At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse business problems and propose innovative solutions in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Northstone, the leading manufacturer of building materials in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, paid holidays, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a two-year graduate programme starting September 2026.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and mentorship from industry leaders.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree in Business Management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Northstone is the leading manufacturer and supplier of building materials in Northern Ireland. We are dedicated to providing unrivalled product quality, reliability, innovation, choice, sustainability and customer satisfaction. We are committed to developing the early careers sector and offer graduates the opportunity to develop their expertise in a dynamic environment of mentorship, real-world challenges and growth opportunities. Graduates will take part in our two-year graduate development programme to develop technical, interpersonal, commercial and management skills. Northstone’s 2026 Graduate Programme will commence at the beginning of September 2026.
What we offer:
- Hands-on experience in a real-world business operation.
- Engagement in a Professional Diploma in Leadership and Competence with the IBEC Academy, accredited by TU Dublin.
- One-on-one Mentorship Programme with senior leaders.
- Opportunity to develop technical and operational skills.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Analyse business problems: Research and assess how a business operates, considering people, processes, and technology to identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement.
- Gather requirements: Interview stakeholders, conduct workshops, and use other techniques to understand and document business needs.
- Propose solutions: Develop and present recommendations for improvements, detailing the potential costs, benefits, and risks of proposed changes.
- Document processes: Create clear and detailed documentation of current and future business processes.
- Support implementation: Assist with the transition to new solutions by overseeing testing, conducting quality checks, and supporting staff through the change.
- Communicate with stakeholders: Act as a key point of contact across departments, presenting findings and ensuring solutions meet business objectives.
- Develop and implement Lean Manufacturing methodologies: Assist operations and logistics in continuous improvement.
Candidates should possess:
- A relevant third-level qualification in Business Management or similar qualification.
- Team player with a positive attitude.
- A clean driving licence.
- Proactive, organised, results-driven and self-motivated.
- An ability to operate to strict timelines/deadlines in order to produce results.
- Analytical skills: The ability to break down complex problems, analyse data, and identify trends.
- Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to clearly explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Problem-solving: Finding and recommending effective solutions to business challenges.
- Technical proficiency: Competence with tools like the Microsoft Office Suite and specific analysis or process modelling software.
- Interpersonal skills: Building relationships and influencing others to collaborate on acceptable solutions.
- Documentation skills: The ability to produce clear, detailed, and accurate reports and documents.
Benefits:
- Competitive Salary
- Pension Scheme with Employer contribution
- Paid Holidays (34 days)
- Training & Development Opportunities
- Mentoring support
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
- Family Friendly Policies
Applications in writing or by email, including CV, to
Graduate Business Analyst in Newtownabbey employer: Northstone Materials
Join our team as a Block Production Operative in Ballymena, where we prioritise a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters employee growth and development. With comprehensive training provided, competitive benefits including a Health Cash Plan, generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to equality and diversity, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our success. Experience a rewarding career in a dynamic environment that encourages collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Business Analyst in Newtownabbey
✨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 Northstone Materials!
✨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 Graduate Business Analyst in Newtownabbey
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 Northstone Materials, 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 Northstone Materials
✨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 Northstone Materials’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.
