Senior Business Analyst

The PostBackgroundWe are embarking on a bold and transformative initiative to implement a next-generation Student Information System (SIS) from Ellucian—an investment in the future of our institution and the experience we offer our students and staff.This strategic transformation represents a significant opportunity to modernise the core systems that underpin our academic and administrative services. The new system will streamline operations, reduce complexity, and significantly enhance the digital experience across the university community.At the heart of this change is our unwavering commitment to delivering a top 20 student experience—prioritising people, enabling smarter and more agile ways of working, and building a more connected and responsive university.The RoleAs a Senior Business Analyst, you will play a pivotal role in leading business analysis activities for a major digital transformation project. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to shape the future state of business processes, ensure alignment with strategic goals, and maximise the value of the Student Information System SaaS solution for the University.Location: UK – flexible working arrangements available, including the possibility of full remote workDescription of DutiesLead the analysis, design, and improvement of the end-to-end student lifecycle and support processes in alignment with the capabilities of the SaaS Student Information SystemCollaborate closely with senior stakeholders, vendor teams, project managers, and business area leads to ensure that business needs are clearly articulated, prioritised, and effectively delivered through system configuration or process changeDevelop and maintain high-quality documentation including benefit realisation plans, process maps, and test plans, ensuring compliance with university and project standardsAct as a key liaison between business workstreams, technical teams and the vendor, translating strategic goals into system and process requirements that drive operational efficiency and enhanced student engagementMentor and support junior analysts and colleagues across the institution, sharing knowledge, providing guidance, and contributing to the uplift of business analysis capability within the UniversityProactively identify emerging issues, risks, and dependencies, and work with project and governance teams to define mitigation strategies and ensure successful deliveryChampion continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for optimisation across systems and services, and embedding best practice in analysis, documentation, and service deliverySupport change management and adoption activities, working with change leads to develop communication, training, and stakeholder engagement strategiesProvide strategic input to project governance and decision-making forums, drawing on evidence-based analysis and sector insightUndertake additional duties aligned with the scope and level of the role, as required to support successful project deliveryEssential CriteriaQualificationsDegree or equivalent experience in delivering complex business analysis, systems implementation, or process improvement within Higher Education sectorKnowledge & ExperienceSignificant experience leading business analysis workstreams in large-scale, complex transformation projects within the Higher Education sectorDeep understanding of student lifecycle processes and how they are operationalised in a university environmentExperience working with Student Information Systems e.g. Ellucian Banner, TRIBAL SITSProven experience working with SaaS/cloud-based solutions, with a sound grasp of the constraints and opportunities presented by vendor-delivered systemsStrong track record in using structured methodologies (e.g., BPMN) to deliver robust process and service designDemonstrated ability to manage stakeholder relationships at all levels, including academic and professional services leadershipExperience developing benefit realisation frameworks and undertaking cost/benefit analysis to inform investment and change decisionsSkills & AttributesAdvanced analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess complex situations, identify patterns, and recommend strategic solutionsProficient in business analysis tools and techniques including process modelling (BPMN 2.0), user stories, use cases, gap analysis, and stakeholder mappingExcellent communication skills – verbal, written, and visual – with the ability to present ideas clearly to technical and non-technical audiencesSkilled workshop facilitator, with the ability to drive consensus and decision-making in multi-disciplinary groupsStrong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressureAbility to influence and challenge constructively, guiding stakeholders through ambiguity and change with professionalism and empathyDigitally confident and enthusiastic about adopting and promoting new tools and technologies to improve service deliveryCommitted to collaborative working and able to foster strong working relationships across teams and functionsDesirable CriteriaQualificationsBusiness Analysis qualification or accreditation such as the BCS certificate in Business analysis at Practitioner levelILM Level 3 or higher leadership/management qualificationITIL Foundation certification.BPMN20 or other formal process modelling trainingKnowledge & ExperienceExperience working with integrated Higher Education systems and environments.Understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., PRINCE2, AgilePM)Familiarity with ITIL practices and customer service standards in an enterprise IT contextPrevious involvement in user adoption, skills development or change leadership activitiesSkills & AttributesAgile mindset with a strong orientation towards learning, experimentation, and continuous improvementAbility to rapidly understand and assimilate new systems, processes, and institutional contextsAdditional InformationFull timeFixed term until August 2027The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 04 January 2026.Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 23 January 2026.There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a role may be eligible depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2133.The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.For a full description of duties and essential/desirable criteria please click the apply button, which will take you directly to the University Website.