements:
Due to the nature of our business, our staff need to be able to obtain UK Security Clearance as a mandated requirement. Therefore, if successful, you will need to provide proof of identity, employment history and right to work in the UK, along with proof of UK residency for at least five years.
Business Analyst in Horsham employer: Chess Dynamics
Chess Dynamics is an exceptional employer located in Horsham, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the defence technology sector. Employees benefit from continuous professional development opportunities and are encouraged to contribute to cutting-edge projects that have a global impact. Join us to be part of a team that values engineering excellence and teamwork, making a meaningful difference in critical systems worldwide.
