Senior Business Analyst

Working at the Cumberland, you become part of something special. We're a Mutual organisation, committed to improving the lives of our colleagues, customers, and community. Our values are incredibly important to us.

We're on an exciting transformational journey with our people firmly at the forefront of our plans. If you want to work for a team integral in helping to drive cultural change, a team where you can bring your whole self to work bringing your energy and creativity to make a positive difference, then this is the job for you.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Business Analyst to lead business analysis activity and support the delivery of our change demands.

This role will be a fixed term contract for a period of 12 months.

The role will be working on a hybrid basis so you could be based anywhere but would be expected to travel to the Head Office in Carlisle twice per month on average.

The Benefits

• Salary - up to £60,000 p.a. - depending on skills and experience.
• Holidays - 25 days holiday plus public holidays and the opportunity to buy and sell up to 2 days.
• Learning and Development opportunities - We want you to grow in your role. We'll work together to support your personal and professional development.
• Hybrid Working - the tools and equipment you need to be able to work from home when you need to, depending on your role.
• Health and Wellbeing - a calendar of events and activities throughout the year, Mental Health & Wellbeing champions, and Cycle to Work scheme plus a personal wellbeing day.
• Community Day - We offer our people an extra paid day off every year to help local charities and community organisations.

The Role

Main responsibilities include:

To identify and clearly document business requirements for complex situations

Engage with the stakeholders and relevant Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to identify, prioritise and strategically shape the business requirements.

Analyse and document current processes, workflows and information exchanges, challenging the stakeholders/SMEs where necessary, to seek opportunity to improve processes, to ensure maximum benefits and customer experience can be realised.

To produce detailed options analysis with a considered recommendation to the Business

Document clearly the options available for complex situations, including consideration of the benefits, risks, issues and costs associated with each to allow the business to make an informed decision.

To deliver agreed business requirements

Successful delivery of business requirements in complex situations as documented in the Business Requirements Document and agreed by the Project Steering Group and Project Sponsor/Business Owner.

Work alongside the Test Analyst to ensure the test approach and traceability matrix provide assurance that the requirements have been met.

Champion the business requirements throughout the Project Life Cycle, managing changes to baselined requirements through effective and appropriate application of change control processes.

To identify and manage project risks and issues

Work with the Project Manager to identify and understand all risks and issues arising during the project. If applicable manage the resulting controls and actions required to achieve satisfactory resolution.

To effectively manage stakeholders through the Project Life Cycle

Develop effective working relationships with all stakeholders, especially senior management including third party management where appropriate.

Engage with the business to increase awareness of the key roles within a project and the responsibilities for each, including the role of a business analyst.

To ensure all aspects of project governance are met in line with the Change Management Framework

Working with the other Business Analysts, define the standard templates for the Project Life Cycle documentation.

Complete all Life Cycle documentation, as detailed in the Change Management Framework, to the required standard within the timescales agreed.

Review the effectiveness of the Change Management Framework and suggest areas for improvement.

To support the CMO in the embedding of the Change Management Framework

Positively promote the Change Management Framework across the Society.

Identify where stakeholders require further assistance with the Change Management Framework and provide support to allow embedment of the Framework throughout the business.

About You

We'd love to see significant previous experience in a similar role and BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis or similar industry recognised qualifications.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach colleagues to develop their own abilities.
• Sound knowledge of Business Analysis processes, tools and techniques.
• The ability to interpret complex business requirements and work with the technical team to understand how the solution can deliver against the requirements.
• The ability to strategically shape and lead analysis as part of a team.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external senior stakeholders.
• Structured and logical approach to problem solving.
• Natural curiosity and confidence to challenge existing practices.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills (verbal and written).
• The ability to identify and effectively manage risks and issues.
• Resilience and the ability to work effectively under challenge.
• Competent using Microsoft Office Suite (inc. MS Word, Excel, PPoint and Visio).