Role purpose

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Business Analyst to join our team in a technical ICT environment. The Business Analyst will work closely with Technical Solution Designers and Project Managers. They will gather, analyse and document business requirements from Customers from across all departments in SC. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of multiple technical areas, including power platform, networks, applications, and operating systems. They will understand how processes, systems, data, roles and responsibilities all Interact. Additionally, they must possess a strong desire to learn new skills and technology continuously.

Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities and Duties�    Collaborate with Technical Solution Designers, developers and Project Managers in the impartment of business requirements and the translation of those requirements into technical solutions.

�    Apply a structured approach to identify, analyse and document business processes, workflows, and systems to identify opportunities for improvement.

�    Develop and maintain a good understanding of technical aspects such as power platform, networks, applications, and operating systems.

�    Act as the customers voice to assist in the design, development, and implementation of technical solutions that meet business needs.

�    Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses and technical options papers for proposed solutions.

�    Facilitate workshops, meetings, and presentations to gather requirements and communicate findings to stakeholders.

�    Create comprehensive documentation, including (but not limited to) process maps, business requirements, functional specifications, and support documentation.

�    Understand and manage risks relating to business requirements and document and communicate those risks to stakeholders.

�    Work closely with Technical Solution Designers to design and document technical options papers from a set of requirements.

�    Capture and create statistical and/or empirical data relating to expected and proven project benefits, disbenefits, impacts, and issues relating to a projects outcomes.

�    Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends to ensure continuous improvement and innovation.

�    Work with staff at all levels across the authority

�    Act in an advisory capacity to ensure services are ready to operate new processes or within new environments associated with the implementation of new systems, processes, and transformation

�    Ensure the effective understanding and operation of any specific statutory or regulatory duty contained within the role

�    Promote the aims of the council�s equality, diversity, and inclusion policies; health, safety, and wellbeing of self and others; and organisational values in everything you do

Impact

Contacts and Relationships-    |Identify key stakeholders and tailor communication to their needs in order to build relationships.

Report and present to governance structures and support and influence the direction of delivery-    Liaise with leads, identifying cultural, logistical, and technical barriers to change and agree actions to overcome these challenges-    Develop and review processes as required-    Capture detailed corporate and service business benefits, impacts and risks of potential outcomes, throughout the lifecycle of the project.-    The postholder will be critical to the capture and extraction of processes, information and requirements which will drive the technical solution recommendations-    The postholder will work hand in hand with customers and act as the customers voice when presenting requirements and capturing business needs.Resources-    Work to clear precedents, specific policy objectives, established procedures, and standards-    May be responsible for the line and management of staff, including managing staff performance and staff development, coaching and mentoring through role modelling change-    Carry up to ten business analysis projects at any one time.-    Improve the professional standards of staff, including morale, motivation, and personal development. Set clear targets and objectives for staff  

Essential Desirable    

Knowledge 

Experience in business analysis, preferably within the public sector or a similar environment.

Good knowledge of ICT systems and infrastructure, including power platform, software development methodologies, hardware infrastructure, databases, and network management.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels, from senior management to end-users.

Understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and standards governing ICT and data management, including GDPR.   

Proficiency in creating detailed documentation, including business requirements, functional specifications, and user manuals.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.

Good knowledge of risk management           

Experience 

Experience managing projects would be advantageous, including planning, execution, and monitoring, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget.    

Experience in identifying opportunities for business process improvement and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Proven ability to analyze complex problems, identify solutions, and present findings in a clear and concise manner.

Experience in identifying opportunities for business process improvement and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications / Registrations / Certifications

Higher-level qualification in a related field such as project management, business analysis, or a similar discipline    

Relevant certifications in project management methodologies such as Agile or PRINCE2           

ICT Technical certification/qualification       

Qualifications in risk management           

Qualifications in stakeholder engagement and communication         

LEAN or LEAN Six SIGMA Qualification         

Qualifications in equality, diversity, and inclusion        

Skills 

Organisation: Strong organisational and planning skills to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively           

Analytical Thinking: The ability to dissect complex problems and identify viable solutions through detailed analysis and logical reasoning.   

Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with ICT tools and systems, including software development life cycle (SDLC), data modelling, and system integrations.         

Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication to liaise effectively with stakeholders, document requirements, and present findings.        

Project Management: Experience in managing projects, including planning, executing, and monitoring progress to ensure timely delivery.           

Stakeholder Management: The ability to engage with various stakeholders, understand their needs, and ensure their requirements are met.          

Problem-Solving: Strong capability to identify issues, think creatively, and implement effective solutions quickly.          

Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and completeness in all deliverables.       

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing environments and new technologies quickly.           

Team Collaboration: Skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, fostering a cooperative and productive work environment.          

Knowledge of Business Processes: Understanding of business process design and improvement to optimize and streamline operations.

Working Conditions 

The post will require someone with the ability to attend meetings in offices around Somerset where the project requires. 

Working Arrangements 

Somerset Council�s dynamic Working Strategy will be applied to this position. 

Corporate Responsibilities 

Understand, uphold, and promote the aims of the council�s equality, diversity, and inclusion policies; health, safety, and wellbeing of self and others; and organisational values in everything you do