Business analysts are key in shaping decisions and driving change. With the rise of digitisation and technological advancements, this role is in high demand in the UK. For experienced professionals, a business analyst job is a highly rewarding opportunity to lead and innovate.
If you’re wondering how to succeed as a business analyst, then we’ve got you covered. Find out everything you need to know about senior business analyst roles, here.
What does a business analyst do?
The responsibilities of a business analyst vary depending on seniority. Typically, business analyst jobs are designed to solve problems. For experienced analysts, it’s about solving the problems that have the most impact.
At mid to senior level, the role of a business analyst becomes more strategic. You’ll be solving issues at the root rather than reacting to them. Here’s the type of work you’ll find yourself doing when becoming an analyst at Admiral.
- Leading large-scale projects that align with company strategies
- Analysing data trends to uncover untapped opportunities
- Building strong relations with stakeholders and acting as a trusted advisor
- Facilitating workshops and meetings
- Gathering, documenting and managing requirements for project delivery
- Overseeing process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce cost
- Mentoring and guiding junior business analysts
Key skills for experienced business analysts
There are several skills that separate mid to senior level business analysts from juniors. At this stage, you’re moving far beyond the basics. The skillset of an experienced business analyst must include both technical expertise and great interpersonal skills.
These highly desirable attributes will help you stand out when applying for business analyst jobs.
Proficiency with tools and methodologies
The ability to adapt to evolving technologies is critical. Confidence with advanced analytical and machine learning tools, process modeling frameworks and agile methodologies will set you up for success. You’ll need the technical skills to use different software and applications simultaneously.
Strategic thinking
Senior business analysts go deeper than simply analysing what’s happening. You’ll regularly need to spot trends and patterns that others may miss as well as building actionable plans from surface level objectives. Being able to predict outcomes and map out the best possible solutions is crucial.
Relationship-building
You’ll be the first port of call stakeholders turn to for guidance and clarity. Building trust is essential, and that requires active listening, clear communication and conflict management. There may be times where you need to deliver tough updates. Experienced business analysts achieve this diplomatically without losing momentum.
Leadership skills
Between mentoring junior colleagues and leading cross-functional teams, leadership skills are extremely important. You’ll need to guide and inspire, as well as hold others accountable, to achieve the desired results.
Career paths for business analysts
There are many roads to take in a career as a business analyst. The skills you’ve developed along the way open doors to a whole host of high-impact roles. At Admiral, our tailored learning and development offerings ensure you can head down the right path for your career.
Here are a couple examples of roles suited to experienced business analysts.
- Senior business analysts: Taking ownership of large projects, leading teams, and shaping business strategies.
- Senior data analysts: Diving deeper into analytics, machine learning, and predictive modelling.
Challenges and opportunities in senior BA roles
Taking a senior business analyst role comes with its fair share of perks. As with any role, there’s also challenges to deal with. At Admiral, you’ll be supported by a set of welcoming and inclusive professionals every step of the way as well as enjoying great work-life balance. Here’s a look at the challenges and opportunities this exciting job presents.
Challenges of a business analyst role
- Multi-tasking complex tasks: Senior analysts are often juggling multiple projects with dueling priorities. Strong organisational skills are the hallmark of a great analyst.
- Staying up-to-date: Continuous learning is a must in this role. We’re all about staying curious at Admiral, and our business analysts are no different. Technology evolves in a blink of an eye. You’ll need to keep up with the pace.
Opportunities in a business analyst role
- Influencing at the top level: As a senior business analyst, you have a seat at the table where decisions are made. If you’re looking to make a real impact, this is the role for you.
- Mentoring others: Guiding the next generation of business analysts and passing on the lessons learnt in your career can be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
- Driving innovation: You can introduce game-changing ideas and technologies to get the job done.
Mid to senior level business analyst jobs at Admiral
Being a business analyst at Admiral is an exciting opportunity. It’s a chance to lead and innovate in Wales’s only FTSE 100 company. You’ll get all the support you need to succeed at every step of your journey when you come onboard with us.
Admiral is a place Where You Can. You’re empowered to Make A Difference and supported to Grow & Progress at your pace, and in your own way.
Ready to join one of the UK’s best places to work? Explore our business analyst jobs and get started today.
