Principal Business Analyst
Principal Business Analyst

Principal Business Analyst

Slough Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead transformative projects, enhancing guest experiences and operational models at wagamama.
  • Company: Join wagamama, a vibrant Asian-inspired restaurant chain with over 165 locations across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 20% bonus, flexible hybrid work, and a £200 monthly food allowance.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of dining while enjoying a supportive culture.
  • Qualifications: Must have significant experience in business transformation and senior-level analysis.
  • Other info: Work closely with executives and spend time in restaurants to connect with teams and guests.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

london 📍 | hybrid 3 days a week | competitive salary + 20% bonus |

at wagamama, food is life 🥢 and we’re here to make every bite count. with over 165 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) we’ve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since ‘92. it’s all about good food, good vibes, and good company 🍜🔥

were looking for a principal ba to join us on our journey 🌱 ready to dive in and stir things up?

what we need |

this isn’t a back-office analyst role delivering traditional requirements. it’s a principal-level position; senior, visible + influential. you’ll work directly with the exec and business teams to solve complex problems, re-architect our operating models, deliver business + technology transformation and design + deliver change that shapes the wagamama of tomorrow

we’re building a small, senior team of problem solvers. you won’t be lost in layers of governance; you’ll have the freedom, visibility + influence to make things happen. your work will touch every part of the business, from the guest experience to the way we run our kitchens.

and because this is wagamama, you won’t just be in the office. you’ll spend time in our restaurants, staying connected to our teams + the guests who make us who we are.

what you’ll do |

  • act as the trusted, accountable business analyst spearheading one or more of our large-scale programmes of change, flexing between strategic oversight to hands on delivery
  • influence our target operating model, setting the blueprint for how wagamama scales and grows strategically.
  • re-engineer guest journeys, making every interaction (in-restaurant + digital) friction free, meaningful + true to our brand.
  • lead structured problem-solving, cutting through ambiguity to design pragmatic, lasting solutions.
  • prove + deliver transformation, driving fast-paced proofs of concept, then staying hands-on through delivery + value realisation.
  • map value chains + capabilities, ensuring our investments + decisions directly enable growth + guest experience.
  • bridge strategy + technology, ensuring systems are business enablers, not constraints

what you’ll need |

this role needs someone who has already operated at principal / very senior lead analysis level. someone who can inspire confidence at the exec table, while rolling up their sleeves when detail matters.

  • significant, demonstrable experience in business transformation, strategic operations or senior level business analysis and/or enterprise architecture.
  • track record leading business analysis on large, cross-functional change programmes end-to-end (not just technology but business change also)
  • deep experience in operating model design, process reengineering + customer/guest experience transformation.
  • strong commercial + operational acumen, with advanced problem-solving + options analysis skills.
  • background in multi-site, consumer-facing industries (hospitality, retail, leisure).
  • ideally with experience in consulting, internal strategy teams, or transformation offices.

who you’ll be working with |

  • head of ba
  • director of change

what’s in it for you |

  • competitive salary + 20% bonus potential
  • flexible hybrid working (with option to work + eat from one of our restaurants!)
  • come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
  • £200 monthly wagamama food allowance — enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
  • private healthcare
  • 3% pension contribution
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure — perks that make life sweeter
  • Supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents

nothing brings people together like great food. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our table | because food is the ultimate connector, and here everyone belongs

Principal Business Analyst employer: Wagamama

Wagamama is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where every team member has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the business. With a competitive salary, generous bonuses, and a unique £200 monthly food allowance, employees enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in a hybrid setting that encourages collaboration and creativity. The company prioritises personal growth and development, offering extensive support for career advancement while fostering a family-friendly environment that celebrates diversity and connection through food.
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Contact Detail:

Wagamama Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Business Analyst

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with wagamama's brand and values. Understanding their approach to food, guest experience, and company culture will help you align your insights and suggestions with their vision during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of wagamama. Engaging with them can provide you with insider knowledge about the company’s operations and challenges, which you can leverage in discussions with the hiring team.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past experiences in business transformation and operating model design. Be ready to demonstrate how your strategic insights have led to tangible results in previous roles.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing case studies or scenarios relevant to the hospitality industry. This will illustrate your ability to tackle complex issues and deliver effective solutions that resonate with wagamama's goals.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Business Analyst

Business Transformation
Strategic Operations
Enterprise Architecture
Cross-Functional Change Management
Operating Model Design
Process Reengineering
Customer Experience Transformation
Advanced Problem-Solving
Options Analysis
Commercial Acumen
Operational Acumen
Stakeholder Engagement
Agile Methodologies
Data-Driven Decision Making
Leadership Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Business Analyst position at Wagamama. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your significant experience in business transformation and senior-level analysis. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead large-scale change programmes and influence at the executive level.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Highlight your problem-solving skills and your experience in re-engineering guest journeys, making sure to connect your background to Wagamama's mission and values.

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in multi-site, consumer-facing industries. Emphasise your operational acumen and any experience you have in consulting or transformation offices, as these are key for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wagamama

Understand the Company Culture

Wagamama prides itself on a vibrant and inclusive culture. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they relate to food, teamwork, and guest experience. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

As a Principal Business Analyst, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to tackle complex problems. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led change or re-engineered processes, highlighting your strategic oversight and hands-on delivery.

Connect with the Guest Experience

Since this role involves enhancing guest journeys, think about how your previous work has impacted customer experiences. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented that improved satisfaction and engagement.

Prepare for Executive-Level Discussions

You'll be working closely with executives, so practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you can inspire confidence at the exec table while also being detail-oriented when necessary.

Principal Business Analyst
Wagamama

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