At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead business analysis for a transformative digital programme in health research.
- Company: Join the Health Research Authority, driving change in the UK research landscape.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and mentoring junior colleagues.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of digital transformation, shaping the future of health research.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex programmes and strong Agile delivery skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Business Analyst who thrives in complex environments, enjoys solving difficult problems, and can confidently lead others through change and uncertainty? The Health Research Authority (HRA) is delivering an ambitious digital transformation programme that will reshape how health and care research is supported across the UK. We’re looking for an exceptional Lead Business Analyst to help drive this transformation and lead our Business Analysis capability. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in developing products and services that support researchers, NHS organisations, regulators, universities and industry partners, ultimately helping to improve the UK research landscape.
The role involves setting the direction for business analysis in the digital transformation programme. You'll work across organisational boundaries, build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and lead a team of Business Analysts delivering meaningful change. This role requires someone who is equally comfortable operating at a strategic level and getting involved in the detail when needed. You'll help shape priorities, influence decision‑making, and ensure solutions deliver value for users and the organisation.
Main duties of the job:
- Leading business analysis across large, complex programmes delivering digital services
- Managing, coaching and developing Senior Business Analysts and Business Analysts
- Working closely with Product, Subject Matter Experts, User‑Centred Design and Technical teams in an Agile environment
- Building trusted relationships with stakeholders
- Facilitating discovery, requirements definition, process modelling and improvement
- Acting as a recognised expert and advocate for business analysis best practice
Who we’re looking for:
We’re particularly interested in people who bring both technical excellence and strong leadership skills. You’ll have:
- Significant experience leading business analysis across complex programmes, portfolios or large‑scale digital transformations
- Experience working in an environment with competing priorities and changing demands
- Experience leading, mentoring and developing Business Analysts and high‑performing teams
- Strong Agile delivery experience and an ability to adapt methods and approaches to suit the situation
What will make you stand out?
We’re looking for a leader who remains calm and effective when priorities change. Our environment is dynamic, and the most successful candidate will be someone who:
- Thrives in ambiguity rather than being discouraged by it
- Demonstrates resilience when programmes evolve or strategic decisions change direction
- Helps teams stay focused, motivated and outcome‑driven when plans need to adapt
Qualifications:
- Professional qualification at master’s level in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Recognised business analyst certification (either BCS Foundation / Practitioner or IIBA CCBA/CBAP certifications)
- Recognised certification in Agile (for example Scrum Alliance)
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise:
- Demonstrable expertise of working in data, software, and technology solutions to make informed decisions that add value, efficiency and solve a problem
- Demonstrable expertise of implementation and evaluation of business analysis processes
- Managing and/or working with third‑party suppliers and multiple internal and external business and IT stakeholders with management of relationships across different levels of seniority
- Understanding of Microsoft development software
Experience:
- Large portfolio of experience demonstrating successful working at a lead business analyst level supporting the entire projects, programmes and development lifecycle
- Experience of line management
- Experience of coaching/mentoring, and supporting junior colleagues and apprentices
- Experience of working in NHS and/or health research
Analytical and Judgemental Skills:
- Demonstrable experience of analytical and creative thinking skills to analyse complex business problems and develop innovative, sustainable solutions
Interpersonal skills:
- Lead on communication with stakeholders at all levels and actively establish relationships and apply the benefits of professional networks
Full‑time, Home or remote working, Compressed hours
Lead Business Analyst in Nottingham employer: Health Research Authority
The Health Research Authority is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional development and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those passionate about user research and design. With the flexibility of remote work combined with opportunities to collaborate in the office, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values their contributions and fosters growth. Located in Newcastle, the organisation offers a unique chance to impact digital services in health, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of service design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Business Analyst in Nottingham
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like Health Research Authority!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Business Analyst in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Health Research Authority, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Health Research Authority
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with Health Research Authority’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
