Business Analyst (M&A Projects) in Glasgow

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving real transformation change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals.

To support significant M&A and Integration projects across a range of domain sectors, this ongoing contract opportunity will provide strategic business analysis services to business partners, ensuring technology is deployed effectively to support the work of the organization, challenging conventional wisdom, uncovering root causes of problems and defining the changes that will accrue real business benefits. Assuring the delivery of business benefits and preventing unwise investments in the wrong solutions and effectively manage the delivery of low and medium risk projects.

• Act as expertise holder for quality assurance and business analysis processes and best practices.
• Continuously evolve and refine related business and operational processes to optimize quality, timeliness, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with colleagues across all disciplines and functions to identify opportunities to solve business problems and improve business performance through application of IT and IM solutions or through adoption of new technology.
• Frame solutions in terms of costs, benefits and implementation specifics. Obtain stakeholder buy-in and initiate projects to deliver solutions.
• Perform business process workflow modelling to define as-is and to-be processes, identifying process pain points to be addressed. Develop solution specifications and define changes to processes, organization and technology.
• Oversee delivery of projects, working with project managers, vendors, subject matter experts and other stakeholders, to ensure solutions are delivered as specified and in line with agreed costs and timescales.
• Ensure delivered solutions are embedded into the business and benefits are achieved as planned.
• Present a professional approach in stakeholder communications in order to build strong relationships.
• Utilise strong influencing and negotiation skills, involving interaction and co-operation with business and IT colleagues, to agree solutions which satisfy business needs and are sufficiently sustainable, secure and cost effective.

Requirements

• Proven experience delivering business analysis within complex transformation or M&A / integration programmes.
• Strong track record of identifying business problems, root cause analysis, and defining practical, value-driven solutions.
• Demonstrable experience in business process modelling (As-Is / To-Be), workflow analysis, and process optimisation.
• Experience working across cross-functional teams (business, IT, vendors, and senior stakeholders) in matrix environments.
• Ability to translate business requirements into clear solution specifications, covering people, process, and technology changes.
• Proven capability in benefits realisation, including defining, tracking, and ensuring delivery of measurable business outcomes.
• Experience supporting or overseeing delivery of low to medium risk projects, ensuring timelines, costs, and quality are achieved.
• Strong understanding of IT / IM solutions and emerging technologies, and their application to improve business performance.
• Demonstrated ability to challenge assumptions, influence decision-making, and prevent inefficient or unnecessary investments.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and securing buy-in at all levels.
• Experience applying business analysis best practice, governance, and quality assurance standards.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly and professionally.
• Experience working in fast-paced, evolving environments, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Benefits

This opportunity is offered on a contract basis and can operate Outside IR35 or on a PAYE basis. There will also be the option of a permanent staff role for suitably qualified and experienced candidates.

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package:

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.
• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.
• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us. If we can do anything to help make the hiring process more accessible, please let our talent acquisition team know when you apply so we can support any adjustments.