Business Analyst in Sheffield

Main duties and responsibilities include designing and delivering business process improvements that support the University's strategic goals for professional and operational services across the organisation. Develop and adapt frameworks that focus on:

• Customer Value – prioritising the needs of prospective students, students, and academics.
• Efficiency – enhancing clarity in task ownership and minimising duplicated activity.
• One University – fostering the adoption of common processes and practices.

Facilitate targeted initiatives for business process improvement and service design within projects, guiding and facilitating the collection, documentation, and validation of top-tier business processes, requirements, and service designs. Assess the current state, pinpoint gaps and non‑value‑added elements, and motivate stakeholders to actively participate in identifying and advocating for process improvements. Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to:

• Define and align on the appropriate scope of work.
• Document and model the relationships between people, capabilities and processes.
• Identify gaps in capabilities, overlaps, departmental touchpoints and potential opportunities for enhancement.
• Propose and support the implementation of streamlined and more efficient ways of working, all within the context of continuous improvement throughout the University.

Conduct comprehensive analysis, research and evaluation of documented business services, processes and key metrics. Engage in the collection, interpretation and analysis of data sets, presenting findings to validate current‑state issues and uncover opportunities for improvement. Actively establish relationships and apply the benefits of professional networks. Lead, influence and provide support to stakeholders in overcoming challenges that could hinder successful project/initiative delivery. Facilitate buy‑in and understanding to encourage colleagues across the organisation to actively engage and, where applicable, embrace new approaches to work. Work with minimum supervision, accurately and consistently to high standards, reacting quickly to changing demands and handling different high‑priority tasks at any one time. Plan the delivery of tasks for the work you are assigned to, track and report on progress of work to completion within given deadlines. Navigate and understand the complexities of the organisation, leveraging your knowledge, skills and experience to make informed decisions and drive positive outcomes for the university. Engage proactively in the Business Analysis Community of Practice, actively sharing insights, recognising areas for enhancement and fostering continuous self‑improvement. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification includes proven experience of designing services/process improvements across an organisation that have delivered tangible business benefits. Proven expertise in business process modelling, re‑engineering, customer journey mapping and value stream mapping. Demonstrated success in delivering innovative design approaches. Proven ability to collect data, analyse and constructively challenge existing business models and processes, and to analyse, interpret and report on data. Ability to navigate matrix organisations and collaborate within a complex stakeholder landscape. Exceptional facilitation, negotiation, influence and problem‑solving acumen, demonstrating confidence to appropriately question established work practices and effectively drive the enhancement of future services, processes and methods of operation. A skilled communicator proficient in conveying information seamlessly at both strategic and detailed levels. Capable of presenting complex information in easily digestible formats for diverse audiences. Ability to work on several projects at the same time and comfortable adjusting to evolving project demands and varying environments. Demonstrated ability to plan assigned tasks, monitor progress and provide comprehensive reports/updates on the status of work until successful completion within specified deadlines. Commitment to staying abreast of industry trends and best practices. Dedication to continuous professional development. Lean training and Six Sigma (Green belt certified or above) is desirable.

Further Information: Grade: 7 Salary: £37,999 – £46,485 Work arrangement: Full‑time – Open‑ended – Hybrid – Flexible options considered Line manager: Business Analyst Operations Manager.

What we offer includes a minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro‑rata) with the ability to purchase more, flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles, a generous pension scheme, a wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel, variety of staff networks providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development, recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role, commitment to development with access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework, and family‑friendly policies.

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.